La Cangreja National Park

La Cangreja is a small park of around twenty-five square kilometres in the hills south of Puriscal, created in 2002 after a long campaign by residents of Mastatal to protect the forest around Cerro Cangreja, the peak that gives it its name from a supposed resemblance to a crab. The forest is a transition between Pacific dry and wet types, with a high plant diversity for the area including species described from here, and it holds monkeys, sloths, peccaries and a good bird list. Trails run from the ranger station to waterfalls and to the summit, a climb of several hours. Mastatal village has homestays and a sustainable-living project that most visitors use.

What you actually see

• The summit trail - the several-hour climb up Cerro Cangreja.
• Transition forest - the mix of Pacific dry and wet vegetation.
• Waterfalls - the falls on the trails from the ranger station.
• Mastatal - the village and its homestays at the park edge.

When to go

December to April in the dry season, when the trails are passable and the summit climb reasonable; the wet season turns the paths to mud. Early morning is best for wildlife.

Honest expectations

The park is small with limited trails and a basic ranger station. The summit climb is steep and long. Access roads from Puriscal are rough. Wildlife sightings need patience and a guide.

Nearby

Puriscal lies north; the Pacific coast is southwest.