This huge massif is 3451m high above the sea. It is located on Talamanca’s Cordillera, in the districts El Guarco, Jimenez, Turrialba, and Paraiso.

The Death’s Massif was first established by Executive Decree on November 19th, 1999. It is 58500 hectares long, it is home for a wide variety of flora and fauna, and it also has a marvelous landscapes.

The massif holds some parts of Costa Rica’s history. For instance, let’s talk about its name. It was given because many natives lost their lives trying to cross along it and conquer the southern part of our country. Many important battles during the Civil War took place here. A survivor of these amazing stories is one of the cultural richness called Water Eye House Refugee (La Casa Refugio Ojo de Agua). Today it’s considered a National Monument.

Besides having a great deal of species; Death’s Massif is in charge of providing hydro electrical energy and the clean water supplying. It is a very rainy place which helps to maintain more than 150 rivers that run all the way in there.

The flora in Death’s Massif is one of the most representatives of the country, due to the speciation and the endemism. It also counts with five different life zones, thanks to these varieties of areas many animal species can develop.

As for the fauna, there are 45 mammal species, 260 birds, 30 reptiles and more and more species are discovered each day. Among the more distinguished mammals are: mount goats, pumas, badgers, etc. Some of them are even endangered species, but they receive proper protection thanks to this park. Among the birds we have the quetzal, goldfinch, ducks, toucans, etc. the quetzal is a very typical bird in the park and you can find it all the way from the entrance through the entire trail.

The Death’s Massif has gorgeous sceneries; it stands out on those parks of the country. It bring us closer to nature due to the thousands of flora and fauna species that it protects, also its historical role can not be left out and the tourist importance for the economy of the country. The Massif attracts insiders as well as foreigners, all with the sole purpose of admiring the beautiful natural richness.

If you want to know more about Death’s Massif you can communicate at 2200-5045 (Businesspersons Tourist Chamber) or its web site www.macizo-muerte.com or mail macizo@racsa.co.cr.