Its principal function is to protect water sources, forestry and agriculture.
Within the area is the spring that supplies water to the districts of San Vito, Sabalito and Agua Buena.

The climate here is subject to sudden temperature changes;  on average the temperature is between 20º C and 12º C, and the elevation is between 1 000 and 2500 meters above sea level.

The rainfall varies from 3200 to 4000 mm per year.

90% of the area is covered in primary forest, the remaining area is dedicated to fields, coffee plantations, vegetables, flowers and fruit trees, specially apples and peaches.

Protected here are the six species of felines that have been identified in Costa Rica, as well as Congo, Spider and White-faced monkeys, Coatis and Sloths.