The province of Puntarenas in Costa Rica is home to six conservation areas, which include seven national parks, three biological reserves, and two wildlife refuges. The Tempisque Conservation Area covers the Nicoya Peninsula, which includes the oldest protected area in the country, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve. This conservation area has several refuges on the peninsula’s coastal strip, as well as wildlife refuges on the islands of the Gulf of Nicoya.
The Suspension Bridges of Monteverde are located in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. This reserve is located in the canton of Puntarenas and is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and trees, 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, and around 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among the species are the bell bird, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, and toads. It is the habitat of more than 300 species of orchids and 200 species of ferns. This reserve attracts around 70,000 tourists a year.
The Central Pacific Conservation Area covers the lands between the community of Manzanillo, in the extreme north of the province of Puntarenas, up to the Río Barú in the canton of Quepos. It represents 11% of the national territory and has 16 hydrographic basins, 11 of the 12 life zones, 7 of the 9 transitions, and presents the 6 altitudinal floors into which the country is divided. It has 5,640 species of plants out of the almost 90,000 collected for the country, a figure that represents 62.7% of the plant species in Costa Rica.
The Cocos Island Maritime Conservation Area is one of the most biodiverse sites in the world and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is home to several endemic species such as 70 species of plants, 362 insects, and 2 reptiles. It also has various species of marine life, including white-tipped sharks, hammerhead sharks, yellow-fin tuna, parrot fish, manta rays, and horse mackerel. The French explorer and researcher Jacques-Yves Cousteau considered Cocos Island the most beautiful in the world while alive.
The La Amistad-Pacific Conservation Area includes the La Amistad International Park and the Chirripó National Park. Both parks have territory on the Pacific slope of the Talamanca mountain range, including part of the territories of the cantons of Buenos Aires and Coto Brus in Puntarenas. This area also has several indigenous territories.
The Osa Conservation Area is located in the South Pacific of the country and includes the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce. Its biodiversity is impressive, and it is home to many endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir, harpy eagle, and scarlet macaw. The area attracts many visitors and is known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
Overall, Puntarenas in Costa Rica is an excellent destination for those interested in experiencing the beauty and diversity of nature. Its conservation areas offer a wide range of activities such as hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting. Costa Rica is a country that takes conservation seriously, and its conservation areas are a testament to its commitment to preserving its unique and beautiful natural resources.