Regions of Costa Rica

Important! For some national parks, the entrance tickets have to be bought online, by phone or by e-mail. In this link: www.aratours.com/en/media-files, you will find detailed information for which parks the tickets can be purchased and how.

Central Region

In the Central Valley, you will find a wide range of cultural and tourist attractions. This includes Costa Rica’s best museums such as the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, National Museum, Costa Rican Art Museum, La Salle Natural Sciences Museum, Insect Museum of the University of Costa Rica, Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. Furthermore, you will find the architectural jewel of the country, the National Theatre, as well as the attractive Melico Salazar Theatre. All this you can see in the capital of San José. Visitors to the national parks around the Central Valley - Poás, Braulio Carrillo, Irazú, and Turrialba - can enjoy bird life, landscapes, craters, and the jungle. San José is the political and economic centre, but also the provincial capitals - Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago - provide a wide range of commercial and tourist services.
Please be advised that during holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Day and special events such as parades or carnivals in downtown San Jose, the museums are closed.

San José
Costa Rica’s capital is located in the area of a high valley in the country’s centre, at about 1'100 m.a.s.l. (3'600 FAMSL). This high valley is called “Valle Central”. The capital is surrounded by a volcanic chain in the north and by a mighty, over 3'000 meters (9'800 ft) high mountain range in the south. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil in the Central Valley, coffee, fruits, vegetables, and sugar cane grow. The population of San José is 1.7 million (2023).

Gold Museum
The Gold Museum is situated below the Plaza de la Cultura (behind the National Theater) and contains an impressive collection of pre-Columbian golden works of art, ceramic works, and stone masonry which will give you a good insight into the history and culture of Costa Rica’s indigenous people.

Jade Museum
The Museo del Jade y Arte Precolombino is located in the Plaza de la Democracia in the centre of San José and also displays, beside pre-Columbian jade works, works of art made from stone and ceramic of this era. There are 7'000 exhibits that are shown in modern exhibit spaces.

National Museum
The National Museum, which is situated in the formerly military garrison Buena Vista in the Plaza de la Democracia, will surely provide the most extensive collection of artefacts and information about the past to contemporary history of Costa Rica.

National Theater
The National Theater of San José, built in neoclassical style, is an architectural gem of the 19th century with an exquisite internal decor. It is located right opposite the cathedral at the Central Park. The entrance hall is already very impressive with a lot of Carrara marble, gold leaf, and ceiling paintings of Italian artists. From here you reach the adjacent elegant theatre café with excellent coffee, cakes, and dishes.

Braulio Carillo National Park
This national park is located just 20 km (12 mi) from San José on the National Street 32 which leads toward the province of Limón. It is one of the regions with the highest precipitations in the country, consisting of dense rainforest and misty mountain forest. The National Park Station Quebrada Gonzalez is located halfway through the park right on the street, and provides the possibility to explore the forests along 2 hiking trails
Entrance fee US$ 14 (2023)

Rainforest Cable Way
Next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, you can find Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic. This attraction resulted from a project of the US- American biologist Donald Perry, who was able to prove the enormous biodiversity inside the treetop region in these forests through his research in the 1970s and 1980s. The canopy tour, the cable way as well as nature trails with bird watching offer the possibility to observe the flora and fauna from different perspectives. Various packages with different prices are provided.
Location: Approximately 45 minutes from San José on the National Street 32 in the direction of Guápiles.

Poás Volcano National Park
The Poás Volcano National Park is located on the continental divide of the Central Highlands at 2'708 meters above sea level (8'880 feet above sea level) and has two craters. The main crater measures 1.36 km (0.8 mi) in diameter, and therefore it is one of the largest craters in the world. Its second crater, the Botos Lagoon, extinct for a thousand of years, is filled with a lake. You can easily reach both craters on well-kept paths. 
Entrance fee US$ 17 (2023), reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.

Cartago
This city is located about 25 km (16 mi) east of the capital, San José, at an elevation of about 1'435 m.a.s.l. (some 4'707 FAMSL), at the base of the Irazú Volcano. Cartago is the capital of Cartago province and was the colonial capital of the back then province Costa Rica from 1574 to 1823. It is the religious centre of the Catholic Church in Costa Rica. The Plaza Mayor in Cartago includes the Santiago Apostol Parish ruins, about seven blocks west from the basilica. Despite their beauty, they are not real ruins but an unfinished building, which was started in the last quarter of the 19th century. It was badly damaged by the disastrous Santa Monica earthquake (8.3 on the Richter scale) on the 4th of May 1910, just before the roof could be constructed. The building has been discontinued since then and is a national historical site today.

