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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
4.5
2 reviews
Duration: 5 hours
Buy tours from $90
Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $161
Duration: 13 to 15 hours
Buy tours from $161
Private Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Hiking in Carara National Park BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $104
Duration: 5 hours
Buy tours from $104
Carara National Park Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.0
516 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By bennoh862
    The Park is manageable but bitter some treasures, if you take time. We were 4 hours with a guide. To create the park but also in 90 minutes. We saw monkeys, macaws, all kinds of birds and small frogs. The guides are great scopes. Admission $10, Guide 25/person.
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  • By JasonHames
    Mauricio Vasquez! Yep- that’s what makes it from a good visit to an exceptional visit! Pay the money and request Mauricio. He is so knowledgeable, funny, kind & truly understands how to make your hike...  more »
  • By halifaxcub
    We arrived at the park around 9h45 and I was happy to see that Mauricio was there! We hired him and do not regret it. He was passionate about his job and everything he could show us.He was able to see...  more »
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Google
  • By Kevin Waitley
    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...
  • By Mike Piwoni
    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!
  • By Moritz Marx
    Great visit for a day trip. Lots to view. And wheelchair accessible with 2 km path!
  • By Audrey Hart
    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.
  • By François Côté
    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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Side trips from Carara

©
Turu Ba Ri Nature & Adventure Park
Province of San Jose
4.5
Duration: 8​h
Puentes Colgantes del Arenal
San Carlos
4.3
Duration: 2​h 30​min
©
Playa Mantas
Herradura
4.2
Duration: 4​h
Hiller Aviation Museum
San Carlos
4
Duration: 1​h 30​min
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