Tapanti National Park, Costa Rica’s second largest cloud forest, is probably the biggest single attraction around the Orosi area. Reaching elevations up to 8400 feet and receiving up to 280 inches of annual rainfall, Tapanti contains flora and fauna unique to our country. The park covers 12,500 acres and is home to more than forty mammal species including agoutis, ocelets, jaguars, kinkajous, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and the Baird’s tapir (a large, pig-like animal on the verge of extinction). Over 300 types of birds can be found within Tapanti including sparrow hawks, emerald toucanets, and the resplendent quetzal which is famous for its colorful feathers. Flower enthusiasts will be interested by three new species of miniature orchids discovered in the park in 2009 by a team from the Lankester Botanical Gardens and the University of Costa Rica.

The park abounds with photo opportunities and there are several different hiking trails within the park for you to enjoy depending on what you’d like to see. The Oropendula and Pantanoso trails lead to a swimming areas with picnic tables and grills. La Pava trail takes you to the Salto and Palmitas waterfalls, while the Arboles Caidos trail is a heavily forested nature hike.

Tapanti National Park is located about a seven mile drive from Hotel Reventazon. However, guests without rental cars are still able to reach the park via a bicycle ride taking approximately one hour. Hotel Reventazon has a sturdy mountain bike in excellent condition available to rent for $10 per day.

If attempting to reach Tapanti by foot, a bus departing Orosi at 7:15 a.m. for the nearby town of Purisil at will help you get closer but will leave about a 3 mile hike to the entrance. A more expensive option is taking a taxi which costs $20 – $30 each way.

The park is open seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Daily and admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12.