Beginning at 1,400 meters and continuing up to near the peak, the woods are low and the densely-branched trees are covered with mosses and other epiphytes. The most common trees are the cupey, didymopanax and crespon. The peak of the volcano is covered with ash and has very sparse vegetation. Plants include the cupey and the poor man's umbrella. The tapir, highland tinamous, black guan and several cat species are very numerous in this region.
Insects are very numerous and include four species of the abundant and beautiful morpho butterflies.
Las Baulas National Marine Park Playa Grande plays host to the giant Leatherback turtles. These enormous sea creatures, weighing more than 600 pounds, nest each year on the beach, in front of the hotel. Canoe through the Tamarindo Estuary with more than 1200 acres of salt water jungle comprised of red, white, black and the rare tea mangrove, an area which shelters hundreds of species of birds and animals. There are wonderful tidal pools for snorkeling, bathing and exploration. Costa Rica's most consistent surf break is at Playa Grande.