Parque Nacional Tapantí-macizo Cerro de la Muerte

Introducing Parque Nacional Tapantí-macizo Cerro de la Muerte

Despite its unwieldy name, this park (admission US$7; 6am-4pm) protects the rain-forested northern slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca, and boasts a rainy claim to fame – this is the wettest park in the entire country. In 2000 the park was expanded to 583 hectares, and now includes the infamous Cerro de la Muerte. The ‘Mountain of Death’ marks the highest point on the Interamericana as well as the northernmost extent of the páramo, a highland shrub and tussock grass habitat that’s commonly found throughout the Andes and is home to a variety of rare bird species.

On the other hand, Tapantí (as it’s locally known) protects wild and mossy country that’s fed by literally hundreds of rivers. Waterfalls abound, vegetation is thick and the wildlife is prolific, though not easy to see since the terrain is rugged and the trails are few. Nevertheless, Tapantí is a popular destination for dedicated bird-watchers, and opens at 6am to accommodate their avian-searching needs.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009