Diria National Park

The Diria National Park, formally known as the Diria National Forest Wildlife Refuge before 2004, is located in the south of Santa Cruz in the Guanacaste Province, and forms part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. This area was created after several years of rampant deforestation of precious rainforest woods including mahogany. Originally, it was designated as a protected zone by presidential decree in 1991 and then two years later it was became a National wildlife refuge. The park measures 13,402 acres.

The park is in a steep humid “premonte” forest. Elevations range from 460 to 3150 feet. Inside the park you can hike to the Brasil Waterfall. Here you can see such species such as peccaries, anteaters, deer, rattlesnakes, vine snakes, boa constrictors, whip tales, skunks, howler & capuchin monkeys,  lizards, iguanas, Jaguarundi, butterflies, and over 140 different species of birds. Above 700 meters in elevation one can even encounter evergreen species, moss, and gigantic bromeliads. This location is known for its rare tree species. On the hiking trail there is a lookout point called vista del mar where you can see the ocean. At higher elevations you can see cloud forest.

There is a bunk house cabin located within the park with a capacity for 25 people and clean drinking water.  These accommodations are mainly used by scientists who are in the field doing laboratory work or for research groups.

The park relies on donations in order to expand. Call for more information at the Conservation Area (tel.506.680.1820) in Santa Cruz or the main office in Hojancha (tel.506.659.9039)

How to get there: From San Jose take the main highway north and take the turn off for Nicoya. Drive past Nicoya into Santa Cruz then head south 9 km on the road to Arado. You will see signs to Diria.