In 1970 occurred a growing acknowledgement that something unique and lovely was vanishing, and a systematic effort was begun to save what was left of the wilderness. That year, the Costa Ricans formed a national park system that has won worldwide admiration.

The National Conservation Areas System (SINAC) protects more than 186 areas, including national parks, biological reserves, forest reserves, and wildlife refuges. Now, more than 25.6% of the territory is under the protection of the State and about 3% is in private reserves.

• 33 National Parks
• 8 Biological Reserves
• 61 Wildlife Refuges
• 11 Conservation Areas
• 14 Wetlands

Source: SINAC