Sectors Program Management

Five Sectors Program staff are permanently assigned to Santa María due to its high level of visitation and the needs of the sector.  Their responsibilities include attending to tourists, maintaining the station, trails, and pastures found here, and collaborating with researchers and students in their field work.

History

The 14,300 ha protected area Rincón de la Vieja was declared a national park in October, 1973 under Law No. 5398. In 1986 it was included in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste and divided into two sectors, Las Pailas and Santa María. Both sectors attract many visitors to their impressive ecosystems and natural wonders created by underground volcanic activity.