This Park covers 37.117 hectares of land plus 78.000 hectares of sea and is of oustanding historical importance to the country. Here, around La Casona (the farm house), in 1856 an improvised army of Costa Rican farmers defeated the pro-slavery filibusters, or freebooters, that were trying to invade Costa Rica. The premises have been declarated national monument.
The park is divided in two large sections: Santa Rosa and Murcielago, each one with its own management and sites of interest. Oustanding in Santa Rosa are La Casona, Tanquetas, Santa Elena lookout, Indio Desnudo nature trail, Los Patos trail, Naranjo and Nancite beaches. This latter beach is a turtle nesting ground. Camping is possible, with all basic services available. The administrative area has a cafeteria for park employees as well as for visitors. The Dry Forest Reasearch Center has room for rent, although priority is given to researches and students. The entrance to Murcielago sector is on the Inter-American highway, about eight kilometers after Santa Rosa entrance, on Cuajiniquil exit. About 9 Kms, beyond the town is the administration center. The Poza del General offers a cozy camps site and a sightly trail. Beaches nearby are El Hachal, Santa Elena and Playa Blanca.