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La Amistad International Park
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La Amistad International Park is a huge, protected area shared by Costa Rica and Panama. It spans over 400,000 hectares and is home to a wide range of ecosystems, including a high-altitude cloud forest, a tropical lowland rainforest, and a lush tropical rainforest.
Explore this hidden gem with us and learn about the various interesting things you can do here, allowing you to experience its incredible biodiversity and awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Overview of La Amistad International Park
La Amistad International Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional biodiversity and unparalleled beauty. It is the biggest and most remote national park in Costa Rica and an ecologically valuable protected area that spans the Panamanian and Costa Rican borders. The park was created in 1982 and is one of the largest and most biodiverse protection zones in Central America. Its varied ecosystems include paramo, cloud forests, tropical rainforests, and glacial lakes, which serve as homes to an astounding variety of wildlife, including over 500 different species of birds, jaguars, tapirs, and resplendent quetzals.
Several rare, indigenous plant species may be found in the park, which adds to its remarkable plant variety. The Talamanca Mountain range, which delineates the mountainous landscape of La Amistad, presents demanding yet fulfilling experiences for hikers and nature lovers. It plays a crucial role in scientific research and conservation efforts, as it helps maintain a vital biological corridor that supports genetic diversity and species migration.
Location
Known by its Spanish name, Parque Internacional La Amistad (PILA), this park is a transboundary protected area situated in Central America along the border between Costa Rica and Panama. Parts of the provinces of Limon, Puntarenas, and San Jose in Costa Rica, as well as Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui in Panama, are included in the park, which encompasses the Talamanca Mountain Range. Important access locations in Costa Rica are the vicinity of Cerro de La Muerte, San Vito, and Valle de La Estrella. In Panama, the villages of Cerro Punta and Boquete provide access to the park.
Hours and Entrance Fee
The park is open every day from 8 am to 4 pm and the cost to enter La Amistad is $11,3 for adults and $5,65 for children.
Entrance
Foreign visitors typically pay $6 USD for an adult ticket, though exact prices can vary.
Things to Do in La Amistad International Park
Offering a wide range of activities for nature lovers and explorers, La Amistad International Park guarantees an amazing experience in one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, our most recommended things to do are.
#1
River Rafting
In La Amistad International Park, river rafting offers an exciting experience that leads through some of Central America’s most pure and unspoiled streams. Rafting enthusiasts of all skill levels can enjoy a variety of rapids on the park’s rivers, including the Yorkin and Sixaola. Dense tropical jungles, tall trees, and a variety of wildlife will surround you while you navigate these fast currents and exhilarating drops.
Stunning views of the riverbed and the thriving ecosystem it supports are available from the crystal-clear waters. Adventure seekers visiting La Amistad International Park must partake in this exhilarating activity as it offers a unique view of the park’s natural splendor in addition to an adrenaline rush.
#2
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in this park offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the most diverse ecosystems in the region. As you explore its deep rainforests and misty cloud forests, you may encounter several animal species such as the elusive jaguar, gentle sloths, vibrant poisonous frogs, the gorgeous margay (also called tree ocelot), the majestic puma, and playful howler monkeys to name a few.
The park’s wildlife is most active during cool mornings and evenings, and guided tours can provide insight into animal behavior and help you spot the most enigmatic creatures. Every wildlife encounter within the park enhances your connection with nature and creates unforgettable memories.
#3
Hiking
The eight distinct hiking paths in La Amistad provide an unparalleled trekking experience, with each trail presenting unique challenges and incredible views. The Cerro Punta trek leads to rich forests full of wildlife, and hikers may take in breathtaking panoramic vistas from the park’s highest peaks.
