It is safe to say that Costa Rica is home to an abundance of natural treasures, with over 25% of the country’s land allocated to national parks and reserves that safeguard and conserve its vast variety of magnificent ecosystems. Sustainable ecotourism and Costa Rica’s excellent conservation initiatives have earned the country international acclaim.
Those fortunate enough to visit this natural paradise will be awestruck time and time again by its stunning variety of landscapes, which include idyllic beaches, steaming jungles, and a succession of towering volcanoes.
The country in Central America is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts because of its natural splendor and its relaxed charm and tranquil atmosphere. Prepare to be awestruck: here are descriptions of Costa Rica’s top national parks.
10. Carara National Park
Carara is a wild and rainy national park, covered in deep rainforest, so be prepared for hot and sticky weather. There are over 400 distinct bird species that call this area home, and as they flutter from tree to tree, their chirps and melodies can be heard all around you. As a result, strolling around the quiet alleyways of Caraca is a treat because of the dazzling visual and aural display that greets you at every turn.
Everything about this national park is attractive, from the lush rainforest and abundant birds to the playful sloths and monkeys that dangle from the trees. The Tarcoles River, which winds through the park, is also home to a large population of crocodiles, many of which may be seen lazing around on its banks.
Discovering ancient ruins going back almost two millennia as you emerge from the jungle is just one more reason to visit this incredible park. There are so many great things to see in Caraca National Park that you’ll always remember it fondly.
9. Cahuita National Park
Cahuita, a region on the country’s eastern coast, is home to a variety of ecosystems but is most recognized for its stunning beaches and pure blue seas. Unspoiled and untamed, the jungle pours out onto the beach, where iguanas sun themselves and monkeys scamper through the trees.
A variety of beautiful coral reefs can be found just offshore, making for a fantastic snorkeling experience thanks to the vivid underwater hues. Fish schools swim with the waves and scatter when they see a predator, while sea turtles chomp on coral. This stunning underwater show is reason enough to visit Cahuita National Park.
8. Irazu Volcano National Park
The park’s namesake volcano, Irazu, is the primary reason people come here. The still-active volcano rises 3,432 meters above its surroundings, providing breathtaking views from the peak. Above the clouds, azure skies extend into infinity, while a sea of white lies far below.
When the sky is clear, the views are even better because you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Walking around its lunar terrain and seeing the unusual green lake in its crater will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Irazu Volcano National Park is a beautiful spot to come and enjoy a natural wonder.
7. Piedras Blancas National Park
The park, which is situated in the country’s far southwest, is home to a number of beautiful beaches and an unspoiled rainforest. The low mountains are covered in a thick forest, and they gradually descend to the sandy coasts that eventually meet the ocean.
The region is rich in flora and wildlife, making it an ideal site for tourists to take in the sights. Because of their nocturnal lifestyle, big cats like jaguars and pumas are seldom seen in the wild, but they and the other over one hundred animal species live out their days hidden from view among the vegetation. The breathtaking terrain is what really sets Piedras Blancas apart, and it is as wild and untamed as it has always been.
6. Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park
As you may have guessed, Costa Rica is dotted with both live and dead volcanoes, as well as a few that have long since gone extinct. All three of them are stunning, but the main one is the reason the park has that name.
The Rincon de la Vieja, the park’s centerpiece due to its domineering height and imposing presence, stands head and shoulders over the rest of the park’s features. There are trails that weave and snake their way up the steep slopes of the volcano, and at more than 1,900 meters in height, the views from the peak are spectacular.
As you walk along the paths, you’ll see solidified lava fields, hot springs, and waterfalls, all of which add to the beauty of this volcanic landscape. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tapirs, pumas, and jaguars.
5. Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal Volcano, the country’s most active, may be found in this park, thus the name. The terrain underneath the crater is desolate and lifeless because of the repeated eruptions in the past that left lava fields scorched and scarred.
To the contrary, the rich nutrients released by the eruptions have helped produce a stunning mosaic of hues across the diverse flora and fauna that can be found further down. Therefore, it is a great place to go trekking, and with approximately 850 kinds of birds in the region, it is also a great place to go birdwatching.
Ascending the volcano’s slopes rewards visitors with an ever-improving panorama, highlighted by Lake Arenal’s iridescence in the sunshine. Amazing beyond words.
4. Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, and its isolation has allowed it to preserve its natural beauty for generations. Surprisingly, this remarkably varied region is home to eleven distinct ecosystems.
The landscape transforms before your eyes, moving from one environment to another as you pass through mangrove forests, wetlands, rainforests, and lagoons.
Due to its tropical location, Tortuguero has a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The spectacular environment on display is really breathtaking, with trees and plants springing out at you from every direction. Manatees, crocodiles, and sea turtles are just some of the animals that may be spotted swimming blissfully just off its shores.
Visitors may get up close and personal with monkeys, toucans, and other rainforest inhabitants as they explore the many trails and roads that wind through the jungle. You won’t find such a variety of ecosystems anywhere else in Costa Rica, making a visit to Tortuguero National Park an unforgettable experience.
3. Corcovado National Park
Because of its isolation, Corcovado’s ecosystems have been well protected, and the park has been designated by National Geographic as the site with the highest concentration of plant and animal species in the world.
The sheer quantity of amazing attractions and fun things to do guarantees that tourists will never be at a loss for things to do. Corcovado will always be remembered fondly by those who have explored it by canoe along its waterways, gone snorkeling or scuba diving to marvel at the wonders of the deep, or just hiked its trails in search of tapirs or spider monkeys.
2. Poas Volcano National Park
Despite plans to reopen the park soon, it is now closed because of the volcano’s recent eruptions and seismic activity. Poas Volcano National Park, formerly the most visited park in the nation, is very remarkable and deserves its fame.
The Botos Crater in the park is home to a very gorgeous turquoise lake. When you’re up high enough, the shimmer of the lake shines brightly through the fog, creating a breathtaking scene. As it reopens to the public, Poas Volcano National Park will once again be the most visited park in the country as a hike through the volcanic zone is sure to leave visitors with unforgettable experiences.
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is a magical place, and it’s little wonder it’s been named one of the world’s most beautiful national parks several times. Visitors will fall in love with the park at first sight because of its picture-perfect beaches, lush jungle, and crystal-clear seas.
You won’t want to leave this oasis of calm and relaxation after you’ve had a dip in the clean waters and gazed at the breathtaking landscape along the coast.
Trails and pathways wind their way through the thick vegetation, revealing breathtaking views of the magnificent scenery on display. With good reason, Manuel Antonio is the most popular national park in the country.
