National Parks

JUAN CASTRO BLANCO

Area:
14,258 Ha

Location: Alajuela Province, east of Ciudad Quesada.

The vegetation is extremely varied with more than 50% of the total area covered by a mixed primary forest and clearings in the process of regeneration.

The most notable species are oaks, lancewood, and yayo. In the highlands the vegetaion is stunted, deformed and covered with epiphytes and creepers typical of cold, windy, humid climates.

The bird life and fauna are also extremely varied and include noteworthy species like the resplendent quetzal, curassow, black guan, and the red brocket deer and various monkeys.

This zone contains water resources of prime importance to the economy of the northern region - for human and industrial use as well as for production of hydroelectricity. The Platanar, Toro and Aguas Zarcas rivers are born in this area.