National parks in Costa Rica

Is your next tour going to be filled with exceptional nature experiences in unique national parks?

Then Costa Rica is the perfect destination for you.

With over 25% of the country protected as national parks and nature reserves, Costa Rica is world-renowned for its natural wonders featuring volcanoes, rainforests, tropical beaches, and unique wildlife.

But with so many amazing choices, deciding where to go can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to seven of Costa Rica’s stunning national parks.

What makes Costa Rica’s national parks unique?

The national parks in Costa Rica offer a world of experiences from active volcanoes to secluded mangrove forests, making the country a haven of contrasting nature experiences.

Furthermore, Costa Rica is one of the world leaders in conservation, with over 25% of the country dedicated to nature reserves. All national parks are protected under SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación), Costa Rica’s national conservation authority.

This makes the country a dream destination for those seeking authentic nature, rich biodiversity, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in lush rainforests, beaches, and mountains in some of the world’s most impressive national parks.

Monteverde: The Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest, located about 3 hours northwest of San José, is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting national parks. Set high up in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountains, it is known as the ‘forest in the clouds’ due to the almost constantly low-hanging clouds and mist that create a fairy-tale atmosphere.

The high humidity in Monteverde provides ideal living conditions for moss, ferns, and enormous trees. With more than 3,000 different plant species, including over 500 different kinds of orchids, Monteverde is a complex and lush ecosystem.

As you wander through the lush rainforest via the park’s suspended bridges, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The bridges span between the treetops and as you walk across them, you can see the rainforest’s enchanting landscape from above. For the more adventurous, it’s also popular to zipline among the treetops in Monteverde.

Highlights of Monteverde:

• The unique ecosystem of the cloud forest
• Blooming orchids
• Fascinating views from the suspension bridges

Manuel Antonio National Park: Costa Rica’s smallest national park

Located on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its extraordinary combination of rainforest, sand beaches, and coral reefs – all within an area of just 7 km², making Manuel Antonio Costa Rica’s smallest national park.

Despite its modest size, this national park is also one of Costa Rica’s most visited. Here, you can combine adventures in the dense, tropical rainforest with relaxing moments on the dazzling white sandy beaches, such as Manuel Antonio Beach. The national park also manages 12 islands off the coast, home to a variety of marine birds.

Experience the rich wildlife of the park via its many hiking trails. There are over 100 different types of mammals living here, and you might be lucky enough to encounter sloths, a variety of monkey species, or some of the park’s exciting bird species like the colourful toucan.

Highlights of Manuel Antonio:

• Beautiful sand beaches
• Remarkable wildlife
• Opportunities for snorkelling

Tortuguero National Park: The Turtle Park

Situated on the Caribbean Sea in the northeastern part of Costa Rica, you will find Tortuguero National Park. With its winding canals and dense mangrove forest, it creates a truly unique landscape.

Tortuguero National Park is accessible only by boat or domestic flight. This makes the journey an adventure in itself as you delve deep into the jungle paradise, shielded from the rest of the modern world.

The national park offers boat tours where you can encounter sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and a plethora of other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Tortuguero is particularly renowned for its four species of sea turtles, which safely lay their eggs in the park’s protected area between July and October. In fact, it is the sea turtle that lends its name to the park, as the Spanish word ‘tortuga’ means ‘turtle’ in English.

Highlights of Tortuguero:

• Large population of sea turtles
• Opportunity for boat safaris
• An isolated rainforest experience

Rincón de la Vieja National Park: Unspoiled nature

If you’re keen to explore some of Costa Rica’s more untouched nature in a lesser-visited national park, then Rincón de la Vieja, located in north-western Costa Rica, is exactly what you’re looking for.

The national park is named after its main attraction, the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano, which stands 1,895 metres tall and consists of nine interconnected craters.

The active volcano gives Rincón de la Vieja National Park a uniquely distinctive landscape and ecosystem. You can witness the craters emitting gases and steam, while natural hot springs and bubbling mud further illustrate the area’s geothermal activity.

The national park also hosts a variety of fascinating wildlife, including monkeys, coatis, armadillos, lizards, and iguanas.

Highlights of Rincón de la Vieja:

• Unique geothermal landscape
• The active Rincón de la Vieja volcano
• Lush untouched nature

Arenal Volcano National Park: Costa Rica’s iconic volcano

Arenal Volcano National Park, located in northern Costa Rica, is home to the country’s most iconic volcano and one of Costa Rica’s top attractions, Arenal.

This impressive cone-shaped volcano towers majestically over the landscape at a height of 1,657 metres, providing a dramatic backdrop for the many experiences on offer in the national park.

The area is renowned for its natural hot springs and scenic hiking trails. You’ll find a blissful combination of relaxation and adventure here – from steaming hot springs heated by volcanic activity to picturesque hikes offering views over Lake Arenal, the green lagoon Laguna Verde, and of course, the Arenal volcano itself.

Along the way, you might be fortunate enough to spot some of the park’s playful residents, including mischievous monkeys, sloths, and colourful birds.

Highlights of Arenal Volcano:

• The iconic Arenal volcano
• Opportunity to bathe in hot springs
• Enchanting hiking trails

Corcovado National Park: World-class biodiversity

Situated on the Osa Peninsula in the south-western part of Costa Rica is Corcovado National Park.

The park preserves the largest remaining area of original lowland rainforest along the Pacific coast of the Americas and is one of the few places in the world where this type of untouched ecosystem still exists. It is estimated that 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity can be found here, despite the national park covering only about 424 square kilometres.

Corcovado is often hailed as one of the most biodiverse areas on earth, home to over 8,000 insect species, more than 350 bird species, 120 different mammals, and 117 amphibian and reptile species.

As you explore Corcovado National Park on foot, you might be lucky enough to encounter tapirs, sloths, scarlet macaws, and various monkey species. If you’re really fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the park’s rare cats, such as the jaguar or puma.

Highlights of Corcovado:

• Unique biodiversity
• Pristine, untouched rainforest
• Opportunity to get up close to nature on foot

Cahuita National Park: Stunning coral reef

Along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, you’ll find Cahuita National Park. Only about 27 km² of the park is on land, with the remaining approximately 550 km² being marine area.

The park is renowned for its beautiful coral reef, where you can explore the underwater world while snorkelling, where you might spot rays, sea cucumbers, sharks, turtles, and sea urchins. Additionally, Cahuita National Park, along with Tortuguero, is one of the main places in Costa Rica where the hawksbill turtle nests.

Cahuita National Park also boasts beautiful white sand beaches and a densely vegetated forest where you can spot creatures such as raccoons, sloths, and snakes.

Highlights of Cahuita:

• Snorkelling at the coral reef
• Caribbean beach vibes
• Rich wildlife

Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica’s national parks

Planning your tour to Costa Rica’s splendid national parks may raise many questions.

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.

When is the best time to visit the national parks?

Costa Rica’s national parks can be visited year-round, but the dry season (December-April) offers the most stable and dry weather. The rainy season (May-November), however, presents fewer visitors and more lush landscapes.

There may be geographical differences in the weather – you can read more about this here.

How many national parks are there in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has 29 national parks, all managed by the National Parks System of Costa Rica, which is part of SINAC (Sistema Nacional De Áreas De Conservación Costa Rica).

Which national park in Costa Rica should one choose?

Costa Rica’s national parks each offer something unique, so which ones to visit largely depends on what you dream of experiencing.

When you tour with TourCompass, you’ll always visit several of Costa Rica’s national parks. Check out our tours to Costa Rica and discover which tour combines the exact national parks you dream of exploring.

Below, you’ll find a list of the major highlights in some of the national parks:

• Monteverde: unique ecosystem, often shrouded in clouds, blooming orchids and hanging bridges
• Manuel Antonio: lush rainforest, exotic wildlife, and some of the country’s finest beaches, including Manuel Antonio Beach
• Tortuguero: sea turtles, boat safaris, and a secluded rainforest experience
• Rincón de la Vieja: geothermal landscape, active volcano, and untouched nature
• Arenal Volcano: the conical Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and hiking
• Cahuita: snorkelling at the coral reef, Caribbean beach vibe, and abundant wildlife
• Corcovado: unique biodiversity, pristine rainforest, and the opportunity to get up close with nature on foot

What is Costa Rica’s most famous national park?

Many of Costa Rica’s national parks are world-renowned for their unique biodiversity.

Arenal Volcano National Park is among the most iconic due to its majestic volcano and natural hot springs.

Additionally, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most visited national parks, mainly because of its beautiful beaches, coastline, and rich biodiversity.

Is there an entrance fee for the national parks?

Yes, several of Costa Rica’s national parks require an entrance fee, and prices vary depending on the park.

When you travel with TourCompass, entrance fees to the national parks included in the planned itinerary are always covered in the tour price. This means you can avoid unexpected expenses and focus on enjoying the experiences in Costa Rica’s renowned natural areas.

Is a guide required to visit the national parks?

In some of Costa Rica’s national parks, it is mandatory to have a local, certified guide present—particularly in parks with sensitive ecosystems or restricted access. Other parks are open for independent hikes, where you can explore the trails on your own.

Do you want to experience extraordinary nature in Costa Rica’s national parks?

Lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and magical beaches await you in Costa Rica!

Which national parks do you dream of exploring? At TourCompass, we’re ready to help you find the perfect tour to Costa Rica, including visits to its stunning, unique national parks.

Exploring the world should be safe – we’re with you all the way!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller