It was this high density of bio-diversity that encouraged the Costa Rican government to protect this area.

The trail leading to the Orosi Volcano has pre-Columbian petroglyphs near the plain at El Pedregal.

[citation needed] The nearest city is La Cruz to the northwest, and the park contains several facilities notably the headquarters of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, as well as stations at Pitilla in the northeastern corner of the park, Cacao on the southwestern slope of the eponymous volcano, and Maritza which is situated near both volcanoes.

As a whole these formally became part of National System of Conservation Units (SINAC) in 1994 and then later in 1999 a World Heritage Site.

In 1989, 12,000 tonnes of orange waste was dumped on barren soil in agreement with park authorities.