Carara National Park
Lush rainforest park teeming with wildlife, famous for scarlet macaws and diverse species. Essential stop for nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Carara National Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lush rainforest park teeming with wildlife, famous for scarlet macaws and diverse species. Essential stop for nature lovers.
"Hiiiighly recommend hiring a guide; we wouldn't have seen anything without them!"
Hire a Local Guide
Guides are invaluable for spotting camouflaged wildlife and offer incredible close-up photos.
Bug Spray is a Must
Don't forget repellent! Bugs can be intense, and the park doesn't sell it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scarlet Macaws
Canopy
Witness the vibrant scarlet macaws in their natural habitat, a truly breathtaking sight.
Wildlife Encounters
Trails
Spot monkeys, poisonous frogs, snakes, and a variety of tropical birds on well-maintained trails.
Croc Bridge
Near park entrance
Observe American crocodiles basking in the sun near the Tárcoles River bridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Essential Gear for Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What's there to see at Carara National Park? Should we go somewhere else between Monteverde and Manuel Antonio?
Hire a Local Guide
Guides are invaluable for spotting camouflaged wildlife and offer incredible close-up photos. +1
Bug Spray is a Must
Don't forget repellent! Bugs can be intense, and the park doesn't sell it.
Leaving luggage in car - Carara Park/Croc Bridge and Nayaguaca Waterfalls
Best birding near Jaco?
Wear Waterproof Footwear
Trails can get muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are ideal.
Consider a Taxi to Croc Bridge
The 2km walk to the bridge can be long and busy with traffic; a taxi is recommended.
Seeking advice on our CR travel itinerary!
Tips
from all over the internet
Hire a Local Guide
Guides are invaluable for spotting camouflaged wildlife and offer incredible close-up photos. +1
Bug Spray is a Must
Don't forget repellent! Bugs can be intense, and the park doesn't sell it.
Wear Waterproof Footwear
Trails can get muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof shoes are ideal.
Consider a Taxi to Croc Bridge
The 2km walk to the bridge can be long and busy with traffic; a taxi is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Carara National Park's incredible biodiversity, especially the chance to see scarlet macaws and other wildlife. Many highlight the essential role of local guides in spotting hidden creatures and enhancing the overall experience. While the park is beautiful, some find the walk to the Croc Bridge lengthy and note the prevalence of biting insects.
"Get your ticket online. The entrance was no line at 10am. The trail was reasy to follow. It started raining during my walk. The frogs and snakes started moving. It was really dark in the dense parts so prepare for that. There was biting horse flies but the are easily neutralized. Mosquitoes weren't an issue for me even with my shirt off during the heavy rain. Overall great trail ill have to return to experience it on a sunny day. I walked up to the croc bridge. Its 2 kilometers and felt a bit far esp with 18 wheelers flying by. I'd recommend a taxi for most. But its a neat spot with food and crocs and macaws flying around. Check it out for sure."
Cyrus Bueche
"Amazing park!! We saw white faced monkeys, tons of macaws, poisonous frogs, a bat, a tarantula, eyelash viper, parrots and other tropical birds, etc. etc. Hiiiighly recommend hiring a guide when you get to the park (cash only, we paid $35 pp) - we wouldn't have seen/noticed anything but maybe the macaws & frogs without the help of our amazing guide Andre! And they will get up close shots with their scopes for some incredible photos."
Courtney Parry
"We came as soon as they opened but unfortunately didn't stay more than 40min because we forgot to bring our bug spray. It's a must for this park we were immediately surrounded by hundreds of bugs. They don't sell any at the park so make sure you bring your own. We bought our tickets online for 10$. There were guides at the entrance of the park which would be smart to get one they are able to spot the animals and insects a lot easier than most people. I believe they charge 25$ per person for around 3 hours. We'll be back prepared for the next hike"
Maurice Simpson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carara National Park is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from San Jose. You can rent a car or take a bus. Many visitors stop here en route to Quepos or Jaco.
Yes, Carara National Park is conveniently located near Jaco, making it a popular day trip destination. The drive is approximately 30-45 minutes.
Absolutely! Carara National Park is a common stop for travelers heading from San Jose to Quepos, offering a great wildlife experience along the way.
You can drive yourself, hire a taxi, or join an organized tour. Public buses are also an option, though they may require transfers.
There are concerns about car break-ins. It's advisable to avoid leaving valuables visible or consider using secure storage if available, or travel with a guide who can assist.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around $10 USD per person. It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official SINAC website or at the park entrance. Booking online is highly recommended to avoid lines.
Carara National Park is generally open daily from around 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most current hours.
While not mandatory, hiring a local guide is highly recommended to enhance your wildlife viewing experience. Guides cost around $35 per person. +1
You can often purchase tickets at the entrance, but booking online is strongly advised to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Carara National Park is famous for its scarlet macaws, white-faced monkeys, poisonous frogs, eyelash vipers, parrots, and various other tropical birds and insects. +1
Yes, the trails are generally well-maintained and easy to follow, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. +1
Wear comfortable, light clothing. Bring a rain jacket, sturdy waterproof footwear, and don't forget insect repellent. +1
Yes, there is a visitor center where you can get information, maps, and often arrange for guides.
Absolutely! Download the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify the numerous bird species you'll encounter. Binoculars are also very useful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no formal restaurants within the park itself. However, you can find food options near the park entrance and at the Croc Bridge area.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and water. Pack out everything you pack in to keep the park clean.
Expect typical Costa Rican 'sodas' (small local eateries) offering traditional dishes like casado, rice, beans, and plantains.
📸 📸 Photography
The trails offer great opportunities for wildlife shots, especially with a guide who can get you close. The Croc Bridge also provides unique photo ops.
Yes, guides often use spotting scopes to get incredible close-up shots of wildlife, which they can help you capture with your camera or phone.
In dense forest areas, it can get quite dark, especially under the canopy. A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be helpful.
A telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the lush rainforest. A rain cover for your gear is essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of bug spray and waterproof gear, as sudden rain showers and insects are common. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as food options within the park are limited. A visit to the Croc Bridge is also a thrilling addition for kids, offering a chance to see large crocodiles up close.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
To maximize your experience, hire a local guide who can help you spot and identify a vast array of species. Bring binoculars and consider using a bird identification app like Merlin. The well-maintained trails allow for extensive exploration, and the chance to see poisonous frogs, snakes, and monkeys adds to the allure.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for varying light conditions; the dense rainforest can be dark, so a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod might be beneficial. A telephoto lens is essential for wildlife, and a rain cover for your equipment is a wise precaution. The Croc Bridge also offers unique photographic opportunities of large reptiles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Guided Tours
Guides typically charge around $35 per person for a few hours. This investment significantly enhances the chances of seeing iconic species like scarlet macaws and white-faced monkeys, turning a pleasant walk into an unforgettable wildlife safari. Their knowledge extends beyond just animals, often including insights into the park's flora and the delicate ecosystem.
Remember that guides often prefer cash payments, so be sure to have some local currency on hand. Booking a guide at the park entrance is straightforward, and they are eager to share the wonders of Carara with visitors.
Navigating Carara's Trails and Weather
Beyond the rain, be prepared for biting insects, particularly horse flies. While mosquitoes might not be a major issue for everyone, bringing a good quality insect repellent is crucial. The park does not sell bug spray, so ensure you pack it before you arrive.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Mornings are often cooler and less humid, and wildlife can be more active. If it starts raining, don't be discouraged; this is often when frogs and snakes become more visible.
The Iconic Croc Bridge Experience
While the bridge itself is accessible, the walk from the park entrance to the bridge is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) each way. This walk can feel quite long, especially with heavy traffic from large trucks and buses that frequently pass by. Many visitors find this stretch tiring and recommend taking a taxi to the bridge to save energy and time, allowing more focus on enjoying the crocs and the surrounding area.
There are usually food vendors and small shops near the Croc Bridge, offering snacks and local refreshments. It's a lively area and a unique Costa Rican experience that complements a visit to the national park itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit