The Reserve was originally established in 1982, it then became a National Park ten years later. In January 2000 the protected areas were further extended towards the east. It is now known as the Tapantí – Macizo Cerro de la Muerte National Park, it is located in the northeast of the Talamancan mountain ridge and covers slightly over 58,000 hectares.

AgoutiThe lowlands are 700 m above the LMSL (local mean sea level) and the highest zone, the Cerro de la Muerte (Death Hill or Death Mountain), is well over 3,400 m above the LMSL. The actual Tapantí sector is one the most humid, the yearly average rainfall is of ~7000 mm whereas the rest of the Park receives in average 3000 mm. Temperatures range from 26 °C in El Humo to 5 °C on the Cerro de la Muerte. The rainiest months are from May to October.

The higher areas of the Park are páramo habitat, with stunted shrubs, dwarf bamboo, and tree ferns. . Below this zone, the natural vegetation is oak forest with bamboo under storey, it is also the best place to see the Resplendent Quetzal (according to the excellent book "A guide to the birds of Costa Rica" by Stiles and Skutch.)

According to the INBio (the Costa Rican National Institute of Biodiversity), the entire Park currently protects:

• Around 45 species of mammals, amongst them: tapirs, hill goats, monkeys, squirrels, hares, raccoons, bats, agoutis, coatis (locally known as pizotes) and some felines (jaguars, ocelots, etc.)
• Over 300 species of birds almost half of them endemic to the Talamanca range, like: the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Timberline Wren, Sooty Robin, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Peg-billed Finch and Volcano Junco.
• More than 25 species of amphibians such as frogs, toads and salamanders. Some species of salamanders are endemic to the region, for example the Nototriton Tapantí.
• Hundreds of insects in all orders: lepidoptera (butterflies), coleoptera (beetles), diptera (flies), hymenoptera (bees and wasps), etc. Some of those species are endemic to the area as well.

Resplendent Quetzal - photo by Steve Bird

Regarding the vegetation, the most common plants and trees are: oaks, magnolia, ira, poor man's umbrella, bromeliads, «lluvia de oro» (golden rain) orchids, Panama tree, cafecillo, ferns, moss and bromeliads.

Hiking and bird & wildlife watching are the most popular activities for visitors. Fishing (for trout) is usually allowed from April to October, but visitors need to purchase a fishing license from the park rangers.

The Park has two ranger stations, each with facilities. The Pittier Station has basic facilities and there are trails leading to scenic overlooks and picnic areas. The Esperanza del Guarco station has a biological field station run by the INBio. Camping is not allowed.