In total the parks and reserves protect approximately four percent of the world's total wildlife species and life zones, among them rainforests, cloudforests, paramo (high-altitude moorlands), swamps, lagoons, marshes and mangroves, and the last remaining patches of tropical dry forest in the isthmus. Also protected are areas of historical significance, including a very few pre-Columbian settlements, and places considered to be of immense scenic beauty. Measures have also been taken to protect beaches where marine turtles lay their eggs, as well as a number of active volcanoes.

The national parks , which cover 12 percent of Costa Rica's protected land, provide more services and activities than the refuges and reserves, and tend to be more heavily touristed. That said, it's important to remember that none of the protected areas has been set up with tourists in mind - biologists, scientists and researchers make up a large portion of visitors. While we give information as to which animals inhabit the specific parks, bear in mind that you are in no way guaranteed to see them - although you'll probably see some of the more common or less shy ones, you'll be very lucky indeed to spot the larger mammals such as the jaguar, ocelot or tapir.