Guanacaste Conservation Area, Protected ecological reserve in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.
Guanacaste Conservation Area is a large protected reserve in Guanacaste Province featuring multiple forest types and coastal ecosystems spanning from sea level to volcanic ridges. The land contains tropical dry forests, rainforests, cloud forests, and marine zones connected by walking trails and viewing areas.
The area began as Santa Rosa National Park in 1971 and later expanded into a larger conservation zone officially established in 1989. UNESCO granted it World Heritage status in 1999, recognizing its global importance for protecting natural ecosystems.
The conservation area works with nearby communities on research and education projects focused on nature protection. Visitors encounter spaces where local knowledge and scientific study come together in daily conservation work.
The reserve offers multiple trails and tours through different forest types and elevation zones. Visitors should prepare for varying weather and terrain difficulty since the land ranges from coastal areas to mountain ridges.
The reserve is home to an extraordinary range of animal and plant life, including rare species such as the Central American tapir and the great green macaw. These creatures depend on the reserve's diverse habitats that span from coastal waters to forest peaks.
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