Costa Rica National Parks / Central Region / Tapantí & Orosí Valley

TAPANTI NATIONAL PARK
Tapanti is located in the wild and wet country on the rain forested northern slopes of the Talamanca Mountain Range, accessible on a good gravel road in aprox. 30 minutes from Orosi. Although not a large refuge there are reported over 150 rivers within it, which gives an indication of the area's wetness. It has two "life zones": lower mountain rain forest (lower mountain slopes) and pre-montane rain forest (lowlands skirting the lower slopes). The forests are home to forty-five species of mammals, including tapir, paca, red brocket deer, eastern cottontail, kinkajou, raccoon, white-nosed coati, white-faced monkey, mountain hare (conejo de monte), agouti and such cats as ocelot, jaguarundi and tiger cat (an endangered species). You'll also find some 260 kinds of birds here: Quetzals, sparrow hawks, hawks, goldfinch, doves, hummingbirds, parrots, and falcons, etc. From the ranger's cabin, a Quetzal nesting site can be seen.

OROSI VALLEY
Orosi Valley is located one hour east of the capital San Jose There are two thermal volcanic springs right next to the Lodge and several refreshing cold pools in the area. You may explore the wild life of the Tapanti National Park, go fishing Trouts in Purisil or just sit on the porch of one of the small typical 'Soda' restaurants, sip a fresh tropical fruit drink and watch the village life. The oldest church in Costa Rica, built in 1743 by the Spaniards, with the adjoining museum of religious artifacts, statues and vestments from colonial times is located in downtown.