Protected areas

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), part of the Energy and Environment Ministry, is responsible for over 130 protected wild lands throughout the country. It is a model system known worldwide, and protects 26% of the landmass of the country.

National Parks are usually open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, so be sure to check ahead. It costs $7 for adults to enter most National Parks, $1 for children. All of them have facilities for ecotourism, and camping is allowed in some of them, Reservations have to be made well in advance for campsites.

For more information about Costa Rica’s biodiversity, see www.inbio.ac.cr, the website of the National Biodiversity Institute. To learn more about the parks, dial 192 (011 506 192 outside Costa Rica) or visit SINAC’s website, www.sinac.go.cr.