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Tapanti National
Park
Established in April 23, 1992, Tapanti National
Park is one of Costa Rica's least frequented
by foreigners, even though it requires only
a one and a half hour drive from San Jose;
just outside of Cartago. Covering 6080 hectares
(15,057 acres), the Park's altitude ranges
from 1220-2560 meters ( 4002-8397 feet ) above
sea level.
Situated in the Orosi Valley, along the Rio
Grande de Orosi, Tapantí is quite wet
and contains three major trails; the Natural
Arboles Caídos ( approx. 2 hour hike
), the La Pava (approx. 30 minute hike), and
the Oropéndula ( approx. 45 minute
hike ). Just off trail #3, as it runs along
the Orosi River, is a area where one can swim.
The area is bisected by the Río Grande
de Orosí, into which many smaller rivers
and creeks empty their waters. This vital
liquid is used to generate hydro-electric
power and to supply drinkable water to a great
part of the population of San José
area by the Orosí aqueduct.
Camping is not permitted within the park,
however, plans are in the works for a camp
site to accomodate overnight visitors. A new
park headquarters has recently opened, which
offers trail maps and other information for
those visiting. Restroom facilities, drinking
water are also available here. Tapanti National
Park possesses four different life zones:
premontain pluvial forest; premountain forest;
low mountain pluvial forest; and mountain
pluvial forest. Around forty-five species
of mammals exist here.
Some of them-like the tapir, paca, and cats
like the ocelot, jaruarundi and tiger cat-are
threatened with extinction. The red brocket
deer, Eastern cottontail, kinkajou, raccoon,
white-nosed coati, white-faced monkey and
agouti are other notable species found here.
Among the 260 species of birds, the resplendent
quetzal, sparrow-hawk, guan, dove, parakeet,
great tinamou, Montezuma oropendola, "tangara,"
and several types of finches and hummingbirds
can be found.
Many lizards, basilisk and snakes, such as
the eyelash-viper, jumping-viper and side
striped palm-pit viper can be found. In total
there are some 28 different species of reptiles.
As well there are some 28 species of amphibians
including salamanders, frogs and toads. Insects
are abundant and there are as many species
that have yet to be identified. Among them
is the largest moth within North and South
America, known as Thysania agripina.The rich
abundance of vegetation of the area includes
oaks, magnolias, iras, alder, monkey apple,
didymopanax, several varieties of bromeliads,
mosses and ferns, and the poor man's umbrella.
A very diverse area, it is estimated that
one hectare could contain from between 80
and 160 tree species.
How To Get There
By Bus - For those depending on public transportation,
one must first take a bus to Cartago, later
a bus to Paraiso, and later to Orosí.
From Orosi, you can hire a cab to take you
to the park entrance ( approx. 1,500 colones
per ride, not per person ). The park entrance
is approximately 5 miles ( 8 km ) from Orosi,
along a well maintained dirt/gravel road.
Depending on how lucky you are with the buses,
your entire trip could take a few hours. The
park station has a radio which can call for
a taxi when you decide to leave.
By Car - Use the same directions you would
use to go to the Lancaster Gardens, only continue
ahead along the main road. Approximately 2
km ( 1.2 miles ) ahead is the town of Paraíso.
At the central park, which is on your right
side, make a right and continue straight.
Take this road for approx. 7 miles ( 11 km
) to Orosi. This road winds and begins a large
decent down into the valley, with terrific
vistas of the valley to your left. Signs are
on the road side pointing to the National
Park. Shortly after the Electrical Plant the
road turns to a gravel road which continues
for 5 miles ( 8 km ) until you reach the park
entrance. When you return to San José
take the same road back to Paraíso
until you reach the central park, at which
point you make a left; you can't go straight.
Go 2-3 blocks and make a right, at which time
you will cross over the main road and follow
the signs for Cartago and/or San Jose. |
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Surfing
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