Costa Rica's National Parks

 Although it is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, Manuel Antonio is also one of the most visited and best known. Established in 1972 after strong community advocacy, the park protects just under 2,000 hectares of land and an adjacent 25,000 hectares of marine area along the central Pacific coast near Quepos. Its small size makes it accessible, but also highlights the importance of careful management in balancing conservation with tourism.

Within a short distance, the park includes a remarkable range of ecosystems: lowland tropical rainforest, coastal beach vegetation, mangroves, lagoons, rocky headlands, and offshore islets with patches of coral reef and seagrass. The famous tombolo at Punta Catedral, a sand bridge linking two beaches, is a striking example of coastal geology in action.

Despite its compact area, Manuel Antonio is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife. Visitors are likely to see both species of sloth, three monkey species—including the endangered Central American squirrel monkey—along with iguanas, coatis, and numerous tropical birds. Less obvious but equally important are the park’s many bat species, which pollinate flowers, disperse seeds, and help control insect populations, especially in the transition zones between forest and coast. Offshore waters provide seasonal habitat for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, further adding to the park’s richness.

The park plays an important conservation role by protecting one of the last viable populations of squirrel monkeys in Costa Rica’s central Pacific and by maintaining habitat corridors for migratory and resident bird species. At the same time, heavy visitor use brings challenges such as habitat disturbance, waste management, and wildlife becoming accustomed to human food. Regulations such as banning plastic bottles, food, and aerosol sprays are aimed at reducing these pressures.

For visitors, Manuel Antonio offers short, well-marked trails that pass through rainforest and open onto some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Popular paths include the loop around Punta Catedral for coastal views and the Sloth Trail for reliable wildlife encounters. Accessibility improvements such as boardwalks near the entrance allow more people to experience the park, though conditions can still be hot and humid. With advance planning and respect for park rules, Manuel Antonio provides a concentrated introduction to Costa Rica’s extraordinary natural heritage.

 Covering nearly 42,000 hectares on the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is the largest park in Costa Rica’s system and one of the most biologically rich areas on the planet. Created in 1975 to halt logging and gold mining, the park today safeguards about a third of the peninsula and anchors the wider Osa Conservation Area.

Corcovado contains thirteen major habitat types, including lowland tropical rainforest, montane cloud forest, freshwater swamps, mangroves, rivers, lagoons, and Pacific beaches. This ecological variety, combined with the peninsula’s isolation, has allowed extraordinary levels of biodiversity to persist. Corcovado is often described as the most biologically intense place on Earth.

Wildlife encounters are among the most impressive in Central America. All four of Costa Rica’s monkey species live here, along with healthy populations of jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and margays. Baird’s tapirs — like the one pictured here — are frequently sighted on forest trails and riverbanks. Other species include giant anteaters, peccaries, and over 400 birds ranging from scarlet macaws to the rare harpy eagle. The park’s rivers and coasts also shelter crocodiles, bull sharks, and nesting sea turtles.

The conservation significance of Corcovado is immense. It protects one of the last large tracts of Pacific lowland rainforest in Central America and provides crucial habitat for wide-ranging species that require vast territories. Threats such as illegal gold mining, poaching, and the impacts of tourism remain ongoing challenges, but strict access regulations and integration with the larger Osa conservation network help sustain the park’s ecological integrity.

Visiting Corcovado requires preparation. Entry is only permitted with a licensed guide, and all visitors must pass through official ranger stations such as La Leona, San Pedrillo, Los Patos, or Sirena. Trails range from beach hikes to multi-day rainforest treks. Facilities are limited and rustic, with simple lodging available at Sirena Station. For travelers willing to make the effort, Corcovado offers a rare glimpse of Costa Rica as it once was: wild, remote, and teeming with life.

Arenal Volcano National Park, established in 1991, protects about 12,000 hectares surrounding one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes. Rising to 1,633 meters, Arenal is a stratovolcano that was dormant for centuries until a major eruption in 1968 transformed the landscape and local communities. For decades afterward, glowing lava flows made Arenal the country’s most famous natural spectacle. Although the volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010, it remains geologically active and closely monitored.

The park includes both young lava fields and older tropical forest, creating a dramatic contrast of black volcanic rock and lush green vegetation. Over time, pioneer plants such as ferns and grasses have colonized the lava slopes, gradually restoring soil and habitat. Trails lead visitors through secondary forest, across lava rock, and to scenic viewpoints of the volcano and Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake.

Biodiversity is rich in this transitional zone between lowland rainforest and cloud forest. More than 500 bird species have been recorded, including toucans, parrots, and the endangered great curassow. Mammals such as coatis, howler monkeys, and white-faced capuchins are common, while jaguars and tapirs roam the park’s more remote areas. The surrounding Arenal Conservation Area connects the park to Monteverde and other reserves, forming a critical biological corridor.

Conservation challenges include high visitation and development pressures from nearby La Fortuna, a bustling hub for tourism. Regulations help limit trail use, and interpretive programs highlight the park’s role in teaching about volcanic processes and ecological recovery.

For travelers, Arenal offers a blend of adventure and accessibility. Trails such as Las Coladas and El Ceibo provide views of old lava flows, while others lead into the rainforest canopy. The nearby town of La Fortuna offers hot springs, waterfalls, and extensive lodging, making Arenal one of Costa Rica’s most visited parks.

 Tortuguero National Park protects more than 77,000 hectares of beaches, rivers, lagoons, and rainforest along Costa Rica’s remote northern Caribbean coast. Created in 1975, it is accessible only by boat or small plane, which has helped preserve its wild character. The park’s network of canals and waterways is often compared to a tropical Venice, offering a unique perspective on lowland rainforest and wetland ecosystems.

The park is globally famous for its sea turtles. Green turtles return here in the tens of thousands to nest between July and October, making Tortuguero the most important nesting site for the species in the Western Hemisphere. Hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles also nest here, though in smaller numbers. Beyond turtles, Tortuguero’s habitats support over 400 bird species, manatees, river otters, caimans, and a variety of freshwater fish.

Ecologically, Tortuguero combines beach, rainforest, mangrove, and wetland ecosystems in one protected area. Its long beaches are shaped by Caribbean currents, while its freshwater canals and lagoons form crucial nurseries for fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The park is part of the Barra del Colorado Conservation Area, ensuring connectivity with other protected lands and waterways in the region.

Conservation at Tortuguero is tied to both local community engagement and international research. Decades of turtle monitoring have generated one of the longest-running wildlife data sets in the tropics, helping scientists understand population recovery and ongoing threats such as poaching, climate change, and plastic pollution. Strict regulations govern turtle watching: visitors may only observe nesting with licensed guides, and no lights, cameras, or physical contact are allowed.

For travelers, Tortuguero offers boat-based wildlife watching, guided canal tours, and short hikes through flat, humid rainforest trails. While facilities are limited compared to parks near urban centers, the village of Tortuguero provides lodging and eco-lodges, giving visitors the chance to experience both the park and its community.

Cahuita National Park, established in 1970 and expanded in 1978, protects both land and sea ecosystems along Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast. The park covers roughly 2,700 hectares of land and nearly 23,000 hectares of marine environment, making it one of the country’s most important coral reef reserves. Its beaches, reefs, and forests are closely tied to the traditions of the surrounding Afro-Caribbean community of Cahuita.

The park’s main feature is its offshore coral reef, one of the largest in Costa Rica. More than 35 species of coral have been documented, along with 120 species of fish, sea urchins, lobsters, and sponges. The reef provides critical habitat for marine life and protection for the coastline, though it is vulnerable to storms, sedimentation, and climate change. On land, the park includes coastal rainforest, mangroves, and beaches where howler monkeys, capuchins, raccoons, and iguanas are frequently seen. Birdwatchers can spot toucans, herons, and migratory shorebirds along the trails and lagoons.

Cahuita’s beaches are also important for sea turtles, with leatherback, hawksbill, and green turtles occasionally nesting here. Conservation efforts are closely connected to the local community, which co-manages the park with the government under an innovative agreement that allows entrance by donation. This partnership ensures that tourism benefits local families while reinforcing stewardship of the park’s resources.

For visitors, Cahuita is one of the most accessible parks in the country, located just a short distance from Puerto Limón and the southern Caribbean towns. A flat coastal trail runs parallel to the beach, making wildlife viewing and swimming possible in a single visit. Snorkeling tours, guided by local residents, provide access to the coral reef when sea conditions allow.

  Santa Rosa National Park, established in 1971 as Costa Rica’s first national park, protects over 38,000 hectares of dry tropical forest, savanna, mangroves, and coastline at the northwestern tip of Guanacaste. It was created both for its ecological importance and its cultural heritage, as the site of the 1856 Battle of Santa Rosa, when Costa Ricans defeated an invading filibuster army led by William Walker. The restored hacienda where the battle took place is preserved within the park as a national monument.

Ecologically, Santa Rosa is one of the best remaining examples of Central America’s tropical dry forest, a biome that has been reduced to a fraction of its original extent. During the rainy season, the forest turns lush and green, while in the dry months (December–April) many trees shed their leaves, leaving a striking, stark landscape adapted to seasonal drought. This cycle supports a unique set of plants and animals, including rosewood trees, cacti, and bromeliads.

Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, collared peccaries, armadillos, and coyotes, as well as monkeys, iguanas, and a wide variety of birds such as trogons, motmots, and parrots. The park’s beaches are also biologically significant: Playa Nancite is a major nesting site for olive ridley turtles, famous for its mass arribadas, while Playa Naranjo is renowned for its challenging surf and pristine coastline.

Conservation at Santa Rosa focuses on protecting and restoring tropical dry forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the tropics. Fires, both natural and human-caused, are a frequent challenge, as are pressures from ranching and agriculture outside park boundaries. Nevertheless, Santa Rosa remains a cornerstone of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, which connects forests from the Pacific coast to the highlands of the Cordillera de Guanacaste.

For visitors, Santa Rosa offers a mix of history and ecology. Trails lead through dry forest to wildlife observation points, while the historic hacienda and battle site provide cultural context. The beaches, though remote and with limited facilities, are ideal for experienced surfers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a less crowded park experience.

 Carara National Park lies at a biological crossroads on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, where dry tropical forest from the north meets humid rainforest from the south. Covering about 5,200 hectares, the park was first established as a biological reserve in 1978 and later upgraded to national park status in 1998. Its location just inland from the Tarcoles River and highway makes it one of the most accessible birding and wildlife destinations in the country.

The park’s mosaic of habitats includes river floodplains, wetlands, secondary and primary rainforest, and transitional dry forest. This diversity attracts an equally diverse range of wildlife. Carara is especially famous for its scarlet macaws, which nest in the area’s coastal almond trees and can be seen flying overhead in pairs or flocks. More than 430 bird species have been recorded here, making it a premier birdwatching destination.

Mammals such as white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, and agoutis are common, while the Tarcoles River at the park boundary is renowned for its population of large American crocodiles. Amphibians and reptiles are abundant, including poison dart frogs, basilisks, and iguanas.

Conservation significance lies in Carara’s role as a biological corridor between northern dry forests and southern rainforests. It also serves as a stronghold for scarlet macaws, whose populations were once severely threatened by habitat loss and poaching. While conservation efforts have allowed macaws to recover here, pressures remain from development, road traffic, and habitat fragmentation.

For visitors, Carara offers several well-maintained trails, including a universally accessible boardwalk that makes wildlife viewing possible for visitors with limited mobility. The park is compact but rich, allowing travelers to experience rainforest wildlife without venturing deep into remote areas. Its proximity to San José and the Pacific coast makes it a popular stop for both day trips and extended nature tours.

 Created in 1989, Marino Ballena National Park was Costa Rica’s first marine park, protecting both coastal and oceanic ecosystems along the South Pacific coast near Uvita. The park covers about 5,400 hectares of marine environment and 171 hectares of land, encompassing beaches, mangroves, rocky reefs, and offshore islands.

The park is most famous for its naturally formed sandbar shaped like a whale’s tail, visible at low tide. This coincidence is fitting: Marino Ballena is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, which migrate here from both hemispheres. Northern populations arrive from December to April, while southern whales visit from July to October, making sightings possible for much of the year.

Marine biodiversity is rich and varied. The park’s coral and rocky reefs host parrotfish, angelfish, sea turtles, dolphins, and rays. Mangrove estuaries shelter juvenile fish and birds, while offshore islets provide habitat for seabirds. On land, long sandy beaches such as Playa Uvita and Playa Ballena are important nesting areas for hawksbill, olive ridley and the occasional green sea turtle.

Conservation significance extends beyond charismatic whales. Marino Ballena helps protect Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems from overfishing, development, and pollution. The park is part of the larger Marino Costero Conservation Area, which connects terrestrial and marine habitats. Regulations limit boat tours, fishing, and visitor activities to reduce human impact.

For visitors, the park offers beach walks, snorkeling, kayaking, and seasonal whale-watching tours. At low tide, travelers can walk out along the Whale Tail, though tides must be checked carefully. The nearby town of Uvita has grown as a gateway to the park, offering lodging, tours, and the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival celebrating the migrations.

 Palo Verde National Park, established in 1978, protects more than 16,800 hectares of wetlands, seasonally flooded plains, dry tropical forest, and limestone ridges in the lower Tempisque River basin of Guanacaste. The park is part of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, recognized internationally for its importance to migratory waterbirds.

The park’s wetlands are fed by the Tempisque River, which floods during the rainy season (May–November) and recedes in the dry season (December–April). This seasonal cycle creates a shifting mosaic of lagoons, marshes, and mudflats that attract tens of thousands of birds. More than 300 bird species have been recorded here, including black-bellied whistling-ducks, roseate spoonbills, great egrets, and the endangered jabiru stork, the tallest flying bird in Central America.

Beyond birds, Palo Verde shelters white-tailed deer, peccaries, armadillos, and coatis, while crocodiles and iguanas bask along the waterways. The dry forest sections of the park contain giant cacti and hardwoods such as guanacaste and rosewood. During the dry season, trees shed their leaves, creating open landscapes where mammals are easier to spot.

Conservation at Palo Verde faces unique challenges. The park lies within a heavily used agricultural region, and its wetlands are sensitive to upstream water diversion and pollution. Invasive cattails (Typha) have also altered wetland habitats, requiring active management. Nevertheless, Palo Verde remains one of the most important birding sites in Mesoamerica, a living laboratory for understanding wetland ecology, and a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s efforts to conserve tropical dry forest and freshwater ecosystems together.

For visitors, Palo Verde is best known for boat tours along the Tempisque River, where large concentrations of crocodiles, monkeys, and waterbirds can be seen at close range. The park also offers trails through dry forest and wetlands, though facilities are basic compared to other national parks. Its combination of bird diversity and dramatic seasonal changes makes it a favorite destination for naturalists and wildlife photographers.

  La Amistad International Park, created in 1982 and jointly managed by Costa Rica and Panama, is the largest protected area in Central America. The park covers more than 400,000 hectares, with about half in each country, and forms the core of the Talamanca Mountain Range. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Amistad is celebrated for its cultural and biological significance.

The park’s ecosystems span from lowland tropical forest to high-elevation páramo above 3,000 meters. These dramatic elevation gradients produce exceptional biodiversity, including cloud forests, oak forests, and alpine grasslands unique to Central America. More than 500 bird species, 200 mammal species, and countless amphibians and plants have been documented, with many found nowhere else. Notable species include resplendent quetzals, harpy eagles, Baird’s tapirs, and elusive jaguars and pumas.

La Amistad is also home to Indigenous communities such as the Bribri, Cabécar, and Ngäbe, whose traditional territories overlap with the park. Their cultural presence adds to its significance, making La Amistad not only a natural reserve but also a living cultural landscape.

Conservation challenges include illegal hunting, land encroachment, and the difficulty of monitoring such a vast and rugged park. Yet its size and binational status provide a unique opportunity for large-scale conservation. La Amistad connects with other protected areas in both countries, forming one of the most extensive continuous tracts of forest in Central America.

For visitors, La Amistad is less developed than many other Costa Rican parks, offering a wilderness experience rather than traditional tourist facilities. Access is through remote ranger stations such as Altamira and Santa María in Costa Rica, with trails suited for serious hikers, researchers, and those seeking solitude. Its remoteness ensures that La Amistad remains one of the wildest corners of Costa Rica.

 Isla del Coco National Park protects Costa Rica’s most remote and mysterious landscape — a volcanic island lying 550 kilometers off the Pacific coast. Declared a national park in 1978 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the park includes both the island (24 km²) and nearly 2,000 km² of surrounding marine waters. Its isolation has earned it comparisons to the Galápagos Islands for its rich endemism and intact ecosystems.

The island itself is covered in dense rainforest fed by constant rain, with hundreds of rivers and streams that cascade into waterfalls along the coast. Endemic plants and birds, such as the Cocos cuckoo and Cocos finch, are found nowhere else. The humid forest, steep ridges, and rugged coastline make Isla del Coco one of the wildest places in Costa Rica.

Marine biodiversity is what makes Isla del Coco world-famous. Its nutrient-rich waters attract massive schools of hammerhead sharks, white-tip reef sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. The surrounding reefs are critical for pelagic fish and migratory species, making the park a global hotspot for marine conservation.

Conservation challenges include illegal fishing and shark finning in the vast surrounding waters. Costa Rica’s government, supported by international partners, patrols the park to curb these threats, but enforcement across such a large marine area remains difficult. UNESCO has listed Isla del Coco as a site requiring ongoing vigilance to preserve its outstanding value.

Visiting Isla del Coco is limited and specialized. There are no permanent accommodations, only a ranger station. Access is possible only by liveaboard dive boats, with trips lasting over a week from Puntarenas. For divers, it offers some of the most spectacular underwater experiences on Earth, while the island’s rugged beauty and waterfalls inspire awe in those who reach its shores.

 Irazú Volcano National Park, established in 1955, protects 5,705 hectares surrounding Costa Rica’s highest active volcano. At 3,432 meters above sea level, Irazú dominates the Central Highlands east of San José. Its name comes from the Indigenous word “Iztarú,” meaning “thunder and earthquake mountain.” The volcano has erupted frequently throughout recorded history, with its most famous eruption occurring in 1963, when ash blanketed San José for nearly two years.

The park’s landscapes are shaped by volcanic activity, featuring craters, cinder cones, and ash fields. The principal crater, nearly one kilometer wide and 300 meters deep, sometimes holds a striking green or turquoise lake, though its water levels fluctuate with rainfall and seismic activity. Surrounding the summit, páramo-like vegetation of hardy shrubs and grasses dominates, while lower slopes host cloud forest with oaks, bromeliads, and orchids.

Wildlife at this high elevation includes species adapted to cooler climates, such as volcano juncos, sooty robins, coyotes, rabbits, and armadillos. Migratory birds also pass through the park, using it as a stopover in their long journeys across the Americas. On clear days, the summit offers sweeping views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts — a reminder of the volcano’s central position in the country’s geography.

Conservation importance lies in Irazú’s role as both a geological landmark and a water source. Its slopes feed rivers that supply Cartago Province, and forest restoration projects aim to protect these watersheds. Heavy visitation poses challenges, with thousands of visitors arriving during peak weekends, but the park’s infrastructure — paved access road, ranger stations, and defined trails — helps manage tourism impact.

For travelers, Irazú is one of the most accessible volcanoes in Costa Rica, with roads leading almost to the summit. Its high altitude means temperatures are cool, often dropping to near freezing at dawn, and weather can shift rapidly between sunshine and dense fog.