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Carara National Park, Carara

4.4
#1 of 6 in Nature 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. With our online itinerary creator, Carara attractions like Carara National Park can be center stage of your vacation plans, and you can find out about other attractions like it, unlike it, near it, and miles away.
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Related Tours to Book
Private Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Tarcoles River Boat Tour at the Jungle BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $90
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Carara National Park Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $85
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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
458 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • 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 »
  • 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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  • Walk through the jungle with the voltage to crocodiles, which can here. Adequate trails at 5 pm. Much wildlife. We saw several groups capuchin monkeys, sloth, agouti, Amazon parrots, a spidermonkeys, many species of lizards and iguanas, wild pigs, a snake. Macaws fly here too and also the tapir and the pump here for. (You will not be watching) At the entrance to the park are some good hiking trails. These go well with sneakers. A little further is another heavier path. You need boots or waterproof hiking boots required. The path large parts under water.
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Google
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Marion path is weak. But the other one next to the bridge is just perfect. A lot of macaws!
  • 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.
  • Amazing park. Saw lots of wildlife. Had great paths and just all around cool place to be.
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Plans in Carara by other users

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 15 days in Province of San Jose & Rome BY A USER FROM COSTA RICA June, culture, relaxing, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: June, culture, relaxing, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 24 days in Province of San Jose, Tamarindo & Liberia BY A USER FROM CANADA July, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: July, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES June, outdoors, relaxing, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: June, outdoors, relaxing ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 11 days in Province of San Jose BY A USER FROM ISRAEL March, culture, outdoors, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: March, culture, outdoors, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 13 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM CANADA March, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: March ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Slow & easy 13 days in Costa Rica BY A USER FROM CANADA March, outdoors, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: March, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 21 days in Province of San Jose BY A USER FROM NETHERLANDS November, culture, outdoors, popular PREFERENCES: November, culture, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
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