La Amistad International Park

La Amistad International Park, also known as Parque Internacional La Amistad (PILA), is an expansive protected area that spans approximately 990,000 acres across the borders of Costa Rica and Panama. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves. The geography of the park is dominated by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a wide array of ecosystems from high-altitude cloud forests to lowland rainforests. This creates a habitat for a wealth of biological diversity, including more than 600 species of birds, numerous species of large mammals, like jaguars and tapirs, and countless plant species. Human history in the area links back to Indigenous peoples who have lived in the surrounding areas for thousands of years. Today, the park's remoteness and lack of development make it a haven for eco-tourism, offering opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and exploring breathtaking landscapes. The park is central for ecological research and conservation efforts, particularly regarding its invaluable biodiversity.