Tapantí National Park

Cartago

Tapantí National Park, located near Cartago in Costa Rica, encompasses 583.20 square kilometers of protected land along the edge of the Talamanca Range. It conserves two critical ecosystems: lower montane rain forest and pre-montane rain forest. The park is rich in biodiversity, sheltering approximately 45 mammal species such as the Baird's tapir, kinkajou, white-faced capuchin monkey, paca, agouti, ocelot, and jaguarundi. Birdlife is abundant with around 400 species including sparrow hawks, resplendent quetzals, emerald toucanets, and violaceous trogons. The park also hosts 28 reptile and amphibian species and a vast insect population highlighted by the Thysania agrippina, the largest moth in the Americas. Notably, in 2009, three new miniature orchid species of the genus Lepanthes were discovered here, unique to this habitat. The park forms part of the Turberas de Talamanca Ramsar wetland site, emphasizing its ecological importance and connection to neighboring protected areas such as Chirripó and Los Quetzales National Parks. The southwestern boundary aligns partially with the South Inter-American Highway, providing access while bordering other conservation zones. Tapantí offers visitors a chance to explore pristine cloud forests and encounter rare wildlife in a significant conservation landscape.