National Parks & Wildlife Reserves of Costa Rica

As a representation of the geographical and biological diversity of the country, Costa Rica’s national parks are also very diverse. They encompass a multitude of ecosystems and their respective species, such as cloud forests, rainforests, tropical dry forests, mangroves, and even coral reefs.

Depending on the park that you visit, you could peer into a volcano crater, dip your toes in the ocean, look for sloths or monkeys, marvel at giant tree ferns, walk around archeological ruins, or see the site of the most famous battle in Costa Rica’s history. There is really no other way to say it: these parks have it all, and in great abundance.

Wildlife also varies greatly. If you have your heart set on seeing particular animals, make sure to check whether those animals are native to the areas you are visiting. For example, Manuel Antonio is a great place to see white-faced monkeys, as is Tortuguero for sea turtles.

Accessibility is another important factor to consider. While most national parks are not set up for visitors in wheelchairs, there are exceptions such as Carara National Park. If that is a concern, make sure to confirm before making plans.

In addition to its national park system, Costa Rica also has a robust network of private reserves ranging from very small parks to such famous locations as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, non-governmental reserves and protected areas all that play an important role in the country’s conservation efforts.

One of the hallmarks of Costa Rica is also one of its most accessible features: namely, the over 700 miles of coastline. As national heritage, beaches belong to the Costa Rican people and cannot be privatized. This means that all beaches not located in national conservation areas are free to enter and enjoy.

When visiting a national park, expect to pay between $5 and $15 per visit as a non-Costa Rican. Prices for locals, legal residents, and children are lower. Annual passes are not available. Since reserves are private, most also have entrance fees, which can be significantly more than those charged for national parks.

Like any natural area, Costa Rican conservation areas have rules and regulations meant to protect the species that call them home. Most rules are common sense, like a prohibition on hunting, going off marked trails, removing specimens such as plants, animals, or shells, and going into volcano craters (!). Visitors cannot smoke or drink alcohol in national parks, nor can they enter with pets. It’s also important to remember not to feed or touch any animals you might come across – no matter how much that white-faced monkey tries to convince you otherwise!

That said, certain parks have special rules. While many national parks allow swimming, one notable exception is Rio Celeste. The same goes for camping and/or staying overnight in ranger stations. Examples of national parks that allow overnight stays include Santa Rosa, Corcovado, Chirripó, and Braulio Carrillo (Barva sector).

What you can definitely do is what you came to Costa Rica to do: use the marked trails to venture into unforgettable landscapes, and take photos of the amazing flora and fauna you find.

Since entrance fees to national parks do not include a nature guide, it is up to you to decide if you would like to visit with a guide. Most major national parks have local guides that offer tours. Prices vary depending on the park and whether your tour is private or in a group. Some tours may need to be booked in advance, and, in other cases, you may be able to get a local guide’s contact information at the national park itself.

Whether you choose to go with a guide really depends on your interests and your travel style. You will definitely have a richer wildlife experience with a guide. If you are a birdwatcher or wildlife enthusiast, for example, a guide is essential for what can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the biodiversity the country is famous for.

If you prefer a relaxed walk in nature, taking in the peace and quiet of your surroundings, you may not need one and may actually prefer to go on your own.

Costa Rica’s climate varies greatly depending on the part of the country, and the weather also differs throughout the year. Checking before you head off for your day in the national park can mean the difference between a wonderful experience or a miserable one!

If you are headed to a higher altitude, such as the Poás Volcano National Park, the weather will be cooler, so you will want to dress in layers. Parks at the beach are, of course, hot, but the humidity can be very different depending on the region and whether it is the rainy season. Hats and sunscreen are important, as is mosquito repellent.

Headed to the rainforest? There’s a reason they call it that! Ponchos, windbreakers, or other rain gear will save you from an unexpected soaking, even in the “dry” months of the year.

Also remember to pack water and snacks if you need them, as most conservation areas don’t have stores.

More than 25% of Costa Rica’s total territory is contained in national parks and other conservation areas, protecting the country’s diverse wildlife and preserving the nation’s ecological heritage. Currently, 30 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 15 wetlands and mangrove reserves, 11 forest reserves, 8 biological reserves, and other protected areas comprise 169 total parks and 3,223,010 acres (1,304,306 hectares).

As a tourist, this gives you a wide variety of options in terms of ecosystem, climate, terrain, wildlife, scenery, proximity to urban centers, and more. It’s safe to say that most visitors to this Central American environmental oasis spend some time in at least one national park. And those who don’t are certainly missing out! Check out this guide with helpful information about national parks and reserves in Costa Rica.

Considered the most popular of the national parks, this is one of the smallest the country has to offer. But don’t let that fool you because within the almost 5,000 acres lives four different species of monkeys, 180 different types of birds and both species of sloths! This incredibly accessible park has a diverse ecosystem which includes forests, lagoons, four different pristine beaches and mangroves.

Home to two different volcanoes and covering an area of 12,000 hectares, Arenal National Park ranked the 6th Best National Park in the world and number 1 in Latin America. After being dormant for hundreds of years, in 1968 all that changed with it’s fiery eruption creating a landscape of lava fields along with an impressive habitat for flora and fauna.

The largest park in Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park https://www.vacationscostarica.com/things-to-do/corcovado-day-trip/ protects about 1/3 of the Osa Peninsula (LINK) and is home to a wide variety of animals including tapirs, pumas, eagles, monkeys, ant-eaters, frogs, snakes and turtles. It is one of the most remote and biologically intense places on the planet!

Rincon de la Vieja is over 14,000 hectares and surrounds a very active volcano with cascading waterfalls and 32 rivers and hot springs. Explore nature in action here due to rainfall, altitude differences, and the volcanic eruptions!

Here you will enjoy interlinked bodies of water including rivers, lagoons and canals all filtering out to the beaches and surrounded by dense rainforest. If you are lucky you may see some of the creatures that have chosen Tortuguero National Park as their home including macaws, jaguars, sea turtles, ocelots, river otters and manatees to name a few. 

Known as the “Cloud Forest Reserve”, this famous park has created habitats you are not able to find anywhere else in the world. The unique wildlife that lives here include 153 species of reptiles, 400 species of birds, 490 species of butterflies, 30 species of hummingbirds, and 100 of mammals including the tapir, the jaguar and stingray.

Located on the banks of the Tempisque River, the Palo Verde National Park combines dry forest and wetlands with migratory birds densely populating the area making this park a birder’s dream. We highly recommended exploring the scenery here by boat!

Guanacaste National Park is located in the province of Guanacaste and lies adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park. This park was created in the year 1989.

Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste National Park is another of Costa Rica’s important sea turtle nesting sites. It is located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in the Northern Province of Guanacaste near the tourist town of Tamarindo.

Hard to imagine that a country as popular as Costa Rica could have any part left of it considered to be undiscovered and under the radar, but unless you are an avid scuba diver that is most likely the case. The island can only be reached by sea which is part of what makes Cocos Island so special. Liveaboard dive boats are pretty much the only visitors to this island.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is located in the northern part of Costa Rica, only about two hours away from La Fortuna, which makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and travelers.