National parks are improved to better serve visitors

The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is conducting these works to revamp and fulfill its sustainable tourism program, which also includes local governments to improve access to protected areas and promoting community involvement.

The total amount of investment is US$19 million and has been implemented since 2012 and now, the infrastructure of nine protected areas has improved: Rincon de la Vieja, Cano Negro, Arenal, Poas, Irazúu Tortuguero, Cahuita, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado.
Some examples are:

• Poas Volcano: new path to the Botos lagoon.
• Tortuguero: opened a path of 110 steps leading to the highest point of the hill to offer beautiful views of the sea, land and water canals.
• Arenal and Cano Negro: each location will have an observation tower for bird watching.
• Cahuita: a new trail into the forest is being built that leads from Playa Blanca to Puerto Vargas.

Part of the goal of improving the infrastructure of national parks also includes the possibility to provide the service of local guides and encourage tourists to spend more time in the communities where the parks are located and boost the economy.

Another important improvement is the online reservations platform that is being implemented so, in the near future tourists can buy their tickets in advance through the website.