This park of 9.080 hecatares of extention is located in the Orosi Valley, Cartago province and it is surrounded by Rio Macho Forest Reserve, as well as crossed by El Rio Grande de Orosi. The river provides hydroelectric power and drinking water for some areas of San Jose, and, more important, provides some great places to swim and picnic. Tapanti is one of the rainiest places in Costa Rica, however, the heaviest rainfalls occurre between May and October. About 150 waterways begin their trek to the sea from here.
It has two "life zones": lower mountain slopes and lowlands skirting the lower slopes. The forests are home to 45 species of mammals, including tapir, paca, red brocket deer, eastern cottontail, kinkajou, raccoon, white-nosed coati, white-faced monkey, mountain hare (conejo de monte), agouti and such cats as ocelot, jaguarundi and tiger cat (an endangered species).
Also you will find 260 kinds of birds including Quetzals, sparrow hawks, hawks, goldfinch, doves, hummingbirds, parrots, and falcons, etc. 28 species of reptiles live in the park, among them are lizards, basilisks and snakes such as "lora bocaraca." In addition, there are 28 species of amphibians such as toads, frogs and salamanders and a huge variety of insects. The most common plants are ira, oaks, magnolia, poor man's umbrella, bromeliads, "Luvia de oro" orchid, Panama Tree, Cafecillo, ferns, moss and orchids.