Carara National Park

Parque Nacional Carara

A transitional forest reserve near the Tárcoles River, easily accessible on the coastal route. It is one of the best places in the country to see wild scarlet macaws and crocodiles.

Things to do

• Sendero Universal (Laguna Meándrica trail) — Walk the flat, wheelchair-accessible loop near the ranger station where scarlet macaws, trogons, and motmots are commonly spotted.
• Crocodile viewing at Tárcoles Bridge — Stop at the Puente del Río Tárcoles just north of the park to peer over the railing at dozens of huge American crocodiles basking on the riverbanks below.
• Sendero Laguna Meándrica — Hike this longer trail toward an oxbow lagoon rich in waterbirds, caimans, and dry-forest wildlife during the drier months.
• Guided birdwatching tour — Hire a local naturalist guide at the entrance to increase your chances of seeing chestnut-mandibled toucans, boat-billed herons, and the resident scarlet macaws.
• Tárcoles River mangrove boat tour — Board a small boat from the village of Tárcoles to glide through mangrove channels spotting crocodiles, roseate spoonbills, and shorebirds.
• Sunset at Playa Tárcoles — Head to the nearby fishing beach to watch pangas return with the catch and enjoy a quiet Pacific sunset.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of fish, chicken, or beef, served at sodas along the coastal highway.
• Fresh red snapper (pargo rojo) — Order whole fried snapper caught by Tárcoles fishermen, often served with patacones and a squeeze of lime.
• Ceviche de pescado — Cool, citrus-cured fish ceviche made from the local Pacific catch, a refreshing bite after a hot morning hike.
• Gallo pinto — The traditional breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans with Salsa Lizano, eggs, and fried plantains to fuel an early birding start.
• Agua de pipa — Chilled coconut water served straight from a green coconut by roadside vendors near the park entrance.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive early for wildlife — The scarlet macaws and most birds are far more active in the cool early morning, so aim to enter when the park opens around 7 a.m.
• Never feed or approach crocodiles — Stay behind railings at the Tárcoles bridge and keep a safe distance from riverbanks, as these are large wild American crocodiles.
• Bring cash and buy tickets on arrival — Park fees are paid at the ranger station and small sodas and guides often prefer colones in cash over cards.
• Hire a certified local guide — Guides waiting at the entrance are ICT-affiliated locals whose trained eyes and scopes greatly improve your sightings and support the community.

Nearby

• Jacó — 19 km
• Puntarenas City — 34 km
• Sarchí (Alajuela) — 44 km
• Zarcero (Alajuela) — 48 km