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La Riviera Hotel
Belen, Costa Rica
Reservations phone:
(506) 2293 0909
How to Get
fax:
(506) 2293 2582
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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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