Costa Rica’s National Parks are home to an astounding variety of plants and animals, holding roughly 5% of the world's known species within its borders. This incredible biodiversity, fueled by diverse ecosystems, positions Costa Rica as a global leader in conservation efforts, dedicating over a quarter of its land to national parks and protected areas.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Located to the north of San Jose, Arenal Volcano presents a tropical paradise complete with soothing hot springs, dense rainforests, and the awe-inspiring presence of the towering volcano that defines the region.
Ballena Marine National Park
Named after the humpback whales that migrate here, it's a prime spot for whale watching. The park also features coral reefs and the famous Whale Tail sandbar formation.
Barbilla National Park
A remote park preserving primary rainforest, it's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park is part of the Talamanca Range, home to indigenous communities.
Barra Honda National Park
Known for its extensive limestone caverns, some of which are open for guided tours. The park also offers hiking trails with panoramic views and rich biodiversity.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Located near San José, this park encompasses a vast area of cloud forest and rainforest. The park is traversed by the Zurquí River and features diverse flora and fauna.
Cahuita National Park
Situated on the Caribbean coast, it's renowned for its coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Visitors can snorkel among vibrant marine life and explore coastal trails.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
A vital wetland area, it's a sanctuary for migratory birds and aquatic species. Boat tours offer opportunities to see caimans, turtles, and various bird species.
Carara National Park
Located in a transition zone between dry and humid forests, Carara is famous for its bird diversity, including scarlet macaws. The park has accessible trails suitable for all visitors.
Chirripó National Park
Home to Cerro Chirripó, the highest peak in Costa Rica, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views. The park's diverse ecosystems range from cloud forests to páramo.
Cocos Island National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remote island is a hotspot for scuba diving, with abundant marine life like hammerhead sharks. Access is limited to live-aboard boats.
Corcovado National Park
Often described as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, it's home to jaguars, tapirs, and all four Costa Rican monkey species. The park's dense rainforest is ideal for adventurous hikers.
Diriá National Park
Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, it protects tropical dry forests and important water sources. The park offers trails with scenic views and opportunities to see howler monkeys and birds.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Encompasses coastal rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs, supporting species like manatees and sea turtles.
Guanacaste National Park
Connects dry forests to rainforests, facilitating wildlife migration and protecting volcanoes like Orosi and Cacao.
Guayabo National Monument
An archaeological site preserving pre-Columbian structures, aqueducts, and petroglyphs.
Irazú Volcano National Park
Features Costa Rica's highest active volcano, with a crater lake and panoramic views reaching both coasts on clear days.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Known as the "Water Park" for its numerous rivers and waterfalls, nestled among cloud forests.
La Amistad International Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site shared with Panama, it's one of Central America's largest protected areas.
La Cangreja National Park
Offers lush forests, waterfalls, and a rich diversity of plant species, including many endemics.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
A critical nesting site for leatherback sea turtles, with protected beaches and mangrove estuaries.
Los Quetzales National Park
Named after the resplendent quetzal, this highland park features cloud forests and diverse birdlife.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This is the quintessential Costa Rica natural paradise where the beach seamlessly meets the rainforest, offering encounters with boisterous monkeys, adorable sloths, and exotic tropical birds.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
As one of Costa Rica's original eco-tourism hotspots, Monteverde cloud forest offers enchanting cloud forest walks, exhilarating canopy ziplines, immersive visits to local farms, and the chance to stay in eco-friendly lodges.
Palo Verde National Park
This park is popular among birdwatchers, especially during the dry season when migratory birds congregate in large numbers.
Piedras Blancas National Park
Protects lowland rainforests and coastal ecosystems, supporting a variety of wildlife.
Poas Volcano National Park
Another accessible volcano park near San Jose, Poas is known for its active crater and stunning vistas.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Offers volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna across its trails.
Santa Rosa National Park
Preserves historical sites and dry forests, important for both cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte National Park
Encompasses cloud forests and rivers, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Home to the stunning Rio Celeste, known for its striking blue waters and surrounding rainforest.
Tortuguero National Park
Nestled on Costa Rica's lesser-visited Caribbean coast, Tortuguero, meaning "sea turtle breeding spot" in Spanish, provides a unique opportunity to see several species of sea turtles in their natural environment.
