La Amistad National Park

La Amistad International Park – parque internacional la Amistad – in southern Costa Rica, is a region of exceptional ecological wealth and global conservation importance. Spanning the territories of Costa Rica and Panama, it embodies a unique cross-border collaboration for the protection of one of the planet’s most diverse ecosystems. With a surface area of over 570,000 hectares, 5700 square kilometers, La Amistad is the largest national park in Costa Rica and one of the largest protected areas in Central America. It includes tropical forests, cloud forests, savannahs, wetlands and alpine meadows, offering a variety of habitats for an incredibly rich flora and fauna.

Origins and importance

La Amistad International Park was created in 1982, following a historic agreement between Costa Rica and Panama. The decision to protect this vast area was motivated by recognition of the region’s unique biodiversity and the need to preserve natural resources for future generations. In 1983, UNESCO inscribed La Amistad on the World Heritage List, recognizing its importance not only for Central America, but also for global conservation.

This World Heritage Site status highlights the park’s importance as a refuge for a wide range of species, many of which are endemic or threatened. The collaboration between the two countries to manage and protect this cross-border region is a pioneering example of international conservation.

Geography and ecosystems

The park extends over part of the Cordillera de Talamanca, a mountain range that stretches from southern Costa Rica to Panama. The park’s topographical diversity, ranging from tropical lowlands to alpine peaks, creates a spectacular range of climates and ecosystems. This variety is a key factor in Amistad’s biodiversity.

• Tropical rainforests: in the lowlands, tropical rainforests dominate, providing a habitat for an incredible wealth of flora and fauna. These forests are characterized by tall trees, dense vegetation and a high canopy, home to a multitude of animals and plants.
• Cloud forests: at higher altitudes, cloud forests take over. These forests, often shrouded in fog, are rich in epiphytes, mosses and ferns. They are also home to rare birds such as the resplendent quetzal.
• Alpine meadows and paramo zones: at the top of the mountains, alpine meadows, known as páramo, are harsher environments, with cooler temperatures and vegetation adapted to extreme conditions. These areas are rare and generally inaccessible, but crucial for scientific research and conservation.
• Rivers and wetlands: the park’s many rivers, such as the Rio Changuinola and Rio Teribe, play an essential role as sources of water for the surrounding ecosystems and downstream human communities. These rivers, with their rapids and pools, are home to a diverse aquatic fauna, including fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Exceptional biodiversity

Biodiversity in Costa Rica, and especially in La Amistad International Park, is one of the richest in the world. Thanks to the diversity of its ecosystems, the park boasts a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic, i.e. found nowhere else in the world.

• Flora: over 10,000 types of plant have been recorded in the park, including giant trees such as ceiba and oak, as well as a multitude of orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytic plants. The cloud forests are particularly rich in rare plant species.
• Fauna: the park’s fauna is equally impressive. Iconic mammals include the jaguar, Baird’s tapir and puma. Amphibians and reptiles are also well represented, with several species of endemic frogs and lizards. The park’s rivers and wetlands are home to a rich aquatic fauna, including migratory fish and reptiles such as turtles and caimans.

The role of indigenous communities

La Amistad International Park is not only a sanctuary for nature, but also for the region’s indigenous cultures. Several indigenous groups live in or around the park, including the Bribri, Cabécar, and Ngöbe-Buglé. These communities possess profound traditional knowledge of the use of natural resources and play an essential role in environmental conservation.

The indigenous territories within the park are managed autonomously, guaranteeing the protection of ancestral lands and enabling communities to continue to live in harmony with nature. Park visitors can take part in cultural tours organized by these communities, who share their traditions, sustainable farming techniques and medicinal practices based on local plants.

Tourist activities and ecotourism

Due to its size and diversity, La Amistad Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, although ecotourism is still relatively undeveloped, which contributes to the preservation of its ecosystems.

Hiking

The park’s hiking trails range from easy strolls to strenuous mountain expeditions.

• Cerro Kamuk trail: Difficulty: extreme – 17 miles – Alt. max: 11,482 ft – Tres Colinas-Cerro Kamuk station – Local guide REQUIRED.
  This is the toughest hike in the park and rewards experienced hikers with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. From the summit of Cerro Kamuk, you can see the Pacific coastline on the Sierpe mangrove side and the Caribbean, towards Cahuita National Park. Cerro Camuk is the sixth-highest peak in Costa Rica’s Talamanca mountain range.
• Los Gigantes del Bosque trail: Difficulty: easy – 1.4 miles – Alt. max: 4700 ft – Station: Altamira de Biolley – Guide recommended, but not compulsory
  This is one of the simplest hikes, accessible to all. It allows you to discover an impressive diversity of birds over a relatively short distance.
• Valle del Silencio trail: Difficulty: difficult – 11 miles – Alt. max: 8,000 ft – Altamira de Biolley station – An overnight stay at the Valle del Silencio lodge is recommended.
  You’ll discover a plain in the middle of the Cordillera de Talamanca, at an altitude of 8,000 ft covered with cloud forest and vast oak groves. In the middle are peat bogs, known as the “Garden”, an ecosystem recognized as a Ramsar site, featuring colorful formations of lichens, algae, fungi, tree ferns and other small plants. During the visit, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of several hills and the Rio Grande de Terraba valley.
• Santa María de Pittier – Río Canasta trail: Difficulty: intermediate – 2.4 miles- Alt. max: 8,000 ft – Santa Maria de Pittier station
  This trail takes you through one of the most remote areas of La Amistad National Park open to the public. Here, nature reigns supreme. Birds, mammals, fauna and flora will be your companions.
• The Sabanas Esperanza trail: Difficulty: intermediate – 2.2 miles – Alt. max: 6,000 ft – StationAltamira de Biolley.
  This trail is only accessible in the company of a member of the Asociación de Mujeres organizadas de Biolley. This women’s association allows you to discover an indigenous cultural aspect through burial sites and an indigenous cemetery. An excursion between nature and culture.

Birdwatching

With over 600 species of birds, La Amistad is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Cloud forests and transition zones between different ecosystems are particularly rich in birdlife.

Cultura visits

Tours led by indigenous communities enable visitors to learn more about traditional life, medicinal plants and sustainable farming practices. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures while supporting their economy.

Challenges of conservation

Despite its status as a World Heritage Site, La Amistad Park faces a number of conservation challenges. Threats include illegal deforestation, pressure from agricultural development, and climate change, which particularly affects high-altitude ecosystems.

Climate change represents a growing threat to cloud forest areas, as higher temperatures can cause climatic zones to shift and endanger species adapted to specific conditions.

However, joint management of the park by Costa Rica and Panama, and collaboration with indigenous communities, are key to overcoming these challenges. International cooperation is essential to ensure the long-term protection of this unique ecosystem and the preservation of the indigenous cultures that live there.

La Amistad International Park is much more than just a nature reserve; it’s a symbol of international cooperation in biodiversity conservation. Costa Rica is proud to protect such an important environment, with its diversity of ecosystems, rich biodiversity and vibrant indigenous culture. La Amistad represents a priceless treasure for humanity.

A visit to La Amistad offers not only immersion in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, but also an opportunity to participate in the preservation of this precious environment and the cultures linked to it. For lovers of nature, indigenous cultures and the great outdoors, La Amistad International Park is an incredible destination that’s truly off the beaten track. A place where nature and culture meet in rare and precious harmony. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family to Costa Rica, you’ll find a wilderness atmosphere that will appeal to all unconditional nature lovers.