Costa Rica holds bragging rights as a country with some of the best national parks. 25% of the country’s landscape plays host to the 29 national parks. That translates to a large portion of the Central American country falling under protected areas.
Visitors from all over the world flock to the national parks for one reason. And that is because there is so much to see and experience in the diverse ecosystem. A Costa Rica vacation will expose you to the world’s most environmentally friendly and ethical destination.
Our article provides a guide for nature lovers by exploring Costa Rica’s national parks. We will highlight some of the must-visit ones below.
Corcovado National Park
Open – 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Corcovado is at the top of our list because it is the largest Costa Rica national park. Covering over 164 square miles, it sits on the southwestern part of the Osa Peninsula.
What you find in this stunning National Park is the best collection of primary forests and the few existing lowland tropical forests. Together with this are rivers running along the boundaries. But what will catch your attention is the wildlife. There is an exciting coexistence of marine predators and prey. These include the American crocodiles, spectacled caiman, bull sharks, Hawksbill, and the Pacific Ridley sea turtles.
The park also receives seasonal migrants from the neighboring Ballena national marine Park. At this time, you can bump into the humpback whale, spinner dolphins, and killer whales.
The land also has its share of interesting animal species. These include spider monkeys, mantled howlers, and the white-faced capuchin.
Predators include cougars, jaguars, and ocelots. Hummingbirds, macaws, and over 220 butterfly species also call Corcovado National Park home.
Park regulations state that you must always have a Costa Rica travel guide. This is due to the immense size of the park and the lack of direct access by road. It is easy to get lost, thus the need for local guides.
The other benefit you get is the guides know the best trails. That will give you a chance to get the whole experience of touring Corcovado National Park.
Tortuguero National Park
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry after 6 p.m. is possible only in the company of a local guide.
Tortuguero (land of turtles) National Park is where you can capture one of nature’s wonders in your Costa Rica vacation. And that is the nesting of sea turtles.
The park is home to a wide variety of turtles. These include Green sea Turtles, leatherbacks, Baula, and Hawksbill. All these turtles congregate at specific times of the year, mainly between June and October, to nest.
Most of the turtles lay eggs at night. You may even be lucky to see the tiny hatchlings run into the sea. So, if you want to see this interesting phenomenon, you will need a local guide. The park restricts access to unguided tours after 6 p.m.
Carry a raincoat because Tortuguero can get quite wet. If you prefer to avoid the hike, you can explore the park by boat, canoe, or kayak.
Bring a pair of binoculars and see if you can spot the thousands of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles and bird species.
Also, brush up on your knowledge of tropical plants because there are over 2,000 plants and 400 tree species.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Arenal Volcano National Park is another stunning example of Costa Rica’s nature. The landscape comprises lush jungles, caused due to volcanic minerals. The last eruption occurred in 2010, so it is easy to see the lava trail on the side of the mountain.
Nature lovers will love the hiking trails. If you want a fantastic view of the volcano, hike the Los Miradores trail. Other popular activities at the park include kayaking, zip lining, stand-up paddle boarding, and kitesurfing.
And please, bring along some swimming gear. You will love the selection of 12 hot springs that you can take a dip in. imagine a Jacuzzi in the middle of a jungle with some panoramic views. Such are the simple pleasures you can enjoy on your vacations in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Manuel Antonio National Park is quite small, only covering 19.93 square kilometers. But don’t let the small park size fool you. Your vacation in Costa Rica would not be complete without visiting this tiny gem.
The park is home to some of the best beaches and coastal rainforests. Many visitors to the path go there for a chance to experience the beach life. Indeed, that is one of the greatest draws to the park.
There are also water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Hiking paths for those who want to break a sweat on their Costa Rica vacations are plentiful. In terms of wildlife is an exciting selection of Scarlet macaws, sloths, and monkeys.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Open 7 a.m.to 4 p.m. with night tours starting from 6 p.m.
Monteverde cloud forest reserve looks like the perfect setting for a horror movie. Imagine a forest where the cloud cover is so low that it forms a misty shroud everywhere you look.
In terms of ecotourism, Montverde stands out. The area is lush and has the best biodiversity.
Bird watching is a favorite pastime for many visitors who all hope to see the rare Quetzal. Did you know that the Aztecs once regarded this resplendent bird as a God?
Please take along a local guide if you decide to hike the forest reserve. Also, see if your Costa Rica travel agent can arrange a night tour. While you may not bump into any ghosts, you may see some pretty fascinating creatures. At night the tarantulas, armadillos, and sloth tend to wander around.
Final Thoughts
A Costa Rica travel is a bucket list item for nature lovers. And the national parks must be on your itinerary. We have shared five of what we consider are some of the best. But, with a total of 29 parks, there are many options.
Do take time to find out park regulations. Corcovado for instance has a rule that you must have a local guide with you at all times. Tortuguero has the same rule for anyone who wants to see the nesting turtles at night. And we don’t need to tell you that you wouldn’t want to be in the Monteverde cloud forest at night without a guide.
A good idea is to book a Costa Rica all-inclusive vacation package. You get local guides as well as someone to arrange your itinerary.
Thank you for reading.
