The national parks of Costa Rica

The difficulty with an article about the national parks of Costa Rica is in narrowing down the list. There are 28 to choose from in Costa Rica, along with another 170 or so wildlife refuges and nature reserves, bringing the total number of protected areas to just under 200. Tallied up, this amounts to more than a quarter of Costa Rican territory.

The diversity of ecosystems in Costa Rica merits protection, especially when you consider that this is a tiny nation that hosts more than 9,000 species of flowering plants, 850 species of birds, 250,000 different kinds of insects, 400 reptiles and 250 mammals. Here’s an introduction to seven of the most exquisite national parks in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Easy access and stunning coastal scenery make Manuel Antonio one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica. Encompassing a dramatic shore of rocky inlets, sandy coves and mangroves backed by dense tropical forests, it is a beautiful area for seaside hiking and time spent on the beach. There are several lovely beaches surrounding the rocky bluff of Punta Catedral, which is the focal point of this stretch of coast. But beware, the capuchin monkeys here are quite used to humans and may pinch your picnic. 

In terms of other wildlife, as you make your way through the forest, look out for sloths, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, agoutis and coatis. There are plenty of interesting birds to spot too, including brightly-plumed macaws, big-billed toucans and jewel-like hummingbirds. Under the water, snorkelers will see coral gardens and myriad tropical fish.

Tortuguero National Park

Occupying nearly 200 sq km of territory along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is one of the prime nesting sites for leatherback, green and hawksbill marine turtles. Come between July and October for the nesting of the green and hawksbill species, or March to May for leatherbacks.

You can also explore the mangroves by boat and spot monkeys, macaws, toucans and caimans, to name just a few. Nearby, the village of Tortuguero has a distinctly Caribbean flavor reflected in its simple, colorful buildings, lovely lush surroundings and excellent cocktails.

Corcovado National Park

Less accessible than some parks and all the wilder for it, Corcovado occupies part of the Osa Peninsula, offering a real slice of pristine nature to those who make the effort to get there. Apart from gloriously untouched beaches and tropical rainforests, the main attractions at Corcovado are the hiking and the wildlife, both of which require a certain amount of grit and tenacity. The hikes are long and can be tough with tricky conditions underfoot. 

Wildlife in the park is prolific, however the larger mammals can be somewhat elusive. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a tapir, ocelot or even a jaguar. More easy to spot, and lots of fun, are lively spider monkeys and racoons, while three-toed sloths take their time moving through the trees. There are also a dizzying number of reptiles and amphibians, from boas to tiny dart frogs, and the park is teeming with raucous birdlife.

Arenal Volcano National Park

The conical silhouette of Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable landscapes and is located in the north of the country. The volcano is currently dormant, but that doesn’t mean to say it’s not an exciting destination, as Arenal and its surroundings are the adventure sports hub of the nation. Hike the forests around the volcano, soak in idyllic hot springs amid the sounds of the jungle, take a zipwire tour of the rainforest canopy, and enjoy stunning waterfalls and lakes.

As you explore the park, look out for the abundant birdlife. More than 800 of the bird species found in Costa Rica can be seen here within the bounds of the park, including the brightly-colored quetzal. Hard-to-spot jaguars hunt here too, preying on wandering deer, while up in the trees you might spot monkeys, sloths and an array of reptiles.

Cahuita National Park

Protecting a swathe of Caribbean coast on shore and its pristine reefs out at sea, this is a small but perfectly formed national park with a special allure for snorkelers. Plentiful coral brings the sea bed to colorful life, attracting a huge variety of underwater species to observe. Rays and barracudas are not uncommon, and you may see an octopus or two if you are lucky.

On land, birds are a major attraction, so look out for kingfishers, toucans and ibis as you walk along the easy trails. Up in the trees, you could spot sloths and iguanas, as well as other reptiles and racoons. There is also a sizable population of primates, including howler monkeys and capuchins.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

This National Park contains its namesake volcano, the dominant feature of the whole area. The volcano itself may not have shown any eruptive movement since 2011, but the geothermal activity all around is still very much in evidence, and gives the park its unique appeal. Hikes through the park are hugely rewarding, with numerous exciting geological features to look out for. Bubbling mud pools, geysers, fumaroles and hot springs are highlights, as are the beautiful waterfalls.

Spot some unique wildlife as you hike through the forest trails: look out for the flash of an emerald hummingbird or the silent slithering of the (harmless) black-banded snake. The black iguanas here can grow up to four feet long, while troops of howler monkeys roam the grounds with their distinctive cries. In terms of flora, look out for fascinating fungi and exquisite orchids.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Though strictly speaking not a national park, this reserve is one of the most important and renowned in Costa Rica, so we had to include it here! High-altitude forests such as Monteverde, dripping in moisture and permanently enveloped in cloud, are extremely rare, especially primary forests like this one. The infrastructure in the park is excellent, with a variety of trails weaving among the awesome flora, home to almost 500 species of butterflies and at least 400 different birds. Hanging bridges have been erected in the canopy allowing visitors a close-up view of life in this strata of the cloud forest, and it’s a fascinating adventure to undertake.

The flora and fauna in the forest is exuberant and prolific; everywhere you turn there is something to catch your eye, from intricate bromeliads to critters of all shapes and sizes. Wide-eyed sloths look out from tree branches, while porcupines scuffle amongst fallen leaves. You might spot a multitude of frogs and amphibians in this moist environment, and elusive big cats slinking through the dense forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the resplendent quetzal, a stunning, colorful and much-loved bird of the region.

Make it happen

Costa Rica’s forward-thinking authorities have made sure that much of their natural heritage is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. Whether you spot monkeys, birds, frogs or some of the 800 types of fern that grow here, this is a country where the biodiversity is breathtaking. With so much to do as well as soaking up all that natural splendor – adventure sports, surfing, hiking or horse riding for example – there’s enough to fill a two-week itinerary with ease.

Hopefully our overview of some of the most popular national parks of Costa Rica will help you narrow down your priorities and give you some travel inspiration, too. Get in touch with our local experts and they will craft a bespoke itinerary according to your preferences.