Central Conservation Area

The Central Conservation Area is a protected region in central Costa Rica spanning 642,000 hectares, encompassing landscapes from volcanic summits to lowland rainforest. The highest points reach 3,432 meters (11,260 feet), while the lowest areas sit at 36 meters (118 feet) above sea level.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated the area as a Biosphere Reserve in January 1988, recognizing its ecological importance. This designation marked a turning point in national conservation efforts and encouraged local communities to participate in protecting the natural environment.

The region takes its name from its position at the heart of the country, serving as a bridge between the Pacific and Caribbean slopes. Visitors can observe how communities at the edge of the reserve continue to practice traditional agriculture and sustainable use of natural resources.

Several national parks including Braulio Carrillo and Volcán Poás can be reached via well-maintained roads from San José. Trails of varying difficulty lead through different climate zones, and rain gear and sturdy footwear are advisable due to changing weather conditions.

The reserve safeguards water sources that supply more than half of Costa Rica's population. These rivers and aquifers feed both households and industrial facilities in the most densely populated parts of the country.