Juan Castro Blanco National Park
National park in northern Costa Rica established in 1992.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park, located in northern Costa Rica’s Alajuela Province, sits roughly 100 km north of San José. It forms part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area and was officially designated a national park on April 22, 1992.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Costa Rica
- Nearest city
- San José
- Area
- 145 km² / 56 sq mi
- Established
- 22 April 1992
- Governing body
- National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC)
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The park contains three volcanoes: Planatar, Porvenir and El Viejo.
- It holds 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
Half of the park is covered by forests, including rainforests with trees reaching 30 m or higher. Cloud forests host an estimated 2000 plant species, among them over 200 documented orchid species. About 57 mammal species have been reported, such as jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, sloths, howler monkeys, red brocket deer, and at least 22 bat species. Over 233 bird species, both resident and migratory, have been recorded, including the clay-colored thrush, Costa Rica's national bird. Around 64 threatened or endangered species inhabit the park, including the great curassow and the red brocket deer. More than 44 amphibian species are found there.
More in National Parks of Costa Rica
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced