Costa Rica’s famously rich landscapes and abundant wildlife showcase pura vida.
Within the Central American country’s relatively small borders, visitors will find 28 national parks, in addition to dozens of other refuges, reserves, and conservation regions.
From beaches to volcanoes to waterfall-strewn forests full of capuchin monkeys, hummingbirds, parrots, and other wildlife, Costa Rica’s national parks are simply treasures. The sheer wealth of outdoor escapes can be a little overwhelming for visitors deciding where to go first.
So whether you’re looking for a sunrise hike, a surf spot, or a challenging trek to a caldera, we’ve rounded up the 15 best national parks in Costa Rica.
Go Up, Up and Away at Parque Nacional Chirripó
Mountaineers won’t want to miss this national park. While much of the Cordillera de Talamanca is difficult to access, Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó (12,500ft/3820m), is the focus of popular two-day ascents from San Gerardo de Rivas.
The only way to reach Chirripó is on foot. Although the trekking routes are challenging, watching the sunrise from such lofty heights is one of the country’s undeniable highlights. Most hikers go up to Crestones Base Lodge, then summit at sunrise the following day.
Swim with Sharks at Parque Nacional Isla del Coco
Around 310 miles (500km) southwest of the Costa Rican mainland, Isla del Coco is a natural wonder that teems with wildlife, including the largest schools of hammerhead sharks on the planet. For that reason, divers descend from all corners, often venturing out on liveaboard trips. There’s also some fascinating pirate history here and, reportedly, some buried treasure.
At Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Seek Out Sloths, Then Take a Dip
Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches, and craggy headlands, this relatively small coastal reserve (1680 acres) brims with wildlife and visiting humans. As you wander its lovely trails, you’ll catch a glimpse of dangling sloths, squawking toucans, and playful monkeys, then encounter breathtaking views of the sea and nearby islands. To beat the crowds and maximize wildlife sightings, arrive early.
Fawn Over the Fauna at Parque Nacional Tortuguero
This misty and green coastal park sits on a broad floodplain crisscrossed by a jigsaw of canals. Often called the “mini Amazon,” Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a place of intense biodiversity, including more than 400 bird species, 60 known species of frogs, and 30 species of freshwater fish. Caimans and crocodiles can be seen lounging on riverbanks, while freshwater turtles bask on logs.
More than 150,000 visitors a year come to ply the canals by boat and take in the wildlife, particularly to watch turtles lay eggs. This is the Caribbean’s most important breeding site for the green sea turtle, where 40,000 arrive every season to nest. Various volunteer organizations address the problem of poaching with vigilant turtle patrols.
Visit Parque Nacional Cahuita for Prime Turtle Viewing
At just 3.9 sq miles (10 sq km), this tiny but beautiful reserve is frequently visited. The reasons are simple: the nearby town of Cahuita provides attractive accommodations and easy access while the park boasts white-sand beaches, a coral reef, coastal rainforest, and a small lagoon that burst with wildlife. Arrive early if possible, especially during the busy cruise ship season.
There are north and south entrances to the park; visitors entering at Kelly Creek to the north aren’t required to pay the entrance fee, though donations are welcomed. Keep in mind that the Costa Rican park service is habitually underfunded, so tourist dollars support education, conservation, and maintenance programs.
Take a (Very) Long Beach Stroll at Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Famous for its wide, 2.5-mile (4km)-long beach, this small but important marine park protects coral and rock reefs surrounding several offshore islands, along with migrating humpback whales, dolphins, and nesting sea turtles. The best times of year for whale spotting are from December to April and July to November; you can walk along the famous, sandy “whale’s tail” at low tide only.
At the end of the tail are rock pools, where kids can enjoy searching for small marine animals. However, be cautious, as ferocious waves break at the end of the tail, making it unsuitable for swimming.
Reserva Biológica Hitoy-Cerere’s Wildlife Makes It Worth the Long Journey
Only the most intrepid of nature enthusiasts will make the journey to Hitoy-Cerere, about 37 miles (60km) south of Puerto Limón and only accessible by 4WD along a rugged dirt track. The 38-sq-mile (99-sq-km) reserve features varying altitudes, evergreen forests, and rushing rivers. This is one of the wettest reserves in the park system, inundated with 157–236 inches (4000–6000 mm) of rain annually.
Naturally, wildlife abounds, with commonly sighted mammals including gray four-eyed opossums, tayras (a type of weasel), and howler and capuchin monkeys. Since the area is home to more than 230 avian species, there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
Go Macaw-Spotting at Parque Nacional Carara
Carara is home to one of Costa Rica’s most charismatic bird species, the scarlet macaw. While catching a glimpse of this tropical wonder is a rare proposition in most parts of the country, macaw sightings are virtually guaranteed at Carara. You can also keep your eyes peeled for over 400 other avian species flitting around the canopy, as well as Costa Rica’s largest crocodiles in the waterways.
The park’s four trails can easily be explored in half a day; getting there early maximizes wildlife sightings. An umbrella is essential in the wet season, and make sure to have insect repellent on hand.
You Might Have Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco All to Yourself
Near the geographic center of the country, this little-visited national park is where five of Costa Rica’s major rivers originate. Since this 55-sq-mile (143-sq-km) reserve has a sizable but little-maintained trail network and few facilities, you’ll likely have the park to yourself. Most visitors head to the visitor center (4WD required) managed by Montaña Sagrada Natural Reserve, and walk the three trails leading to a lagoon named Ponzo Verde.
The infrequent foot traffic increases your chances of spotting unusual species. Look out for tapirs, ocelots, curassows, quetzals, and black guans, while admiring the splendid orchids along the trails.
Descend Into a Volcanic Crater at Parque Nacional Volcán Poás
Here’s your chance to get frighteningly close to an extremely active volcano, which last erupted in 2017. At an elevation of 885ft (2708m), mighty Poás is clasped by 7540-year-old lava; visitors can peer right into the 853ft (260m)-deep crater, which has a striking turquoise lake at its center. Note that visits are now restricted to 20 minutes.
Daily visitor numbers are strictly controlled, so advance planning is essential. It’s notable that the park’s natural beauty and geological significance make it a must-visit site while in Costa Rica, but be sure to check its status for potential closures due to gas emissions.
Get Soaked at Parque Nacional Tapantí-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte
This 224-sq-mile (580-sq-km) national park preserves the verdant northern slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca, making it the wettest reserve in the country, receiving an impressive 315 inches (8000mm) of precipitation annually. Its largest peak, Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of Death; 11,322ft/3451m), is also the highest point on the Costa Rican section of the Interamericana.
Visitors can hike along several trails of varying difficulty and lengths, with breathtaking views waiting at every turn. The ranger’s office at the park entrance offers maps and information on each path, along with facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, and educational exhibits.
Wander the Wild Wetlands of Parque Nacional Palo Verde
At the head of the Golfo de Nicoya, the 76-sq-mile (198-sq-km) Parque Nacional Palo Verde is a wetland sanctuary in Costa Rica’s driest province. The park’s shallow lagoons support the greatest concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds in Central America. Hiking trails through the forests allow for wildlife observation, and boat tours are an excellent way to experience the wetlands.
The dry season (December to March) is the best time to visit, as flocks of birds congregate in remaining lakes and marshes. However, during the wet months, large portions may be flooded, limiting access.
Have a Soak at Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja
Given its proximity to Liberia, this park feels surprisingly uncrowded and remote. Named after its active Volcán Rincón de la Vieja (6217ft/1895m), the park exhales geothermal energy, featuring multihued fumaroles, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and a small volcano, all accessible through well-maintained trails.
Many visitors come here for the therapeutic hot springs, where you can soak while listening to howler monkeys overhead. Nearby lodges provide access and tours for planning purposes.
Admire Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio’s Celestial Waters
This park’s spectacular blue river, waterfalls, and lagoons are among Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural phenomena. From the El Pilón ranger station, a 3-mile (5km) hiking trail winds through the misty forest, showcasing all the park’s highlights.
Meet the Leatherbacks at Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste
This land-and-sea park encompasses the entire beach at Playa Grande, as well as the adjacent land and 85 sq miles (220 sq km) of ocean. This is one of the world’s most important nesting areas for the critically endangered leatherback turtle. In the evenings from October to March, rangers lead tours to witness the turtles’ amazing life cycle.
Despite increased conservation efforts, fewer leatherbacks nest on Playa Grande each year. Park rangers collect eggs and incubate them to increase their chances of survival, though it’s estimated only 10% of hatchlings survive to adulthood. Protecting this amazing natural spectacle is vital.
This article was first published Mar 17, 2021, and updated Apr 27, 2022.
