Costa Rica is a land of natural wonders known for its commitment to conservation and stunning biodiversity. With over 25% of the country designated as protected land, Costa Rica’s national parks are a must for any visitor. From lush rainforests and towering volcanoes to vibrant coral reefs and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica's national parks offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a guide to the top national parks you can’t miss on your Costa Rican adventure!
Table of contents:
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
Located on the central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is celebrated for its breathtaking coastal scenery, combining lush tropical rainforest with pristine beaches. The park’s manageable size, well-maintained trails, and proximity to Manuel Antonio town make it accessible and enjoyable for all ages, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Schedule :
Open Monday & Wednesday to Sunday - 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed: Tuesday
Entrance Fee :
Foreigners: Adults: $17 USD; Children (from 2 to 12) $5 USD; Children (under 2): Free
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults: ₡1,800 CRC; Children (from 6 to 12 years old) ₡500 CRC; Children (under 6) and Adults over 65 years: Free
Ticket purchases are available online on the SINAC Website
Best time to visit:
December to April for dry weather
What to see:
Wildlife: Known for its high density of animals, the park hosts capuchin, howler, squirrel monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatis, and countless birds like toucans and scarlet macaws.
Beaches: Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla Sur Beach offer gorgeous white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Trails: Easy trails lead through rainforests and along the coast, including:
Punta Catedral: A scenic loop trail with stunning views.
Sendero Perezoso: Great for spotting sloths and monkeys.
Flora: The park's tropical forests are home to hundreds of plant species, including giant ferns, palms, and exotic flowers.
2. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is famous for its impressive, iconic Arenal Volcano, which was active from 1968 until 2010. This park is a favorite among adventure seekers and nature lovers. The towering volcano and surrounding lush forests are perfect for hiking, and nearby geothermal hot springs offer relaxation after a day of exploring. Look for toucans, howler monkeys, and vibrant plant life along the trails.
Schedule
Open daily - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: Adults: $15 USD; Children: $5 USD
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults : ₡1,000 CRC ; Children: ₡500 CRC
Tickets are available at the entrance or can be arranged through tour providers in the La Fortuna area. For now, buying them through the SINAC website is impossible.
Best time to visit:
November to April, but the volcano is awe-inspiring year-round
What to see:
Arenal Volcano: While climbing the volcano itself is restricted for safety, the park offers stunning views of this impressive peak, one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently.
Wildlife: Home to howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, toucans, snakes, and even the elusive jaguar. Birdwatchers flock here for rare species like the resplendent quetzal and parrots.
Hiking Trails:
Las Coladas Trail: This trail leads to lava flows from past eruptions, giving visitors a close look at the volcano’s power and history.
Los Tucanes Trail: Known for birdwatching and scenic views, it winds through secondary forests.
Ceiba Tree Trail: A short trail to one of the park’s ancient Ceiba trees.
Flora: The park is home to primary and secondary forests filled with various plants, from orchids to towering ceiba trees.
3. Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, is often called the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s national parks. This park is normally accessed from the coast by boat and will make you feel like you are in a natural zoo with all the animals broken out of their cages. Having 2.5% of the world's total species and known for its unparalleled biodiversity, Corcovado National Park was named “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic. It offers visitors an immersive rainforest experience and the opportunity to see significant populations of rare species. This remote park is best suited for adventurous travelers looking to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife in its rawest form. Corcovado National Park is an untamed, remote, and wild paradise.
Schedule :
Open daily - 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Note: Entry to the park is only allowed with a certified guide, which requires booking in advance. Tours generally depart early in the morning to maximize wildlife sightings.
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: Adults: $15 USD per day; Children from 2 to 12: $5; Children under 2: Free
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults: ₡1,600 CRC; Children from 2 to 12: ₡500 CRC; Children (under 2) and Adults over 65 years: Free
Guide fees: Additional (required), usually ranging from $80–$100 USD per person
Tickets and guide services should be arranged through authorized tour operators in advance, especially during peak season. You can book your ticket at reservaciones.pnc@sinac.go.cr.
Best time to visit:
Dry season (December to April) for easier access.
Note: In October, the Sirena Park sector closes its doors to visitors. However, the other sectors are open.
What to see:
Wildlife: Corcovado hosts an astonishing variety of animals, including jaguars, tapirs, harpy eagles, ocelots, and all four Costa Rican monkey species. It’s one of the only places in the country where all of Costa Rica’s large terrestrial mammals can be found.
Beaches and Marine Life: The coastline offers nesting sites for sea turtles (such as olive ridley and green sea turtles) and coastal waters where dolphins and even humpback whales can be spotted seasonally.
Hiking Trails:
San Pedrillo Trail: A shorter coastal trail that combines beach and rainforest views.
Sirena Trail: Known for its high wildlife density, Sirena is the most popular station and allows visitors to see everything from anteaters to crocodiles.
Los Patos Trail: A more challenging route offering scenic views and waterfalls.
Flora: Corcovado’s old-growth rainforests host enormous trees like the ceiba and wild almond. The diversity of plant life supports an equally diverse ecosystem, making it an ecological treasure.
Visitors should be prepared for Corcovado’s remote and rugged conditions, but those who venture here will be rewarded with one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural experiences.
4. Tortuguero National Park
Known as Costa Rica's “Little Amazon,” located on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast in an off the beaten path location, Tortuguero is a unique park accessible mainly by boat or plane. The park's unique mix of coastal, freshwater, and rainforest ecosystems supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a destination of choice for eco-tourism and conservation efforts. It’s also a prime nesting site for green sea turtles, with thousands arriving to lay their eggs each year.
Schedule
Open daily - 6:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. and from 1:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M
Access to the park is by boat or small plane, as no roads lead to Tortuguero, adding to the park's remote and serene atmosphere.
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: Adults $15 USD per day; Children (under 12): $5 per day
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults ₡1,000 CRC, Children ₡500 CRC
Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance in Tortuguero Village or in advance through authorized tour operators or on the SINAC website
Best time to visit:
July to October for turtle nesting season
What to See
Wildlife: Tortuguero is famous for its biodiversity, including howler and spider monkeys, caimans, river turtles, manatees, sloths, and over 400 species of birds such as toucans and herons.
Sea Turtle Nesting: Tortuguero is a prime nesting site for green sea turtles (July–October) as well as hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles, offering night tours to witness these endangered species laying eggs.
Canal Tours: The park’s canal system can be explored by boat, canoe, or kayak, allowing visitors to glide through the mangroves and spot a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals.
Hiking Trails:
Gavilan Trail: This short trail offers a chance to explore the dense rainforest and spot smaller animals and birds.
Beach Walk: During the nesting season, guided beach walks at night are offered to witness turtle nesting (a must-do experience).
For those drawn to wildlife and adventure, Tortuguero National Park offers an incredible glimpse into Costa Rica’s natural wonders, and with its isolated beauty, it’s a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers.
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is globally recognized for its extraordinary biodiversity and cloud-covered ecosystem. With its unique ecosystem thriving at high altitudes, Monteverde offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers, as it’s home to thousands of plant and animal species and the elusive resplendent quetzal. Walk through suspended bridges above the forest floor, taking in the lush, misty canopy and abundant flora. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is also a pioneer of ecotourism, attracting researchers and visitors who appreciate sustainable tourism and conservation.
Schedule (Opening Days and Hours)
Open daily - 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Early morning visits are ideal for those hoping to see wildlife, as animals are most active at this time.
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: Adult $26 USD - Student & Children $13 USD
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults ₡4,100 CRC; Student & Children ₡3,100 CRC
Parking: $5 USD
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through the reserve’s website.
Best time to visit:
December to April for the clearest skies
What to See
Wildlife: Monteverde is home to an incredible diversity of species, including the elusive jaguar, ocelot, and spectacled bear. Bird enthusiasts often spot the resplendent quetzal and hummingbirds, toucanets, and bellbirds. The reserve also hosts an impressive variety of amphibians, reptiles, and unique insects.
Biodiversity: Monteverde is particularly famous for its orchids, hosting more than 500 different species. Mosses, ferns, and epiphytes also thrive in the humid, cloud-covered environment.
Hiking Trails:
Sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail): A popular trail with dense forest, ideal for spotting birds and lush vegetation.
Sendero Camino (Main Trail): This wide, accessible trail offers beautiful views and is perfect for a leisurely hike.
La Ventana Viewpoint: Located along the trails, this viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Continental Divide.
Suspension Bridge: A short bridge along one of the trails provides a canopy-level view of the forest.
Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens: Just outside the reserve, you can visit gardens specifically designed for butterfly and hummingbird observation.
Monteverde’s mystique and the incredible diversity of plants and animals make it a top destination for anyone interested in experiencing Costa Rica’s natural beauty up close. A trip here offers a truly unique cloud forest adventure.
6. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park, located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, is known for its active volcano, geothermal features, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. This park offers volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. It’s a playground for hiking and adventure sports. Alongside its geothermal wonders, the park features diverse ecosystems, including waterfalls, dry forests, and unique wildlife.
Schedule (Opening Days and Hours)
Open Tuesday to Sunday - 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Note: The park has two main sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. Las Pailas is the more popular sector for volcanic features, while Santa María offers quieter trails and hot springs.
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: Adults $15 USD; Children $5
Costa Rican citizens and residents: Adults ₡1,000 CRC ; Children ₡500 CRC
Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance.
Best time to visit:
November to April, the dry season
What to See
Volcanic Features: The park is home to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which has been active in recent years. Las Pailas sector offers volcanic features like fumaroles, boiling mud pots, and hot springs, showcasing the region’s geothermal activity.
Wildlife: The park hosts an array of wildlife, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguarundi, sloths, and exotic birds like the turquoise-browed motmot and toucans.
Hiking Trails:
Las Pailas Trail: A 3-kilometer loop offering views of the volcano, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles.
La Cangreja Waterfall Trail: A longer, more challenging trail that leads to a beautiful 130-foot waterfall with a crystal-clear blue pool.
Escondidas Waterfall Trail: This trail leads to a lesser-known waterfall, providing a more secluded experience.
Santa María Sector Trails: Trails here lead to natural hot springs, and the sector is less crowded, offering a quieter forest exploration.
Flora: The park spans tropical dry and humid forest regions, featuring unique plants like Guanacaste trees, orchids, bromeliads, and cacti. The variety of ecosystems means you can see everything from cloud forest vegetation to dry tropical trees.
Visitors to Rincón de la Vieja can enjoy a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and tropical wilderness. It is a fantastic destination for those looking to experience Costa Rica’s geological and natural wonders.
7. Cahuita National Park
Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is renowned for its coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and a laid-back vibe. The park’s coral reef is home to vibrant marine life, making it one of the few places in Costa Rica where marine biodiversity is protected in tandem with terrestrial ecosystems. This park has an easy coastal hike where they might spot sloths, monkeys, and various birds. Its accessibility, beautiful beaches, and rich marine and land biodiversity make it one of Costa Rica’s most accessible and popular national parks for snorkeling, beach relaxation, and nature walks.
Schedule (Opening Days and Hours)
Open: Daily
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The main entrance is in the town of Cahuita, while a secondary entrance is located at Puerto Vargas.
Entrance Fee
Cahuita Entrance: Visitors are encouraged to make a donation, allowing flexibility for those traveling on a budget.
Puerto Vargas Entrance: The Puerto Vargas entrance is one of two entrances to Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica. This entrance costs $5 USD per person.
Best time to visit:
March to April, September to October for good weather
What to See
Beaches and Coral Reefs: The park offers pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters. The reef just offshore is home to over 35 species of coral, and snorkeling here provides a view of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even nurse sharks.
Wildlife: Cahuita is home to a range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, raccoons, iguanas, and colorful birds like toucans and herons.
Hiking Trails:
Cahuita Point Trail: A scenic, flat trail that follows the coastline, offering beautiful views of the beach and easy access to both forest and ocean ecosystems.
Beach Access Trails: These short trails from the main path take visitors directly to sandy beaches and snorkeling spots.
Marine Life: Snorkeling tours allow visitors to explore the reef, where they can see stingrays, parrotfish, sea urchins, and crustaceans up close.
With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning Caribbean landscapes, Cahuita National Park offers visitors an incredible combination of beach relaxation, snorkeling adventures, and wildlife encounters, making it a Caribbean gem in Costa Rica’s national park system.
8. Chirripó National Park
Chirripó National Park is home to Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó, standing at 3,821 meters (12,536 feet). A trek to the summit rewards visitors with awe-inspiring, panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea on clear days. The challenging hike takes adventurers through diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to unique high-altitude paramo landscapes. Along the way, hikers encounter rare flora and fauna, making this a haven for nature enthusiasts and experienced trekkers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Schedule (Opening Days and Hours)
Open daily: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M
For reservations, it is only open from Monday to Friday at the same schedule.
Note: Due to limited capacity and high demand, reservations are required well in advance. The peak hiking season is during the dry season, from December to April.
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: $18 USD per day
Costa Rican citizens and residents: ₡4,000 CRC
Note: There is an additional fee for staying overnight at the Base Crestones Lodge, the main accommodation for hikers in the park.
Best time to visit:
January to April for drier weather and optimal conditions
What to See
Cerro Chirripó: The main attraction is reaching the summit of Costa Rica’s highest peak. From the top, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on clear days.
Valleys and Lakes: Along the trails, visitors pass through glacially formed valleys, such as Valle de los Conejos (Valley of the Rabbits) and Valle de los Crestones. Small alpine lakes, such as Laguna Ditkevi and Laguna San Juan, add to the landscape’s beauty.
Unique Flora and Fauna: The park is home to various ecosystems, including high-altitude cloud forests and páramo. Wildlife includes the resplendent quetzal, tapirs, pumas, and jaguarundi, as well as unique high-altitude plants and trees.
Hiking Trails:
Main Trail to Base Crestones Lodge: A 14.5-kilometer (9-mile) trail from San Gerardo de Rivas village to the lodge. From there, an additional 5-kilometer trail leads to the summit of Cerro Chirripó.
Valle de los Crestones Trail: Known for its dramatic rock formations, this trail offers spectacular views and unique landscapes.
Chirripó National Park is a challenging yet rewarding destination, offering one of the most unique hiking experiences in Costa Rica. From lush forests to high-altitude landscapes, the park provides a rugged adventure with unforgettable views for those willing to climb.
Why is visiting national parks in Costa Rica a must?
Costa Rica’s national parks offer a range of activities and ecosystems and allow visitors to support conservation efforts. Each entry fee contributes to preserving these natural wonders, helping Costa Rica remain a global leader in environmental protection.
Tips for visiting Costa Rica’s National Parks
Arriving early in the morning is ideal to avoid crowds and catch the most wildlife activity.
We recommend hiring a local guide; local guides provide valuable insight and can spot hidden wildlife.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable hiking shoes, quick-dry clothing and rain gear (for unpredictable rainforest weather) and a reusable water bottle (plastic single-use bottles aren’t allowed)
Costa Rica's national parks and reserves have rules and regulations to protect the local wildlife and ecosystems, so make sure to respect them:
Don't bring pets: Pets are not allowed in most national parks.
Don't bring drones without special permission.
Don't use your flash photography, especially on turtle tours in Tortuguero, as it can disturb nesting turtles.
Don't bring food items, except small snacks, as raccoons and monkeys are known to scavenge and can become aggressive.
Don't feed or touch animals: Human food can harm wildlife, and animals can be unpredictable.
Stay on marked trails: Wandering off trails can harm plants and animals and make it harder to find someone in an emergency. Visitors are not allowed to enter volcano craters.
Don't remove plants, animals, or shells: Removing them from national parks is illegal.
Don't smoke or drink alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted in national parks.
Don't bring single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, including straws, plastic bottles, disposable cutlery, and plastic bags, are not allowed in national parks.
Be mindful of your belongings: Keep your backpack in front of you and use a zipper lock.
Best National Parks in Costa Rica: conclusion
Costa Rica’s national parks showcase some of the planet’s most vibrant biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique ecosystems—all waiting to be explored. Whether you’re trekking through dense rainforests, soaking in natural hot springs, observing wildlife in their natural habitats, or marveling at volcanic craters, each park offers an unforgettable experience.
These national treasures protect Costa Rica’s natural wonders and embody the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. With so many extraordinary parks to choose from, there’s truly something for every type of traveler. So, pack your hiking boots, bring your camera, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you discover Costa Rica’s best national parks—destinations you simply can’t miss!
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