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Carara National Park, Carara

4.4
#2 of 21 in Parks in Province of San Jose
National Park Nature / Park
Explore Carara National Park, a wildlife haven due to its transition between dry and wet rainforest. A popular hiking spot in close proximity to San Jose, the national park bears the name of one of its most prominent residents, the American crocodile. Walking along the Tarcoles river, you might see a few of these crocs, which can grow up to 6 m (20 ft) in length. Birdwatchers flock here to observe the abundance of avian life, including one of the largest scarlet macaw communities in Costa Rica. Hike through the dense rainforest for the chance to spot deer, kinkajous, frogs, water birds, and many species of monkeys. Put Carara National Park and other Carara attractions into our Carara journey maker , and watch your holiday take shape.
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Carara National Park Tours
Private Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Tarcoles River Boat Tour at the Jungle BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $90
Private Tour: Carara National Park Bird Watching Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $105
Private Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Hiking in Carara National Park BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $104
Carara National Park Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $85
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Carara National Park Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
459 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • October 2, 2017
    The National Park has trails for people with disabilities, has bathrooms and much wildlife can be observed. You can buy the services of a private guide, but for that you have to bring cash.
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  • August 14, 2017
    After being in CR for a month, I can say that this was the best day trip we did while being down there! Many skip it or don't even know about it. Its close to San Jose (1 hr, mostly highway). Its not ...  more »
  • August 11, 2017
    I scoffed there macaws. An experience never to forget. Almost surreal to see these beautiful birds in the wild. Am special to come to the park and got exactly what I was hoping!
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Google
  • June 15, 2017
    First of all, don't be confused by the map -- the entrance to Carara is right off R34 on the East side of the road. Totally a must-go for tourists. The first path is pretty tame, good for people with difficulty walking, but the other paths are a lot more exciting. We saw poison dart frogs, lots of strange bugs, an agouti, lizards, a little crocodile, and more flowers than we could count. The humidity is killer, and you WILL go through at least 2 liters of water even if you're walking at a very relaxed pace.
  • March 8, 2017
    It's a walking path through the local foliage. We came across monkeys and butterflies. The walk was cool even in the heat of the day because you are completely covered by the canopy. Not as exciting as a more organized attraction such as the La Paz waterfall gardens, but still a nice walk in the jungle.
  • May 20, 2017
    Marion path is weak. But the other one next to the bridge is just perfect. A lot of macaws!
  • February 8, 2017
    Good jungle experience. Get there early to beat the heat and humidity. And to see the best wildlife. The trails are not very extensive, about 2 to 3 hours to do them all.
  • January 30, 2017
    Amazing park. Saw lots of wildlife. Had great paths and just all around cool place to be.
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Where to stay in Carara

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Plans in Carara by other users

8 days in Carara & San Jose BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES December, kids, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, fast-paced, popular PREFERENCES: December, kids, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Fast-paced 44 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM CANADA January, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: January, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 29 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM CANADA December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 2 days in Carara BY A USER FROM CANADA October, outdoors, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, outdoors, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 16 days in Province of San Jose BY A USER FROM SLOVAKIA January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 21 days in Province of Puntarenas, San Jose & Carara BY A USER FROM SPAIN October, outdoors, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 21 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM SPAIN October, outdoors, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in Carara & San Jose BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 7 days in Province of San Jose BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, popular PREFERENCES: July ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 14 days in Province of San Jose & Puerto Viejo de Talamanca BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, popular PREFERENCES: July ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 30 days in Province of San Jose BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, outdoors, beaches, fast-paced, hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, outdoors, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 6 days in Province of San Jose BY A USER FROM PUERTO RICO May, culture, outdoors, romantic, fast-paced, popular PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, romantic ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Fast-paced
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