Trip Planner: Central America / Costa Rica / Province of San Jose / Carara / Carara National Park

Carara National Park, Carara

4.4

#1 of 8 in Nature in Province of San Jose

#National Park, #Nature / Park, #Must See

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

2 reviews

Duration: 5 hours

Buy tours from $90

Private Tour: Carara National Park Bird Watching Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $105

0 reviews

Duration: 4 hours

Buy tours from $105

Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $161

0 reviews

Duration: 13 to 15 hrs

Buy tours from $161

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Carara National Park Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

509 reviews

Google

4.5

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272 likes

By trekko On June 25, 2018

Ce parque national est étonnant car la partie qui se visite est proche de la route, on entend pas mal les camions qui passent mais en même temps, il est très riche en bio diversité. on peu y croiser l... more »

This national park is amazing because the part which can be visited is close to the road, we hear quite the trucks that pass but at the same time, it is very rich in bio-diversity. one little folding three kind of monkeys in the area, lots of birds and amphibians, as well as of the reptiles.il there's also small mammals, Coatis, raccoons raccoons agouti and paca. Of course it is impossible to predict what we are likely to see. He must observe, listen, and look with a lot of patience. Those who don't see see anything. Animals are receivers, while man is a transmitter...

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By Mario P On June 24, 2018

Definitely the least interesting park amongst the ones visited during our trip to CR (Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Tortoguero, Cahuita). We ended up hiring a guide at the entrance named Maurice/Mauricio... more »
By Paola C On June 18, 2018

Vimos gran variedad de aves y animales. Caminos bien señalizados y bonitos. Te explican bien como ir por los senderos. Bonita experiencia. more »

We saw a great variety of birds and animals. Beautiful and well-signposted paths. They explain well how to go by the trails. Beautiful experience.

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By Kevin Waitley On August 1, 2018

The best.....no one here. Saw some great forest and some animals. Eerily quiet and rain hit us like crazy. Some nice workers that let us in for $20 each. Frogs...toucans.. whip snake....leaf cutter ants...iguanas...

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By Mike Piwoni On July 14, 2018

The forest is beautiful. I really have no complaints other than it was a tough birding experience. Only saw 20 species in about 4.5 hours due to inactivity and the density of the forest. Worth a trip but pay for a park guide!

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By Moritz Marx On June 25, 2018

Great visit for a day trip. Lots to view. And wheelchair accessible with 2 km path!

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By Audrey Hart On March 11, 2018

Walking on the bridge to see the alligators as a little bit dicey especially with small children. You have to be pretty careful and diligent to make sure you're not hit by a car. The nice thing is there are a lot of stands and restaurants right there at the bridge so you can stop in eat a meal or just grab some fruit or snacks or find a bathroom or by other trinkets if you want.

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By François Côté On February 10, 2018

Very nice walk once we found the place along route 34. Google Maps initially sent us 45 min up a small gravel road in the mountains. We gave up once we reached a ford in the road. The park ranger informed us that this was the entrance of the park 30 years ago. On the trail we heard macaws and howler monkeys.

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