Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Juan Castro Blanco National Park covers 35,600 acres (14,250 ha). It was established to protect swaths of rainforest that grow on the sides of ancient volcanoes.

60 percent of the park has primary forest – a type of forest with uninterrupted growth and many layers of rare wildlife. In some parts of the park, you will also come across cloud forest, which is a misty and humid type of forest that provides a habitat for some exceptionally rare birds.

As you hike your naturalist guide can give you expert bird watching tips. This park’s claim to fame is a rare bird called the resplendent quetzal. The males of this species have feathers in jewel-toned shades of green and blue. During the mating season, they grow tail feathers that are several times the length of their bodies. Other rare birds in this area include black guans and curassow. During your hike, you will reach a lake in the crater of an ancient volcano.

There are two dormant volcanoes in this park – Platanar Volcano and Porvenir Volcano. Neither has erupted for thousands of years. Rivers run through the cloud forest that surrounds the volcanoes. All of the 5 rivers in Juan Castro Blanco National Park boast healthy populations of trout. Your tour will conclude with lunch at the park headquarters, where you will dine on some of the fresh local trout.

Hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, a change of clothes, a raincoat, a jacket, and bug spray.

Tour guide, entrance fee, fruits or snacks, drinks and lunch