Protected Areas in Central America

The Agua y Paz (Water and Peace) Biosphere Reserve in northern Costa Rica is comprised of Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, four biological corridors, and an indigenous community. It is characterized by mountain ranges, volcanoes, and plains.

The Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, nestled in the southeastern Cordillera de Tilarán in north-central Costa Rica, is a vibrant sanctuary of tropical biodiversity. Part of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area, this Reserve safeguards the rich forested regions near San Ramón in the province of Puntarenas, making it a crucial ecological haven in the country.

The Apaneca-Ilamatepec Biosphere Reserve, located in El Salvador and part of the Central America Volcanic Arc, safeguards significant ecosystems for species preservation. It contains many habitats, which contribute to its high diversity.

Located in northern Costa Rica and positioned at the center of Arenal Volcano National Park, the Arenal Volcano stands as a symbol of Costa Rica's volcanic activity, natural beauty, and commitment to conservation. Arenal is renowned for its symmetrical cone shape, geological history, and the dramatic eruption that reawakened it in 1968. Although it has been dormant since 2010, Arenal continues to attract visitors from around the world who are drawn to its stunning landscape, biodiversity, and geothermal hot springs.

Barbilla National Park is located on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca in Costa Rica, within the SINAC Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area. It protects the humid lowland rainforest along the Caribbean slopes of the Talamancan mountain range.

Barú Volcano National Park, located in the Chiriquí Province of western Panama, is home to the tallest mountain in the country, the Barú Volcano. The Barú Volcano offers breathtaking views and a unique ecological environment. The park has diverse flora and fauna, rich cultural history, and geological significance. As a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, Barú Volcano National Park provides a unique opportunity to experience Panama's natural beauty and explore one of its most iconic landmarks.

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is a concrete manifestation of Belize's unwavering dedication to conserving its marine wonders. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, this intricate network encompasses seven protected areas, enhancing the extraordinary diversity of reef types and ecosystems within the Belize Barrier Reef.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is home to one of the world's most iconic marine ecosystems – the Belize Barrier Reef. Within this natural treasure trove lies the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected area that is a testament to Belize's commitment to conservation and sustainable marine management. Hol Chan offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the Caribbean's vibrant and diverse underwater world.

In the northern reaches of Nicaragua, adjacent to the Honduran border, lies the sprawling Bosawás Biosphere Reserve. Covering an immense expanse, this reserve, along with the neighboring protected areas of Honduras, comprise the second-largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Bosawás remains largely unexplored, shrouding its mysteries in verdant canopies and untamed landscapes.

Located in the volcanic Cordillera Central mountain range of central Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo National Park is an impressive protected area showcasing its commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This vast park is one of the largest in Costa Rica and boasts several noteworthy geological features, including the Barva Volcano and several dormant volcanoes.