Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Juan Castro Blanco National Park is a national park, that is part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area, in northern Costa Rica.

Juan Castro Blanco National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Location	Costa Rica
Nearest city	San José
Coordinates	10°18′0″N 84°21′58″W
Area	145 km²
Established	1992
Governing body	National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC)
class=notpageimage| Location in Costa Rica

Location

The park is located about 100 km north of San José, the Costa Rican capital, to the east of Ciudad Quesada in Alajuela Province.

Geography

It contains the active Platanar Volcano, the dormant Porvenir Volcano, and the inactive El Viejo Volcano. It was created in 1992 and covers an area of both rain and cloud forest.

The reserve contains the sources of the Aguas Zarcas, Platanar, Tora, Tres Amigos and La Vieja rivers.

Lake Pozo Verde is located within the park.

Flora and fauna

The park contains a wide variety of orchids and birds as well as natural hot springs. At least 57 species of mammal recorded in the reserve and include jaguar, tapir, ocelots, sloths, howler monkeys, red brocket deer and at least 22 species of bats. Over 233 species of birds, resident and migratory have been recorded including the national bird of Costa Rica the clay-coloured Thrush. Endangered species found on the park include the Resplendent quetzal, Great curassow, red brocket deer, and Black Guan.

Visitor facilities

There is an extensive trail system that winds through the park and offers visitors the chance to see an array of plants and animals. Aside from the trail system, however, there are not any public facilities at the park.

External links

• Juan Castro Blanco National Park at Costa Rica National Parks