San Lucas Island National Park Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
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About San Lucas Island National Park
The island was inhabited byIndigenous culturesfor centuries before Costa Rica was claimed as territory of theSpanish Empire. Eight small archaeological sites are on the island. The archaeological sites date from about 1000 AD to 1500 AD. The island's prison operated from 1873 to 1991. It was established by President Tomas Guardia in 1873 and had a reputation for harsh, inhumane treatment of prisoners. Stories from the late 19th century told of prisoners being dropped into sewage pits (and worse). The facilities sat abandoned for a decade before the island was established as a protected wildlife refuge in 2002. In 2020, the Costa Rican legislature voted to make Isla San Lucas the 30th park in theCosta Rica national parkssystem. The island was made famous by writer José León Sánchez who was
San Lucas Island National Park Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: