The 10 most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica
No less than 25 per cent of Costa Rica consists of protected nature reserves. It’s no wonder it’s a paradise on earth for nature and adventure enthusiasts. This beautiful country is home to a wealth of breathtaking national parks that immerse you in a world of lush rainforests, spectacular volcanoes and an abundance of wildlife.
Costa Rica has no fewer than 30 protected national parks spread across the country. The parks vary greatly in terms of biodiversity, which is why we’d like to list the most beautiful national parks for you:
Monteverde
This cloud forest reserve is a paradise for spotting countless species of birds. It offers an enchanting landscape surrounded by misty forests, suspension bridges and an abundance of orchids, hummingbirds and other unique flora and fauna. Monteverde isn’t just a hit with nature lovers; travellers seeking adventure will also feel right at home. It offers countless opportunities to actively explore the natural beauty. For example, soar high above the treetops and enjoy the views as you glide along the world’s longest cable cars. The cloud forests also boast countless walking trails that you can explore both by day and by night. So pack your walking boots and explore the mysterious misty landscape, walking across the kilometres-long network of suspension bridges. At the same time, spot colourful birds, watch monkeys swinging through the trees and admire an abundance of plants.
Arenal
This national park is home to the impressive Arenal volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The park is often regarded in Costa Rica as the premier national park for adventure and active travel. Visitors to the park can enjoy hot springs, diverse ecosystems and countless adventure activities. Walk along the extensive network of footpaths, marvel at the spectacle of thundering waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. Look up and admire the rainforest, where you may come face to face with howler monkeys, sloths, brightly coloured frogs and countless species of birds. As well as hiking trails, the Arenal area offers a range of activities including ziplining and rafting, as well as kayaking and horse-riding to the waterfalls in picturesque surroundings. In short, it’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for an active holiday during your trip.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park, situated on the Osa Peninsula in the south-west, is regarded as one of the most biodiverse places on earth. It offers an unspoilt wilderness experience with an impressive array of flora and fauna. You’ll have the chance to spot jaguars, tapirs, macaws and various species of monkeys. They swing through the trees and are happy to greet you whilst you’re in the national park. It is undoubtedly a paradise for travellers seeking the most breathtaking destinations, as well as for active types in search of adventure. It is a perfect location for water sports, such as kayaking through the mangroves or snorkelling along the coast. During a visit to Corcovado, you’ll walk through dense rainforests, surrounded by ancient trees, and listen to the sounds of the rich wildlife. It is a place where nature and adventure exist in harmony, and where discovery and unspoilt beauty go hand in hand. By visiting the park, you’ll be doing your bit to help preserve this precious ecosystem and protect its vulnerable flora and fauna.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is situated on the Pacific coast and offers a combination of lush rainforests and idyllic beaches. It is a coastal gem and is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, as well as crocodiles and colourful birds. The park offers a wide range of active excursions, including walks to the stunning waterfalls or surfing on the inviting waves. You can also explore the park on horseback, ending your ride on the beach. Let yourself be carried away by the soothing sounds of the ocean whilst enjoying a beautiful sunset. Don’t forget to bring your snorkelling gear for a dip in the crystal-clear waters and to admire the colourful spectacle unfolding beneath the surface.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is situated on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem. The park is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, including tropical rainforests, mangroves and wetlands. Animals such as howler monkeys, crocodiles and various bird species are commonly found here. Tortuguero is also famous for its turtles, which come ashore in large numbers every year to nest, particularly between July and October. You can explore the park on walks, boat trips and kayaking excursions, allowing you to experience nature up close. There are various lodges in and around the park where you can stay, ranging from simple accommodation to comfortable eco-lodges. The best time to visit to see turtles is from July to October, when the nesting season for green and leatherback turtles is at its peak.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is situated in the north-western province of Guanacaste and is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse nature reserves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site forms part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area and stretches across the slopes of the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Covering an area of over 14,000 hectares, the park offers a varied landscape ranging from dry tropical forests to cloud forests at higher altitudes. The park is home to an impressive array of biodiversity. You may spot various animals, such as howler monkeys, toucans and the unique motmot bird. The park has numerous interesting sights, such as the volcano’s impressive crater, boiling mud pools and hot springs, which bear witness to the active geothermal activity. There are also several waterfalls, such as La Cangreja and Escondidas, where you can swim in beautiful turquoise water.
Volcán Tenorio National Park
Tenorio Volcano National Park is situated in the north of Costa Rica (Guanacaste province). The park is named after the dormant Tenorio volcano, which dominates the landscape. Covering an area of over 12,000 hectares and reaching altitudes of up to 1,916 metres, the terrain varies from tropical rainforest to cloud forest, depending on the altitude. The park’s flora comprises a wide variety of trees, orchids, bromeliads and ferns. The National Park is also home to countless animals, including sloths, tapirs and colourful birds such as the quetzal and various species of toucans. The absolute highlight of the park is the Río Celeste, a river with crystal-clear blue water thanks to a unique chemical process that takes place at ‘Los Teñideros’. The park also features waterfalls, hot springs and a network of walking trails that guide visitors through unspoilt nature.
Cahuita National Park
On the Caribbean coast, in the province of Limón, lies Cahuita National Park, which is renowned for its combination of tropical beaches and rich biodiversity. The park covers an area of approximately 1,100 hectares of land and 23,000 hectares of sea, making it not only home to a variety of land animals but also a protected area for coral reefs and marine life. The park’s vegetation is characterised mainly by tropical rainforest, coconut palms and mangroves along the coastline. These ecosystems provide a habitat for a wide range of animals, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas and more than 120 species of birds, such as toucans and herons. Diving enthusiasts can explore the reef, which is home to colourful fish, rays and sometimes even small sharks. One of the highlights is the sandy path along the coast, which leads visitors through the rainforest whilst offering views of the Caribbean Sea. Other attractions include the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkelling or simply relaxing.
Marino Ballena National Park
On the Pacific coast lies the unique Marino Ballena National Park, renowned for its marine biodiversity and impressive coastline. The park encompasses beaches, mangroves, coral reefs and a rich marine ecosystem. It takes its name from the annual presence of humpback whales, which migrate to this area between July and October and from around December to April to mate and give birth. The park is home to mangrove forests and coastal vegetation that help to preserve this unique ecosystem. As well as whales, the park is also home to a variety of other animals, including seabirds, dolphins, sea turtles and tropical fish. The reef is a highlight for snorkellers and divers due to its colourful underwater world. One of the park’s most distinctive features is the famous ‘Whale’s Tail’, a sandbank and rock formation that reveals the shape of a whale’s tail at low tide.
Poás Volcano National Park
In the central highlands of Costa Rica, around 37 kilometres from San José, lies the Volcán Poás National Park. This park is renowned for the active stratovolcano, Poás. Standing at 2,708 metres, the volcano offers spectacular views. The park is home to dwarf trees, mosses and bromeliads that have adapted to the volcanic soil and cool climate. This unique vegetation supports various animal species, including hummingbirds, foxes and, on occasion, even the white-nosed coati. One of the park’s main highlights is, of course, the Poás crater – one of the largest active craters in the world, with a diameter of 1.5 kilometres and an azure-blue sulphur lake. Well-maintained paths allow you to get close to the crater (depending on volcanic activity). As well as the crater, the park also offers walking trails through the forest and to Lake Botos, a volcanic lake surrounded by dense vegetation.
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