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Tapantí National Park: Tucked away to the south of the Orosi Valley and north of Cerro de la Muerte, lies this 5,090 hectare middle- to upper-elevation rain forest. Although originally created as a National Wildlife Refuge, Tapantí National Park is not an easy place to see mammals, even though many species inhabit the area. Observation of birds, butterflies, and plant life will surely prove more rewarding pursuits.
Birds at this elevation often forage in flocks containing a variety of species, the most common ones being the Three-striped Warbler and the Common Bush-Tanager, but the sharp-eyed observer will also be able to pick out other species such as Spotted Barbtail, Spotted Woodcreeper, Redheaded Barbet, and Spangle-cheeked Tanager. Numerous hummingbird species are also often quite active around clumps of flowering epiphytes.
The rich diversity of epiphytes (plants growing on the trunks and branches of trees) found in this humid environment will provide the plant enthusiast with endless surprises. Orchids in particular are very diverse and abundant at Tapantí and careful inspection will certainly result in finding several species in bloom at any time of year.
Getting there: From San José, take the PanAmerican Highway to Cartago, drive through the town and follow Highway 10 to Paraíso (the next town to the east). Here look for signs or ask directions to Orosi, and once in Orosi do the same for Tapantí which is still another 14 km. distant. The road between the town of Orosi and the national park consists of more potholes than pavement, so take it carefully. Ironically, once you leave pavement (shortly before entering the national park) the gravel road actually becomes much better; this is due to its upkeep by the national electric company versus the Municipality of Paraíso which supposedly takes care of the "paved" portion.
By public bus from either Cartago or Orosi you can only get as far as the village of Río Macho, some 9 kilometers short of the park entrance.
Fishing: The Orosi River has been stocked with rainbow trout (an introduced fish in Costa Rica), and with a valid fishing license you can try your luck on this scenic stream from May 1 through January 31. There is a limit of five fish per day, and a minimum allowable size of 25 centimeters. Freshwater species other than trout are limited to a total of five fish per day, again with a 25 cm. minimum, and fishing for these species is permitted from December 1 through July 31.
Climate: Most mornings are sunny and very pleasant with mild temperatures. However, it typically clouds over by midday, or early afternoon at the latest, and the rains which fall almost daily in this area are usually soon in coming. Therefore, it is recommended that you get an early start when visiting Tapantí and bring your rain gear. A sweater or jacket will also be welcome when the temperatures start to drop once the sun goes behind clouds.
History: The combination of Costa Rica's topography and numerous areas of high annual rainfall result in a tremendous potential for hydroelectric power production, which in fact is the source of more than 90% of the country's electricity. The upper Orosi River watershed is located in one of the rainiest parts of the country, receiving as much as 7 meters of rain per year. Given the relatively close proximity to the Central Valley -- the area of greatest energy consumption -- it was only natural that the Costa Rican Electrical Institute (I.C.E.) should decide to develop a hydroelectric project in this forested region. And to be able to do so meant first constructing a road into this previously inaccessible area.
To protect the watershed's forest cover and to preserve its wildlife from the destruction that would accompany colonization along the new road, Tapantí was created as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1982. Only in 1994 did it gain National Park status.
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