Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Juan Castro Blanco covers around a hundred and forty square kilometres of cloud forest and paramo on the volcanic highlands north of the Central Valley, and it is known as the water park: dozens of rivers rise within it, supplying drinking water and hydroelectric generation across the San Carlos region, which is why it was protected in 1992 after local campaigning. Platanar and Porvenir volcanoes stand within it. The forest holds quetzals, bare-necked umbrellabirds, tapirs and a substantial amphibian list. Visitor infrastructure is minimal: a few trails, some access points reached by rough road, and much of the park closed to visitors, so trips are usually guided from Ciudad Quesada or Bajos del Toro.

History

The Juan Castro Blanco Forest Reserve was created on 26 June 1975 with about 13,700 hectares, it was made a protected zone of 14,250 hectares in 1989, and on 22 April 1992 Decree No. 9279 made it a national park, in the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area some 100 kilometres north of San José (Wikipedia, Juan Castro Blanco National Park).

Highlights

• Cloud forest - the dense wet forest across the volcanic slopes.
• River sources - the springs and headwaters the park protects.
• Platanar and Porvenir - the volcanoes within the boundaries.
• Cloud forest birds - quetzals, umbrellabirds and hummingbirds.

When to go

December to April in the drier season for the roads and trails; this is one of the wettest parts of the country and rain is likely in any month. Mornings are clearest and best for birds.

Before you go

Access is limited and much of the park is closed; guided trips from nearby towns are the practical way in. Roads to the access points are rough. Rain and mud are constant. There is almost no visitor infrastructure.

Nearby

Bajos del Toro lies south; Ciudad Quesada is northwest.

Key facts