National Parks in Costa Rica

According to the National Geographic Society, Corcovado National Park is “the place with the greatest biological intensity on our planet” and also the area with the highest rainfall rate in the country. Corcovado National Park protects the last remnants of pristine tropical rainforest in Central America’s Pacific region.

Marine flora and fauna, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and mammals share this ecosystem. The jaguar (Pantera onca), Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao) are also part of the great variety of species that live in this paradise. The long beaches provide a haven for sea turtles, which come every year to lay their eggs. The tranquil bays of Corcovado are also the perfect retreat for whales and dolphins to give birth to their babies.

The national park can be reached by boat via Drake Bay or via a Corcovado trek from Carate/Puerto Jimenez. The park is located in one of the rainiest areas of Costa Rica, which is evident from the flora at first glance. Especially in May, June, September, October and November it can pour like cats and dogs. During this time, the rivers often burst their banks. Under no circumstances should you cross them, as crocodiles and swarms of bull sharks regularly look for food. 

Those who take the route across Drake Bay can choose between various day trips, for example San Pedrillo or La Sirena. Tip: go to Sirena for a small surcharge, because then you are really in the middle of it. The ranger station is surrounded by the park, densely embedded in deep nature. Often you can even look directly over the shoulder of the researchers. Here you can often see tapirs and many other rare animals. 

If you choose the trekking route (about 5 days), you should definitely be tough and in very good physical condition. Many of the paths lead through the sand in the blazing sun. In addition, there is no refreshing bath in the evening, just a quick face wash. Even the banquet is usually replaced by simple food you bring with you. Despite all the hardships, the trekking is a great experience and will certainly be a great memory!

The Isla del Caño Biosphere Reserve is an important archaeological site as the island was used as a cemetery by the indigenous peoples of this area in pre-Columbian times. It also protects important coral reefs that are teeming with colorful fish and other marine life. Dolphins can be seen on the crossing from Drake Bay to the island and whales can often be seen in January, February, July and August.

The small island in the Pacific is a popular diving area and is located about 10 nautical miles from the Osa Peninsula. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, depending on the weather. Although you cannot stay overnight on the island, the ranger station has a public toilet and offers the possibility to take a shower. The beach directly in front of the station offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.

Marino Ballena National Park is home to marine life such as coral, fish, sea turtles, seabirds and whales. In Punta Uvita, near Playa Dominical, tours to the turtle nesting sites are offered, as well as sailing trips to look for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates).

The national park has a relatively small land area of 110 – 200 hectares (the figures on this vary quite widely), but protects 5,375 hectares of water. This is one of the largest coral reefs on the Pacific coast of Central America where you can snorkel and scuba dive. In the months of January to March as well as July and August whales stay in the waters, giving birth to their calves here before moving on to colder waters.

Originally established as a water sanctuary, the Monteverde Reserve is now the most visited private nature reserve in the country. It lies between 900 and 1,680 meters above sea level and impresses with its dense tropical cloud forests where you may think the clouds rise straight into the sky. Between the trees covered with orchids, ferns, mosses and climbing plants there are over 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds, including numerous hummingbirds that buzz from flower to flower and the very shy quetzal, the bird of the gods with its colorful plumage. Jaguars, tapirs and the more frequently seen howler monkeys also live well hidden in the forests.

The 10,500 hectare Monteverde Reserve is characterized by the mystical cloud forest with bromeliads as well as lichens and moses and the unique green vegetation. This is what gave the region its name (Monteverde means green mountain).

Since it can sometimes get chilly up here in the heights of the mountain cloud forest in the evenings, you should always have a long-sleeved sweater or a windproof jacket with you.

The Cabo Blanco National Park is a nature reserve of great scientific value but also of exceptional scenic beauty. Plant and animal life as well as marine flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest are protected here.

Cabo Blanco is located in the province of Puntarenas, in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula. The park was established on October 21, 1963. It has a land area of 1,172 hectares and a sea area of 1,790 hectares. The national park is a sanctuary for plant and animal species of the Pacific land region and for many marine animals. Here you can find plants such as the “Pachate” and the “Espavel”; and more than 119 tree species have already been counted. You can also see mammals such as deer, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, wild boar, and many sea and land birds. Underwater you can see many fish, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, clams and other marine animals. 

The reserve is organized and protected through 4 programs. The research program consists of taking measurements with the aim of having some control over the development of the park. The maintenance program serves to improve and expand the park facilities. The conservation program prevents prohibited acts within the reserve such as hunting, fishing, fire and the removal of any forest products. The community education program supports the communities in creating a positive atmosphere between the people who live near the park and the national and international visitors.

There are 2 hiking trails available to visitors in the park. The shorter one is about 2.5 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours, the longer one is 8.5 kilometers long and invites you to take a refreshing dip in the sea halfway along. Due to the steep inclines, this hiking trail is quite strenuous, especially on hot days.

The Caño Negro Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the far north of Costa Rica on the border with Nicaragua. It protects the country’s most important wetland and serves as a stopover for numerous migratory birds. The 10,000-hectare park is home to Caño Negro Lake, which can grow to 500 hectares in size during the rainy season.

The best means of transport in the park is by boat, so you can see a variety of water birds such as herons, kingfishers and cormorants on a wildlife observation tour on the Rio Frio. There are around 300 different bird species in the park. If you are looking for mammals, you can also see tapirs and pumas in addition to the frequently sighted howler monkeys. Various lizards such as crocodiles, caimans and different types of iguanas are observed on almost every boat tour.

Manuel Antonio is located in the province of Puntarenas. There are some very beautiful beaches and bays in the national park such as Playa Espadilla Norte or Playa Manuel Antonio. Many animals such as monkeys and sloths can also be found near the beaches.

Due to the popularity and attractiveness of Manuel Antonio, many hotels and bars have settled here and the prices are sometimes higher than elsewhere. Many of the hotels and restaurants are beautifully located on the hillside and have fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Besides visiting the national park, there are other things to do such as fishing, horseback riding or visiting a disco or casino in the evening. 

This national park is one of the oldest and smallest national parks in Costa Rica. It includes palm forests, beaches and twelve small offshore islands. Local tour guides often stand in front of the park offering their services. Most of them speak English and it is up to you whether you want to be guided through the park or explore the area on your own. The various hiking trails are well posted so you can explore yourself or see more the Costa Rican guides and their trained eyes. A wide variety of seabirds breed on the 12 offshore islands and the endangered squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, cheeky raccoons and coatis live in the park itself. Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden but they know exactly where to get something, so keep an eye on your bags. The main attraction, however, are the white sandy beaches with azure water. From the often crowded Playa Manuel Antonio you can hike to Isla Punta Catedral at low tide, as well as to Playa Puerto Escondido. 

Tip: It is best to go to the park in the morning, when there are not so many visitors and you can enjoy nature with less crowds.

The Palo Verde National Park consists of flood plains surrounded by rivers and limestone hills. It is located in the province of Guanacaste, between the Bebedero and Tempisque rivers, about 30 km west of the city of Cañas. The Palo Verde National Park has an area of 16,804 hectares. In the rainy season, the amounts of water from the rain, the tides and the overflowing rivers Tempisque and Bebedero mix to form powerful floods. Sometimes the whole area becomes one huge lagoon.

Palo Verde is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the country, with about 15 different habitats created by topography, river overflow and tidal effects. The national park owes its name to a bush from this region that is very widespread there, the Palo Verde, which can be found mainly in the swamps. The branches and part of the trunk are light green. Palo Verde National Park has a rich variety of trees and other plants. The natural irrigation system creates the right conditions for the most important concentration of birds in all of Central America.

From September to March, thousands of herons, ibises, ducks and other waterfowl come here to nest and overwinter. During this time you can observe up to 300 different bird species. The 2.3 hectare bird island is located in the front part of the park. In addition to birds, there are of course many other animals in Palo Verde such as monkeys, porcupines, coyotes and crocodiles up to 5 meters long.

Those who like to walk can hike through the forest in Palo Verde and observe animals such as howler monkeys or explore stalactite caves. An optional boat tour to the park across the Gulf of Nicoya is particularly recommended, as the wetlands in the national park are feeding and nesting areas for thousands of birds. If the weather is clear, you can marvel at the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Cordillera on the other on a canopy tour. You can also see the coffee production in the Cooperative Diriá, which produces according to ecological principles and helps the small farmers as a cooperative. A boat tour on the Tempisque, which is home to many animals, is also worthwhile. Among other things, you can also discover crocodiles in the fallow water.

Piedras Blancas National Park is located in southern Costa Rica, near the port town of Golfito in the province of Puntarenas. The protected area was created in 1991 as the Esquinas Sector of Corcovado National Park and was declared Piedras Blancas National Park in 1999. With a total area of around 140 km², the Piedras Blancas National Park consists mostly of tropical lowland primary and secondary forest, former pasture land and over 100 valleys with numerous river courses and a rocky coastline and beaches. The southwestern part of the park extends to the coast of Golfo Dulce.

The national park is part of the biological corridor Osa. This corridor is of crucial importance for the conservation of biological diversity and is intended to connect the two national parks of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas through the purchase of land between. In this way, one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth can be preserved. In this area you will find the Rainforest of the Austrians, a project of a non-profit organization that buys up land and incorporates it into the Piedras Blancas National Park. In addition, the association supports projects for the benefit of the population of the village of La Gamba. They also operate the research station La Gamba and the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.

The national park protects springs, rivers, rare tropical plants and birds, mammals and reptiles. Among the numerous reptiles are coral snakes, boas and vipers. Alligators and crocodiles also thrive in the many ponds, rivers and mangrove swamps. Around 350 bird species fly over the rainforest’s green canopy, including macaws, hummingbirds and trogons. Among the mammals are coati, skunk, jaguar, ocelot, puma, capuchin and squirrel monkey.

The Rincón de la Vieja, meaning corner of the old ones, is one of the active volcanoes in Costa Rica and is located in the Guanacaste region. The region is characterized by a relatively dry climate. Here there is still the rare form of dry forest which sheds its foliage in the dry season. The National Park protects a region of varied vegetation that surrounds the Rincón de la Vieja mountain range. Don’t miss the crater lagoon as well as the active crater of the Rincón which constantly emits gas and water vapor.

In the lower levels of the volcano you can admire the volcanic activity of the “pailas” (mud holes whose liquid bubbles at very high temperatures), hot springs and geysers. The park is also home to a large wild population of the Guaria Morada Orchid (Guarianthe skinneri), Costa Rica’s national flower.

The Tenorio National Park is located in the province of Guanacaste and is known for natural thermal pools, great hiking trails, mixed forest, the Tenorio volcano and the light blue river Rio Celeste. The national park has so far been spared from large tourist flows and the flora has thus been able to spread in a very diverse way. The Tenorio Volcano rises to 1,916 meters and is located in the extreme north-west of the National Park. It consists of four volcanic cones and two twin craters that rise from shimmering green rain and wet forests. At the foot of the volcano lies the valley of Bijagua which offers habitats for small otters, powerful pumas, shy tapirs, nimble capuchin monkeys and large boas. The ascent to the crater lake is prohibited for safety reasons. 

The hike to the Rio Celeste river is a rather tough terrain with big roots but it is definitely worth it. The brilliant turquoise blue color of the water is caused by a chemical reaction of two rivers with different minerals meeting. This natural reaction is fascinating and a popular photo opportunity.

Tortuguero National Park and the Barra Del Colorado Wilderness Area are the most important nesting sites for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Caribbean. Other turtle species that also lay their eggs here are the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). The park’s natural system of lagoons and navigable canals is scenic and is also home to manatees (Trichechus manatus), caimans (Caiman cocodrylus) and many freshwater fish.

The turtles are deeply linked to Tortuguero’s history. The name Tortuguero means “turtle hunter” and the small town used to be a Mecca for all hunters. Fortunately, there was a rethink in the past, otherwise we would no longer have the opportunity to observe the magnificent green sea turtles laying their eggs or the turtle hatchlings. The large sea turtles come to Costa Rica from July to October to bury their eggs on the beach. After about 6 weeks, the little baby turtles hatch and make their way back to the sea. Park rangers guard the beach sections so that the turtles can come ashore undisturbed. From 6 p.m. the stand is closed to visitors. Late evening guided turtle watching tours are available at this time. To protect the animals, there are rules that must be observed; dark clothing and no flash photography are the most important. It really is a wonder of nature and watching it is an unforgettable experience.

The small town of Tortuguero lies in the middle of a narrow promontory surrounded by the Canal Tortuguero and the Atlantic. If you want to visit the beautiful natural paradise you can only do it by boat or small propeller plane. The mangrove area offers a completely different nature experience than other national parks. Here you explore the landscape by boat as you weave through small canals and observe animals up close in their natural habitat. Native animals are mainly waterfowl, reptiles such as the caiman or the basilisk, mammals such as the sloth and monkey and sometimes the rare manatee. Guided kayak tours in the Tortuguero National Park are offered on site. You paddle noiselessly through the small canals of the damp rain forest. A kayak tour in the morning hours is a special way to experience the awakening of the forest with its animal inhabitants up close.

The Arenal is a dormant stratovolcano. For many centuries it was considered dormant and did not erupt. In July 1968, the volcano awoke from its long slumber and a sudden eruption produced unexpected lava flows that devastated the volcano’s western flank. Since this date, the volcano was regularly very active with daily small eruptions until October 2010. It has been dormant for several years now, but it is not yet extinct.

The volcanic cone rises 1,633 meters above sea level and casts an almost flawless silhouette on the land. On a clear day, the volcano offers an impressive backdrop for photos and videos. With an area of approximately 12,000 hectares, the national park is one of Costa Rica’s smaller parks. The surrounding vegetation was destroyed by the eruption in 1968 and a completely different fauna has developed to this day. If you decide to see this magnificent volcano check out our top 10 things to do in La Fortuna for more ideas and insider tips.

Poás Volcano is one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the country and has incredible scenic beauty. Different types of biotopes are found here: the “Bosque Achaparrado” (which means that all vegetation is very small), the Arrayanes grasslands and cloud forests.

In this habitat one finds epiphytes which are plants that grow on top of other plants such as mosses, ferns, bromeliads and orchids. The Poás main crater is 1.5 km in diameter and 300 m deep and has a 350 m diameter lagoon filled with hot water. The second, already extinct crater is the Botos Lagoon. Poás is a very active volcano with regular eruptions including in 1910 when ash clouds were ejected up to 8,000 m. The volcano is one of the most important natural attractions for national and international tourism.