Natural World Heritage
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
Explore a connected protected landscape extending from Pacific waters through northwestern Costa Rica’s varied terrestrial ecosystems.
Explore Area de Conservación GuanacasteCosta Rica attractions · World Heritage
Costa Rica World Heritage Sites
Meet Costa Rica’s four UNESCO World Heritage properties: three natural landscapes and one cultural property preserving the stone-sphere settlements of the Diquís.
Natural and cultural heritage
Four properties, two dimensions of Costa Rica’s heritage
UNESCO lists one cultural and three natural World Heritage properties for Costa Rica, from the Diquís archaeological sites to Guanacaste, Cocos Island and Talamanca–La Amistad.
Related detailed guide
Explore Area de Conservación Guanacaste
This is the single detailed guide currently related as a published child of the World Heritage parent. The full four-property inventory remains in the editorial body.
Area de Conservacion Guanacaste
Area de Conservacion Guanacaste is the most accessible and includes several volcanoes, tropical dry forest and several important nesting areas for sea turtles such as the olive ridley, leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles.
La Amistad Reserve and National Park
The Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserve and National Park starts in the center of the country and extends south to Panama where it continues. It is difficult to access due to the lack of maintained trails and rugged terrain. This is the wildest and tallest non-volcanic range in Central America with peaks over 4,000 meters above sea level.
Cocos Island National Park
Cocos Island National Park is the only tropical eastern Pacific island with rainforest. Click on the links below to read more about Costa Rica World Heritage Sites.
From heritage to itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each preserving unique climates, flora, and fauna.
Which World Heritage Site in Costa Rica is the most accessible?
Area de Conservacion Guanacaste is considered the most accessible, featuring volcanoes, tropical dry forests, and crucial nesting areas for various sea turtle species.
What are the key features of La Amistad Reserve and National Park?
La Amistad Reserve and National Park, extending into Panama, is Central America's wildest and tallest non-volcanic range, with peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. Its rugged terrain makes it difficult to access.
What distinguishes Cocos Island National Park?
Cocos Island National Park is unique as the only tropical eastern Pacific island featuring a rainforest.