The park covers 6.080 hectares (15.057 acres) and is located in the Orosi district, in Paraíso of Cartago. It is mostly surrounded by the Rio Macho Forest Reserve.

The Park's altitude ranges from 1.220?2.560 meters (4.002?8.397 feet) above sea level. Tapanti has four different life zones: Premountain Pluvial Forest, Premountain Forest, Low Mountain Pluvial Forest, Mountain Pluvial Forest.

Tapanti National Park is notable for being one of the rainest areas of Costa Rica. The rainest month is October. The area is bisected by the Grande de Orosi River into which many smaller rivers and creeks empty their waters. This vital liquid is used to generate hydroelectric power and to supply drinkable water to a great part of the population of the San Jose Metropolitan Area by the Orosi aqueduct.

By car: Take the road to the city of Cartago. Continue toward Paraiso, Orosi, Rio Macho and Tapanti. The road is passable through the year and is adequate for any vehicle.

By bus: first, head to Cartago. There catch the bus to Orosi, Rio Macho (on the south side of the ruins of the church of Cartago).This bus drops you off about 9 km (5,6 miles) from the park entrance. From here, you have to walk this distance. By taxi: from Orosi to Tapanti. There is a very good taxi service.

Around 45 species of mammals live in the park Among them, some are in danger of extinction such tapir, pace, brocket deer, cotton tail rabbit, kinkajou, racoon, coatimundi, white face monkey, agouti and wild cats like ocelot, jaguarundi and margay.

The park is home to 260 species of birds such as quetzals, hawks, falcons, black guan, scoly robin, tinamou, tanagers, pigeons, doves, oropendola, golden oriole, among others.

Many lizards, basilisks and snakes such as the picadoi's viper, eyelash?viper, jumping viper and side striped palm?pit viper can be found. In total there are some 28 different species of reptiles. As well there are 28 species of amphibians including salamanders. frogs and toads.

insects are abundant and there are many species that have not yet been identified. Butterflies of brilliant colors flap theirs wings through the rich vegetation. Among the moths: found there, the Thysania agripina, is the largest found within North and South America. There are al?: so numerous examples of bees, wasps and crickets.

The rich abundance of vegetation includes different species of bromelias, ferns, epiphytes, palms. moss, orchids, heliconias. In order to have and idea how and biodiverse are these kinds of forest, one hectare could contain from 80 to 160 tree species.

The average annual temperature is 20°C (68°F)
The average annual rainfall is 6.500 mm (255,5 inches)

* All protect wildlife areas have rules which regulate the protection of resources and the activities of visitors. This park operates under these rules for public use and it is obligation of all visitors to respect them.
* Despite of its biological diversity, many animals living i! Costa Rica are hard to observe because of their migratory or reproductive habitats, because they are nocturnal o' because the forest is too dense to see them clearly. Move quietly and sharpen your observation skills in order to better appreciate the richness of the area.
* If you need help or have questions, please ask the rangers. they are pleased and prepared to help you.
* All the living things, plants and animals alike, share this planet with you. Please respect them.
* Enjoy the peace and natural sounds of the forest. Do not play radios or make loud noises which could disturb the tranquility found here.
* Please keep inside the trails. Signs are there for the benefit of all, do not deface or destroy them.
* This area is a natural preserve. We invite you to observe, enjoy and take as many pictures as you like. But please do not remove plants, stones or other materials as souvenirs.
* Please collect your garbage and deposit it in the appropriate containers.
* Do not feed the animals. They can suffer serious health problems if they eat people's food.

Enjoy your trip !