Juan Castro Blanco

Juan Castro Blanco National Park is located roughly 100 km north of San Jose, and is east of the Ciudad Quesada in the Alajuela Province. The protected area contains a wide variety of birds and flora as well as natural hot springs. The park's protected area has important hydro sources that provide energy for the north regions of the country. This area contains very diverse vegetation with app. 60% of the park is covered by primary forest.

Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is located west of Bajos del Toro at the base of Parqu Nacional Juan Castro Blanco.  This area provides many hiking trails and is a top destination for avid bird-watchers.  The trails lead to waterfalls, lookout points, a botanical garden, and hummingbird-gardens.  Along the way, you will see rolling streams that blend into the surrounding landscape.

North of Bajo del Toro (roughly 7 km / 4.4 mi), one can hike to a 200 m waterfall (Catarata del Toro).  Here you can find trails that lead to the bottom of the falls via a 500 step staircase.