The quiet atmosphere of the Valle del Silencio route is also well-known to be spectacular. Hike the Sendero El Roble and Sendero El Retoño routes to learn about the unique plants and fauna of the deep cloud forest. Los Quetzales trail offers a chance for a braver adventurer to witness the magnificent quetzal bird in its natural habitat, an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
On La Catarata’s path, there’s a beautiful waterfall that makes for a refreshing break. La Amistad and Los Helechos trails, which take hikers through a range of habitats, including alpine moorlands and tropical rainforests, further emphasize the park’s amazing biodiversity. This natural park boasts hiking trails that are all unique and educational, allowing hikers to feel deeply connected to the natural world.
#4
Horseback Riding
Discovering this biodiverse beauty in La Amistad International Park via horseback riding is a serene yet enthralling experience. Enjoying the rhythm and pace of horseback riding, tourists can ride through beautiful valleys, rolling hills, and thick forests while exploring the park’s gorgeous routes. This exploration strategy makes possible a stronger relationship with the natural environment, which also makes it feasible to see wildlife that might go unnoticed while walking.
Guided equestrian tours often include expert local guides who offer information about the park’s rich flora, fauna, and cultural history. Horseback riding in La Amistad International Park offers an unforgettable experience through some of the most breathtaking and varied landscapes in Central America, regardless of experience level.
#5
Birdwatching
La Amistad provides birdwatchers with the opportunity to witness an astounding array of avian species in their native environment, making birdwatching an incredibly captivating experience that you will never forget.
The park is a paradise for those who love, admire, and are eager to learn about birds as it has over 600 species of birds identified. The secretive harpy eagle, one of the biggest and most formidable raptors in the world, and the magnificent quetzal, renowned for its vivid plumage, can be seen among the thick forests and lush canopies. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which span from high-altitude cloud forests to lowland rainforests, serve as home to species like tanagers, toucans, trogons, and hummingbirds.
Because birds are most active in the morning and late afternoon, these are recommended pleasant times for birdwatching. The park’s abundant birdlife and breathtaking natural beauty make this activity an amazing experience for all visitors.
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Best Time to Visit
The dry season (usually December to April) is the ideal time to explore La Amistad International Park. These are the best months to go outside activities like hiking, birdwatching, and river rafting because the weather is more consistent and there is less rain. Given that there is less dense foliage and more animal activity, it is easier to detect species on the pathways.
The dry season also provides improved sight and cleaner skies, making it easier to take in the park’s breathtaking vistas and landscapes. But going between May and November, when the park is less popular and the seasons are changing, can also be a great way to experience the park’s distinctive mix of verdant foliage and pleasant weather.
What to Bring
It is imperative to arrive at La Amistad International Park well-prepared. The following is a suggested list of things to pack:
Equipment for Hiking:
- Hiking boots
- Moisture-wicking apparel
- A lightweight bag
- A rain jacket or poncho
- A hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Safety and Navigation:
- GPS unit or trail maps
- First Aid Package
- A whistle and a compass
- Headlamp or flashlight with additional batteries
Nutrition and Hydration:
- Water bottles or hydration packs
- Filters or pills for water purification
- Nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars are high-energy snack
Camping Essentials – Should you intend to camp:
- A sleeping bag and tent
- A sleeping pad, fuel, and a camping stove
- Cooking implements and lightweight cooking appliances
- Soap made from biomass or natural products that won’t harm the environment
Personal belongings:
- Sunscreen
- Insects repellent
- Identity cards and permits
- Binoculars for seeing wildlife
- A camera or smartphone for taking pictures
Important note:
It is highly advised to hire a guide/tour because a large number of the routes in the national park are not marked.
Offering visitors a wide range of activities and the opportunity to venture into an extraordinary and unique paradise, La Amistad International Park is a tribute to the spectacular beauty and unmatched biodiversity of Costa Rica. Every encounter you have in this UNESCO World Heritage Site deepens your understanding of nature and its fragile ecosystems leaving you with a memorable experience.
Check out the Special Places of Costa Rica website for additional information on how to discover more of the country’s stunning landscapes and distinctive wildlife. Find the ideal vacation rental home to make your stay special and learn in-depth details about other stunning national parks.
Entrance fee
Birdwatching
600 bird species
Horsebackriding