La Negrita
According to folklore in Costa Rica, a small statue in the shape of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus, made of black stone, was found by a mulatto girl on 2nd of August 1635 sitting on a rock at the natural spring where she used to get water every day and gather fire wood. The legend says that she brought the statue home several times, but it mysteriously reappeared at its original site. On the very same site, the catholic community of Cartago built a church in honour of the Virgin Mary, called Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles. The statue, which is commonly called “La Negrita” is kept in a safe in the basilica and is revered as the national sacred relic. In the basement of the church, the supposedly original rock with a replica of La Negrita is on display. Outside the church, the original spring spills its water from several tubes. Catholic believers come to the church in order to pray to the Virgin Mary, sprinkle some spring water on themselves and take some of it home. The water is considered holy and with healing powers. Every year on August 2, more than 100'000 pilgrims from Costa Rica and neighbouring countries gather at the church. The statue of La Negrita is displayed in the church then, and many sick come and pray in order to receive healing.

Irazú Volcano National Park
The Irazú Volcano with a height of 3'432 m.a.s.l. (11,260 FAMSL) is the highest volcano of the country and the most active stratovolcano in Costa Rica’s history. It lies on the continental divide, northeastern of the city of Cartago. The last volcanic activity of the 20th century was from 1963-1965. Since then, it has been in a resting phase, and it is possible to drive right up to the crater area in order to walk over a lunar-like landscape inside an old, huge crater. You can look at the Irazú crater with its 1'050 m (3'500 ft) in diameter and 300 m (1'000 ft) in depth, and the smaller De La Haya Crater next to it with 600 m (2'000 ft) in width and 200 m (650 ft) in depth. The slopes of the Irazú massif are very fertile, thanks to the volcanic soil, and are used for the cultivation of potatoes and different types of vegetables, up to a height of over 3'000 m (9'800 ft). The uniform climate provides harvests all over the year. Due to its location, it is recommended to visit the park early in the morning, as the panoramic view will disappear behind clouds around noon.
Location: The national park is well-marked and can be reached via the city of Cartago.
Entrance fee US$ 17, (2023), reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.

Turrialba Volcano National Park
Irazú Volcano’s direct neighbour has the impressive height of 3'325 m.a.s.l. (10'910 FAMSL) and is therefore the second-highest volcano in the central volcanic chain. After a resting phase of 143 years, it is active again with strong gas emissions and ash eruptions with varying intensity. After being closed for 8 years, Turrialba Volcano National Park has been reopened to the public in December 2020.
Entrance fee US$ 14 (2023), reservation via www.icetur.com/volc%C3%A1n-turrialba or e-mail info@icetur.com

Lankester Garden
This botanical garden was originally established as a private garden by Charles Lankester in order to conserve the local flora, especially orchids, bromeliads, and lilies. There are more than 800 orchid species to admire, but also an enormous diversity of tropical plants. You can walk through the spacious area along well-kept paths.
Location: Lankester Garden can be reached via the city of Cartago in the direction of Paraíso. Turn right approximately 500 m (550 yd) after the Plaza Paraíso shopping mall
Entrance fee US$ 12 (2023)

Orosí Valley
The landscape between the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes and the tropical rainforest is one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. In the village of Orosi you can admire the oldest still preserved monastery church of the country which was built by Franciscan friars in the year of 1743.

Tapantí National Park
The Tapantí National Park protects 58'300 hectares (472'600 acres) with 150 lakes, which are responsible for a large part of the metropolitan area’s water supply. The park is situated on altitudinal zones from 700 (2'300) to 3'400 m.a.s.l. (11'200 FAMSL) and includes a variety of climate and life zones. In some zones, the precipitation per year goes up to 7'000 mm. This region provides about 50% of the metropolitan area with tap water. 45 mammal species live here such as tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, pumas, coyotes, anteaters, white- nosed coatis, new world porcupines, and lowland pacas. There are about 260 bird species, including the quetzal, already admired by the Mayans. The quetzal ranks among the most beautiful birds in the world and lives in the high-altitude areas of this region. The national park can be reached via Orosi. Here, you can hike along a small part of the park and if you’re lucky you can see one of the shy representatives of the local fauna.
Reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.

