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Top 5 National Parks in Costa Rica
As the eco-and-adventure tourism capital of Central America, it’s no surprise the country hosts a dizzying array of national parks. From hiking adventures to white water rafting, wildlife encounters and stunning vistas – there’s a National Park to suit everyone. Below are the top five National Parks that cover the highlights of Costa Rica and allow you to get under the skin of this magnificent country.
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1. Corcovado National Park
Located on the remote Osa Peninsula in the southwest of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This is one of the best places to see a number of rare mammals such as tapirs, ocelots, kinkajous and even the elusive jaguar. It also has the largest population of scarlet macaws in Central America and is the only place home to all four of the primate species in the country: the spider, howler, white-faced capuchin and endangered squirrel monkey. With 13 different ecosystems, one can experience lowland rainforest, tangled mangroves, misty cloud forest and wild beaches all in one day. Thanks to its secluded location and lack of infrastructure, the park remains pristine, crowd-free and unbelievably beautiful.
Who For?
This is perfect for those who want to see nature at its best and get away from the crowds. The park consists of uneven terrains and so a good level of fitness and mobility is required. Lodges are intimate and secluded and so for adventurous honeymoons looking for a secret hideaway amid the jungle, or older families looking for a nature wonderland away from the distractions of modern technology, this is the place to be!
2. Manuel Antonio National Park
Contrasting to Corcovado, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s smallest and most visited national parks. Voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, it boasts expansive beaches, lush tropical forest and colourful coral reefs. With its well-maintained trails, you don’t have to walk far to see a wide array of species, including various monkeys, sloths, iguanas and a rainbow of exotic birds. Once you have exhausted the trails, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing on one of the park’s three beaches. Located just minutes away from the town of Manuel Antonio, access to the park is easy and hassle-free.
Who For?
Rich in wildlife and easy to access, the park is perfect for young families who want to get a taste of Costa Rican jungle without having to travel miles away from developed areas to do so. With its manicured trails and given it is small in size; it’s easy to get around. Equipped bathrooms, changing facilities and picnic tables on site make it a great place to spend the day.
3. Arenal Volcano National Park
Home to the best-known volcano in the country, Arenal Volcano National Park is Costa Rica’s adventure capital. Boasting spectacular views, verdant rainforest, bubbling hot springs and an abundance of wildlife, this is a real highlight of any trip to Costa Rica. It is a true adventure wonderland, where hiking and nature walks can be interspersed with swimming in pristine waterfalls, riding rushing rapids, flying through the canopy on a zip-line and horse riding through the tropical forest. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than relaxing in one of the numerous hot springs dotted around the area.
Who For?
Anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for being as active as possible, from family fun to adventurous couples, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
4. Tortuguero National Park
Taking its name from tortuga which is Spanish for turtle, Tortuguero National Park is the most important breeding ground of the green sea turtle, as well as several other turtle species. Visitors can see the hatching of these endearing creatures along the wild beaches between the months of July and October. The park boasts 11 different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches and lagoons, which create an incredible biodiversity. The area is teeming with wildlife including river otters, caimans, monkeys and numerous bird species. There are no roads leading to Tortuguero, meaning the only way to access the park is by plane or boat, and once you’re there, most of your time will be spent exploring the meandering rivers and canals in search of wildlife.
Who For?
A visit to Tortuguero is best suited to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Accommodation here is comfortable but rustic and integrated in to the surrounds of the national park and so for those looking for ultimate luxury this place may not be for you. As most time is spent in boats a degree of mobility is also required.
5. Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National Park in the Guanacaste province is teeming with smoking volcanoes, steamy hot springs, thermal mud pots and crashing waterfalls. Day hikes, horseback riding, swimming in natural pools and soaking up the therapeutic properties of the hot springs are just a few of the highlights that this lesser-visited national park has to offer. With so much ecological diversity, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, birds and insects, as well as the country’s largest population of the Guarianthe skinneri, a rare purple orchid and Costa Rica’s national flower.
Who For?
Perfect for those who want to explore a less visited area of Costa Rica and glimpse in to Costa Rica’s spectacular natural beauty. With some of the best horse-riding in the country, it a horse-riders dream and with over 300 species of birds in the area, it’s a bird watchers paradise. Several lodges are dotted around the park or for those staying along Guanacaste’s northern coast then a number of day trips can be organised.
