Carara National Park

Parque Nacional Carara

A transitional forest reserve famous for its wild scarlet macaws and diverse birdlife. Well-maintained trails, including an accessible boardwalk, make it one of the best birdwatching spots on the coast.

Things to do

• Universal Access Trail (Sendero Laguna Meándrica) — Walk the flat, accessible boardwalk trail ideal for spotting birds, agoutis, and reptiles near the entrance.
• Watch wild scarlet macaws — Observe pairs of noisy scarlet macaws flying overhead, especially in early morning and late afternoon.
• Tárcoles River crocodile bridge — Stop at the nearby Río Tárcoles bridge to view enormous American crocodiles basking on the banks below.
• Guided birdwatching tour — Hire a local naturalist guide to identify trogons, motmots, and manakins among over 400 recorded species.
• Sendero Las Aráceas loop — Hike this shaded forest trail through transitional woodland to spot poison dart frogs and leaf-cutter ants.
• Tárcoles River boat tour — Take a mangrove estuary boat trip near Tárcoles village to see crocodiles, herons, and roseate spoonbills.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of grilled fish, chicken, or beef.
• Fresh fish ceviche — Locally caught fish cured in lime juice with cilantro and onions, popular in the coastal Tárcoles area.
• Gallo pinto — Costa Rica's classic breakfast of stir-fried rice and beans often served with eggs and Lizano sauce.
• Pipa fría — Chilled fresh coconut water served straight from the coconut at roadside stands near the park.
• Patacones — Twice-fried green plantain slices served crispy with black bean dip, a favorite Pacific-coast snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive at opening for wildlife — The park opens early morning and animals are most active before the midday heat, so plan a dawn visit.
• Bring insect repellent and water — The humid transitional forest has mosquitoes and no shops inside, so come prepared with essentials.
• Never feed the crocodiles — Feeding crocodiles at the Tárcoles bridge is illegal and dangerous, so admire them from a safe distance.
• Tip your guide — Naturalist guides rely on tips, and a small gratuity is customary and appreciated for good service.

Nearby

• Tárcoles River — 3 km
• Jacó — 18 km
• Playa Hermosa — 23 km
• Quepos — 62 km