“La Casa del Soñador”
The “House of the Dreamer” is made entirely of wood and bamboo and was the home and workshop of Macedonio Quesada, a local wood carver who died in 1995. Here you can buy various wooden artefacts from local carvers.
Location: Coming from Orosi, follow the road to Cachí. The “House of the Dreamer” is located approximately 5 km (3 mi) after the bridge which leads over the river of Palomo.

Guayabo National Monument
Guayabo, with its total area of 65 hectares (160 acres), is the most important archaeological site in Costa Rica. The first archaeological finds were made when coffee estates were planted up at the beginning of the 19th century, but only in the last third of the 19th century archaeological works and analyses were initiated. Between 1000 B.C. and 1400 A.D., approximately 2'000 to 10'000 indigenous people, who predominantly were part of the Chibcha culture of the Andes, lived in this region. However, there are finds that show influences of Mesoamerican cultures. The excavations exposed aqueducts, water basins, stone stairs, stone statues, and large, round stone platforms. Conical longhouses, constructed of wood and palm fronds, were up to 30 m (100 ft) in diameter and towered 20 m (65 ft) above these platforms which were made of stacked boulders. The finds show that the central settlements of Indian kings, high priests, and the related upper-class lived here. The surrounding settlements were connected with the centre. This is why it is believed that Guayabo was an important political, religious, and cultural centre.
When at the beginning of the 16th century the Spanish arrived in this region, the settlement was already abandoned for about 100 years. Reasons for the inhabitants’ disappearance could have been wars or disease epidemics.
Location: By driving from the city of Cartago on the National Street 230 to Santa Cruz de Turrialba, you will reach the well-marked street that leads to the monument on your left after approximately 10 km (6 mi)
Entrance fee to the well laid-out area is US$ 6 (2023).

Northern Plains

La Fortuna
This small but lively town is marked by the Arenal Volcano, whose perfect cone forms a picturesque backdrop only some 8 km (5 mi) away. In 1968, it broke out after 400 years of resting and attracted volcanologists from all over the world and later also many tourists. It is said to be one of the most active volcanoes of the world. On clear days, you can see the top of the youngest volcano (about 7000-8000 years) of Costa Rica. Since 2010, there has not been any volcanic eruptions, but a column of smoke is almost always visible. The most important attractions are hot springs, horseback trips, quad tours, hiking, bike tours, river trips (rafting), and canopy tours.

Arenal National Park
This national park includes the active Arenal Volcano which constantly produced lava until 2010. You can hike through vegetation that has regrown surprisingly quickly, to a field of cold lava, from which on clear days you can get a sweeping view of the smoking volcano and the nearby Arenal lake.
Location: Approximately 18 km (11 mi) north of the city of La Fortuna, at a small control house of the Fuerza Pública (police), you turn left into a gravel road. After about 1.5 km (1 mi), you will find the entrance on your left.
Entrance fee US$ 17 (2023)
 
Arenal Lake
At the foot of the volcano of the same name lies the 80 km² (30 mi²) reservoir, which was built in the 1970s by the state-owned electric company ICE. The lake’s water is used to generate power. Not only is the lake of a particularly natural beauty, its water is used to produce 40% of the country’s electricity. Among the activities to do here are fishing, kayaking, motor boating, and, on the windy northwestern end of the lake, sailboarding and kitesurfing. A picturesque road leads from La Fortuna around the lake toward Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán. From Tilarán, you can get to the mountain region of Monteverde or to the hot lowlands of the Guanacaste plains.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
This wetland, designated as a protected area, provides an important habitat for water birds. Water surfaces, created by seasonal flooding, become home for cattle egrets, snowy egrets, great egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, and cormorants. Boat trips are offered to explore the bird life. On the way, you can see mantled howlers, white-headed capuchin monkeys, iguanas, turtles, caimans, and crocodiles. Many species of fish live in the waters. The ethnic alligator gar, a bony fish, is a relict of the past. A living fossil. Boat trips on the Río Frío are offered in Los Chiles, which is close to the Nicaraguan border. Here you can also see a lot of animals.
Location: Drive along the Country Road 142 from La Fortuna toward Tanque, then take a slight left into the National Street 4 until the intersection with the Country Road 35 in the direction of Muelle and Los Chiles.
Entrance fee US$ 6 (2023)

Ecocentro Danaus
This reforestation and nature conservation project, which started in 1997 with 3 hectares (7 acres) of pastureland - provides many exciting attractions of the flora and fauna. A spring originating on the premises feeds a 700 m² (7'530 ft²) pond where caimans and turtles live. In the trees around the water, you can watch night active boat-billed herons that rest here during the day. Big common kingfishers look for fish. A small butterfly house shows several types of butterflies, and you can also take a look at the eggs, caterpillars, and cocoons of these highly developed insects. If you’re lucky, you can see a sloth hanging in the tree. More than 300 different kinds of tropical plants and herbs form the backdrop for tiny, red poison-dart frogs. There are very good bird-watching possibilities at a feeding spot set up for this purpose. Furthermore, a night tour with a local guide is offered.
Location: From La Fortuna you drive along the Country Road 142 toward Tanque and after about 5 km (3 mi) you turn left into a well-marked driveway.
Guided Daytime Walking tour: Adults US$ 48
Guided Night tour: Adults US$ 55 (2023)

La Fortuna Waterfall
Some meters after the entrance, you can already see the beautiful, narrow waterfall of 70 m (230 ft) height. Many stairs lead through the forest to the water basin of the waterfall. It is not recommended going swimming because of the strong suction of the falling mass of water.
Location: Drive south from La Fortuna on the Country Road 702, after about 1.2 km (0.75 mi) turn right into the side road Diagonal 301. Road signs: Catarata La Fortuna. Approximately 7 km (4.5 mi) on a street in a partially poor condition. This terrain is managed by the community of La Fortuna.
Entrance fee: Adults US$ 18, children 8+ US$ 6 (2023)

Monteverde and Santa Elena Region

C.A.S.E.M.
This is a local society of artists and craftspeople from Santa Elena and Monteverde. In this cooperative you can buy hand-embroidered and hand-painted clothes, and also different souvenirs with themes of the cloud forest region.

Monteverde Frog Pond
The frog pond is one of the many attractions in Monteverde. 25 frog and toad species and other amphibians are kept in terrariums which imitate their natural habitat. You pay once the entrance fee of currently US$ 20 per person for a guided tour, which allows you to re-enter at night in order to watch the nocturnal species with flashlights (will be provided).  
Location: From the town centre about 200 m (220 yards) in front of the hotel Poco a Poco.

Jardín de Orchídeas (Orchid Garden)
The orchid garden researches orchid plants in the region of Monteverde and has a collection of 400 species.
Location: In the centre of Monteverde, 50 m (55 yards) south of the Banco Nacional.

Selvatura Park Monteverde
Location: Approximately 20 minutes outside of Monteverde in the direction of Santa Elena, Cloud Forest Reserve.
This facility provides many attractions:
- Canopy Tour
With its 13 cables and 18 platforms, this is one of the biggest facilities of this type in Costa Rica. In a harness, secured with carabiners, you race through the trees on steel cables and get an unbelievable outlook of the upper part of the forest.
- Hanging bridges park
You explore the fascinating world of the cloud forest’s treetop over a length of 3 km (2 mi). The well-kept trails alternate with long but very safe hanging bridges. From up there you have a great view of the treetops.
- Butterfly garden
In a bright hall of 2'700 m² (29'100 ft²), a qualified guide will tell you about the life of the butterflies that are fluttering around in all colours and shapes.
- Museum “Jewels of the Rainforest” in Selvatura
Here you can admire a combination of art and science. It is an exhibition of thousands of insect specimen preparations from all over the world, including colourful butterflies, gold and silver- coloured beetles, and other fascinating creatures of the rainforest.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is located in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, on the banks of the Sarapiquí River. This place should not be confused with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which is situated at the Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is a typical village where the principal income of residents results from agriculture and gradually from tourism. It’s an important starting point for boat trips on the rivers of Sarapiquí and San Juan. It is a perfect place for watching birds. The hotels also offer other activities.

Ant Tour
In the region, you have the possibility to explore the fascinating way of life of the leafcutter ants. In many years of loving work, a local farmer established this project as a hobby. This unusual tour was started due to the general interest in the exhibition. You can contact us and make bookings at our office in San José. Phone: +506 2232 0400.

Cocoa Tour
Those who want to know exactly how cocoa gets into a chocolate bar should not miss this tour. In an interesting and funny way, you will learn everything about the origin, history, and techniques of the cocoa and chocolate production. Of course, you can also try some of these sweet delicacies.

Heliconia Island
This botanical garden provides more than 70 heliconia species that bloom all over the year. Apart from native heliconia species, you can also admire varieties of other tropical zones of the world. Furthermore, it is possible to sight some of more than 400 bird species from the tropical forest in the lowlands of Sarapiquí.
Location: Heliconia Island is approximately 8 km (5 mi) away from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí on the way to Horquetas/Guápiles. At the signpost “Mortero/ Finca la Chaves” you turn right, then follow the road signs “Isla de las Heliconias”.

Biological Station El Bejuco
The Biological Station El Bejuco consists of an area of about 30 hectares (75 acres) of tropical rainforest, thereof 66% primary forest. This place is well suited to experience the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica’s North Atlantic lowlands, and to learn about its flora and fauna and the surrounding country life.
Location: El Bejuco is situated in Chilamate between Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí and La Virgen de Sarapiquí.

Biological Station La Selva
The Biological Station La Selva is a good example of biodiversity of the tropical rainforest in the Caribbean lowlands. La Selva provides wide trails and a reserve next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park. This is why the station is a world-famous research centre for tropical ecosystems. The biodiversity is spectacular with 1900 plant species, 330 tree species, and 436 bird species.
Location: Drive along the street from Puerto Viejo toward Horquetas/Guápiles. After 3 km (2 mi) turn in the direction of La Selva and continue about 2 km (1 mi) on a dirt road. Guided hikes are offered daily at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm.

North Pacific

Guanacaste National Park
The Guanacaste National Park forms, together with the Santa Rosa Park, a refuge of 85'000 hectares (328 mi²) which provides migration routes and protection for a large number of animals. It also protects the last species of tropical dry forest which formerly extended along the Pacific coast from Mexico toward the south, and which today has almost disappeared.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park
The active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is the most important attraction in this park of 14'084 hectares (34'800 acres). When hiking on the well-kept trails (partly adapted for handicapped people), you can see volcanic phenomena such as bubbling mudholes, hot springs, and steaming fumaroles.
Location: Coming from Liberia you drive in northern direction, and a few kilometres later you will see a road sign that leads to the small village of Curubandé where you turn right. 15 km (9 mi) later you will reach the park entrance via a gravel road.
Entrance fee US$ 17 (2023), Mondays closed. Reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.

Santa Rosa National Park
This one-of-a-kind national park includes several distinct habitats such as tropical, broad-leaved dry forests as well as oak, coastal, and mangrove forests but also marshland, swampland, savanna, and rocky shores. A part of the offshore Pacific Ocean has been declared a Marine National Park. The corresponding beach of Nancite - as well as Ostional and Plaza Grande - is one of the most important nestling sites for the Olive Ridley and the Ridley sea turtles. The park protects a large number of animals and plants.
The ranch house La Casona, where in 1856 the Battle of Santa Rosa took place, is included in the park.
Location: Coming from the city of Liberia, you drive in northern direction on the National Street 1. After 34 kilometres (21 mi) you turn left in the direction of Santa Rosa National Park.
Entrance fee US$ 17 (2023). Reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required)

Santa Rosa’s Casona
La Casona - the main building of the Santa Rosa Hacienda - is a historical museum in commemoration of the Battle of Santa Rosa that took place here in 1856 between the Costa Rican voluntary army and filibuster William Walker’s North American mercenaries. The battle was won by the Costa Ricans. La Casona was set on fire by illegal hunters in May 2001, later it was rebuilt, and in March 2002 it was completely restored and reopened. La Casona is one of Costa Rica’s most important national monuments.
Reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required)

Miravalles Refuge
The Miravalles Volcano is the highest volcano in the Guanacaste Mountains, with a height of 2'026 m.a.s.l. (6'646 FAMSL). The peak is usually hidden by massive clouds and rain. There are some thermal baths which are fed by the volcanic hot springs. The national Institute of Electricity ICE runs a geothermal energy plant here.

Tenorio National Park
This national park encompasses four volcano peaks and two craters. Its surrounding area is almost completely covered with primary forest that provides protection for a large number of animals and plants. The main attraction are the magnificent Rio Celeste waterfall, a light blue lagoon and the spot on the river where a physical reaction gives specific particles an incredible light blue colour due to certain light incidence. Be sure to hike to the end of the trail!
Entrance fee US$ 17 (2023), reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.

Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde National park comprises more than 13'000 hectares (30'000 acres) with swamps, floodplains, lagoons, meandering canals, and pools in the lower basin of the rivers Tempisque and Bebedero. The swampy lagoons provide feeding, nesting, and resting places for many threatened bird species, such as the jabiru, especially during the dry season.

Las Baulas National Park
The park was created to save certain animal species from extinction, in particular the Giant Leatherback, the largest sea turtle in the world. These turtles, which can reach a length of up to 2.5 meters (8 ft) and a weight of up to 700 kilograms (1'500 lb), gather at the park from November to April to lay their eggs.

World of the Turtle
This is the museum - situated at the entrance of Playa Grande - where you can get excellent, didactic information about turtles.

Ecomuseum of San Vicente of Nicoya
This small village is known for its pottery made of local clay. Some families of craftspeople are of indigenous origin from the Chorotega tribe. The potters manufacture ceramics in the traditional manner. They use natural colours to paint their beautiful earthenware, which is available in all sizes and forms. You can also find great earthenware copies of the Chorotega Indians. The museum, founded by people in the area, offers a vivid exhibit of the art and culture of the Chorotega potters with its large display of ceramic artefacts by a variety of artists.
Location: From Liberia to Santa Cruz. Right before reaching Santa Cruz, follow the signs to Santa Bárbara on the left-hand side. Turn left in San Vicente after the soccer field where you find the museum.

Ostional Wildlife Refuge
This refuge was founded in order to preserve the nesting sites of sea turtles, especially for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle and the Leatherback Sea Turtle. Following Nancite beach, this region was designated the sea turtles’ second most important breeding area worldwide. You can observe the so-called “arribadas” (arrivals) which last about 4-8 days. They mostly take place in the rainy season and are communicated by the local parking attendants via Facebook: Asociación de Guías Locales de Ostional (AGLO) Costa Rica.

Nosara Nature Reserve
This private reserve of about 50 hectares (125 acres) is part of the Lagarta Lodge. It consists of mangroves and rainforest along the Nosara River. More than 170 bird species and other animals, such as monkeys, coatis, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, anteaters, crabs, and reptiles, live here.
Location: Entrance via Hotel Lagarta Lodge.

Barra Honda National Park
This park’s main attraction are the limestone caves. So far, 42 caves have been discovered, but only two of them are open to the public. They are all well-preserved since their vertically aligned entrances are difficult to access. The Terciopelo Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful examples. It is filled with many stalactites - hanging from the ceiling - and stalagmites - rising from the ground - as well as other dripstones of various shapes and configurations. Guided tours to the caves are available at the entrance of the national park.
Entrance fee US$ 14 (2023). Prices for the cave tour on the spot. Telephone reservation required, tel.: 2659-1551 / 8721-2444 / 8539-1010​
 

Central Pacific

The Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve (Reserva natural absoluta Cabo Blanco)
Cabo Blanco (White Cape), Costa Rica’s first nature reserve, was established at the initiative of Olle Wessberg and his wife Karen Mogensen in 1963. Cabo Blanco is a green oasis in a region otherwise dominated by pastureland. Its 13 km² (3,200 acres) of land area and 18 km² (4,450 acres) of marine area enjoy absolute protection. The nature reserve is unique because it straddles the transitional area between the wet forest and the dry forest, which consists of an interesting mixture of both evergreen and deciduous trees. Favourable conditions ensure that the watercourses in this very hot and parched region never run dry. Hiking trails lead through the reserve right to the coast, where you find white beaches characterized by corals and mollusc shells. Seabirds, especially the colonies of brown boobies and brown pelicans, can easily be observed.
Location: Take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and Playa Tambor, then the National Street 21 southward. After the gas station of Cobano turn into the Country Road 924 toward Montezuma. Continue on the coastal highway in southern direction, following the signs to Cabuya and Cabo Blanco.
Entrance fee US$ 14 (2023)
 
Carara National Park
This park was established in 1973 and covers a protected area of more than 52 km² (13'000 acres) but only a small part of it can be explored on well-kept trails. There is a loop trail that is suitable for the disabled. This region in transition from dry to rainforest is home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. Carara is known for the scarlet macaws which nest in these forests and which you can hear consistently and maybe even get the chance to see one. Left of the Quebrada Bonita trail near the bridge over the river is a giant tree with a big knothole some 18 m (60 ft) above the ground. There, you can watch the macaws during the breeding season that takes place from December to February. Squabs can be in the nest until May. There are local, well-trained guides at the park’s entrance. (US$ 25-30 per person).
Location: On the National Street 34 (Costanera Sur), 2 km (1 mile) south of the Tárcoles River.
Entrance fee US$ 14 (2023), reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.

Crocodile Bridge over the Tárcoles River
From the bridge over the Tárcoles River it is almost always possible to see crocodiles sunbathing on the sandbars. American Crocodiles can reach a length of more than 5 meters (16 ft). Caution! Do not leave your car unattended or open, as already many thefts have been reported. There are guarded parking spaces at the restaurant and the gift shops. You can walk on a narrow side walk to get to the middle of the bridge. Be careful when crossing the street as there is a lot of traffic on the bridge. In the Tárcoles River, there is one of the largest populations of these primeval reptiles.
Location: 2 km (1 mile) north of the Carara National Park.

Manuel Antonio National Park
This relatively small but very popular national park provides - beside a great possibility of watching animals - several beaches that invite to go swimming. There are showers (please don’t use soap or shampoos) and restrooms near the beach. It is one of the best places to see sloths, white-tailed deer, and monkeys. Capuchin monkeys are often present at the beaches and are easy to photograph. They are specialized in stealing food, so be careful with your backpack, as they know how to open zips. That is why bringing food is subject to strict regulations and your bags will be searched at the entrance of the park. Squirrel monkeys, which in Costa Rica exclusively are endemic to Manuel Antonio and Golfito further south, can also be seen in this park. The park is a very popular attraction, particularly on the weekends, so large crowds of visitors must be expected. Well-trained guides offer tours in the park for US$ 25-30 per person.
Location: Drive on the National Street 34 until you reach the city of Quepos and then follow the road signs to the national park.
Tuesday closed.
Entrance fee US$ 18 (2023), reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required) or in advance via ARA Tours.
 
Hacienda Barú
Hacienda Barú is a perfect example of private nature conservation and reforestation. By the end of the 1970s, the ranch discontinued its cattle operation and started with reforestation. Today, it is a wildlife reserve with an area of 330 hectares (815 acres) and various tropical habitats such as primary moist forest, secondary forest, mangroves, and shore vegetation.
More than 320 bird species and 105 mammal species have been identified here. The Hacienda provides trails over 7 km (4.5 mi), a birdwatching tower, and 2 km (1 mi) long clean beaches which are only suitable for swimming to a limited extent due to strong currents and surf. Accommodations, a restaurant, a small butterfly garden, a good and cheap canopy tour, a gift shop with a wide range of textbooks of nature and books with the definition of leaves can be found in the Hacienda.
Location: On the National Street 34 to the south, 1 km (0.6 miles) before reaching the beach town of Dominical. Turn right just before the El Ceibo gas station.

South Pacific

Marino Ballena National Park
Endangered humpback whales that come to this area of the Pacific Coast give the national park its name – ballena means “whale” in Spanish. Twice a year, humpback whales visit these warm coastal waters to mate and give birth. From December to April, whales migrate down from Alaska; and between August and November, southern humpback whales migrate from Antarctica. Located south of Dominical, the Ballena National Marine Park also protects the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America. Besides humpback whales, the park’s rich waters are home to large populations of dolphins, seabirds, and sea turtles.
Wednesday closed.

Terraba-Sierpe Mangroves
Near the sea, the Térraba and Sierpe Rivers build a network of canals and isles of special beauty, basically consisting of dense mangrove swamps. This region offers protection for many bird species, snakes, and mammals.
 
Caño Island
This large, uninhabited island of 3 km² (740 acres) is a national park which also includes 58 km² (14'330 acres) of marine reserve. The island is located 16.5 km (10 mi) west of the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific ocean. Up to 1500 years old finds of stone balls, tombs with stone statues, golden votive gifts, and ceramics prove that the island was used as a cemetery for high-ranking persons during the pre-Columbian era. The riffs around the island are perfect for snorkelling and abound with fish. If you’re lucky, you can see dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales along the way. The whales come to these waters from August to April in order to give birth to their calves. The island can only be entered for registration with the parking attendants. Different organizers in Quepos, Dominical, and Drake Bay offer boat excursions as well as the lodges around the Corcovado National Park.
Reservation by e-mail: reservaciones.pnc@sinac.go.cr ​

Corcovado National Park
The National Geographic Magazine described this park as “the most intensive biological place of the world”. It extends over the west sector of the Osa Peninsula and preserves many different habitats such as shallow lagoons, mangrove swamps, rivers, rainforest, deep cloud forest, and sandy coasts. It offers protection for some endangered species such as jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, giant anteaters, and scarlet macaws.
Reservation by e-mail: reservaciones.pnc@sinac.go.cr ​

Piedras Blancas National Park
The Piedras Blancas National Park protects one of Costa Rica’s last lowland rainforests. The park was founded as a result of the common efforts of the Austrian population and Costa Rica’s government. Thanks to generous donations from the Austrian population for the “Rainforest of the Austrians” project, it was possible to buy large areas of rainforest, which now will be preserved for mankind.

La Amistad International Park
This park constitutes the largest nature reserve in Costa Rica. It covers almost 200'000 hectares (500'000 acres) of forested land, protecting a wide variety of plant and animal life and the drainage basins of its main middle and upper water courses. The region provides shelter for many endangered species. La Amistad International Park has its counterpart in Panama and forms part of the Amistad Biosphere Reserve created by the UNESCO which also includes Chirripó National Park, Las Tablas, Hitoy Cerere, and five indigenous reserves.

Chirripó National Park
The difference in altitude that ranges from 1'400 m.a.s.l. (4'590 FAMSL) to 3'819 m.a.s.l. (12'529 FAMSL) and the variate climate zones and soil types give rise to the largest biodiversity in the country. About 400 species of birds and 260 species of amphibians have been identified. Here, you can find the highest point of Central America between the four-thousanders of Guatemala and the Andes of South America. The upper range consists of several mountain peaks over 3'700 m.a.s.l. (12'140 FAMSL). The highest is Cerro Chirripó (3'820 m.a.s.l./12'530 FAMSL), the second-highest Cerro Ventisquero (3'811 m.a.s.l./12'503 FAMSL), and Cerro Terbi (3'760 m.a.s.l./12'340 FAMSL) with the rock formation Los Crestones that rises into the sky opposite the base camp of the same name, and that has been declared a national monument. When hiking to the summit, you will stay at Crestones Base Camp for one night. The route from San Gerardo to the base camp is 14.5 km (9 miles) in length and involves a total climb of almost 2000 m (6'560 ft).
Location: Drive from the city of San Isidro in the direction of Rivas until you reach San Gerardo de Rivas. There you can find the national park administration, where information about access to the park and accommodation in the base camp is available. Meals are also provided at the base camp, which is situated at an altitude of 3'500 m.a.s.l. (11'480 FAMSL).
Reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required)

Northern Caribbean

Tortuguero National Park
This region is only accessible by boat or plane. During the last 60 years, transport canals for the wood industry have been created between the rivers and the Tortuguero lagoon. The rainforest, which is adjacent to the waterways, offers many great possibilities to watch water birds, monkeys, and reptiles on boat safaris offered there. There are 2-day and 3-day packages with a selection of well-run jungle lodges.
Reservation and purchase of the ticket(s) online https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr (registration required)

Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge
Barra del Colorado is located in the north of the Tortuguero National Park, bordering Nicaragua. It consists of canals, lagoons, rivers, river islands, forests, swamps, and small hills, just like Tortuguero. Barra del Colorado is a well-known fishing spot and famous for its tarpon fish. Like Tortuguero, it is only accessible by boat or plane.

South Caribbean

Sloth Sanctuary
This sanctuary, especially established for the purpose of care and reintroduction of injured sloths to the wild, offers a 2-hour tour for US$ 30, where you will learn a lot about these fascinating animals and also get in contact with them.
Location: Drive south from the port city of Limón on the National Street 32. After about 30 km (18 mi) you will reach the Sloth Sanctuary which is located on the left-hand side.

Cahuita National Park
This national park covers more than 10 km² (2'470 acres) of land area, 6 km² (1'480 acres) of coral reefs, and 22.5 km² (6'000 acres) of marine area. If the weather is good, you can hike through the park on a 4 km (2.5 mi) hiking trail which runs along clear beaches that invite for swimming. You can walk until Cahuita Point where often excursion boats are anchored offering a snorkelling tour near the coral reef with a guide. It is not allowed to swim to the coral reefs from the beach. The coastal forest is home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, land crabs and many seabirds. With good luck, you can see one of the lemon yellow Oropel snakes that hide in the branches of the trees. Capuchin monkeys are usually found at Cahuita Point. Please do not feed them!
Location: Drive south from the port city of Limón on the National Street 32, after 45 km (28 mi) you will reach the village of Cahuita on the left-hand side. The park’s entrance is located on the beach, which is accessible from the village.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and National Park
Near the small village of Manzanillo, south of the tourist beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, you can find a very beautiful, relatively quiet beach which is only a bit busier on weekends. At the south end of the beach, there is a bridge that leads toward the overlook of Punta Manzanillo. Small, non-maintained trails lead to the coastal rainforest. They are often slippery due to frequent rainfall in this region. Following these trails, you reach the small beach of Punta Mona. From here you go back 4 km (2.5 mi) to Manzanillo. Just off the coast lie the largest coral reefs and mussel beds of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.