Explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders with CR Nomads: In this first part of our national parks series, discover our favorite must-visit destinations that showcase the country’s breathtaking biodiversity and unforgettable landscapes.
1. Corcovado National Park
Nestled in the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica’s South Pacific, this UNESCO World Heritage site remains one of Latin America’s most beautiful natural parks.
Corcovado boasts breathtaking biodiversity, featuring clear rivers, diverse ecosystems—including rainforests and beaches—and powerful wildlife habitats, home to jaguars.
Known as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Corcovado offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience pristine rainforests, remote beaches, and abundant wildlife. It’s a haven for animal lovers, hosting species like jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and four species of monkeys. The park is also home to rare marine life, including bull sharks and dolphins.
Best Trails:
- Sirena Ranger Station Trails: A network of paths from the Sirena station offers great chances to spot iconic wildlife.
- San Pedrillo: Ideal for a shorter hike, this trail traverses lush jungle and leads to beautiful waterfalls.
- Los Patos-Sirena: A challenging but rewarding hike, this route is perfect for spotting tapirs and exotic birds.
Interesting Facts: Corcovado shelters an incredible 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and is one of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforests in Central America. It also plays a key role in the region’s watershed and carbon storage.
Learn more about including Corcovado National Park in your trip to Costa Rica through our Travel Packages section!
2. Cahuita National Park
Located along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is famous for its stunning coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and tropical forests, all brimming with wildlife.
It’s perfect for snorkeling, with an underwater paradise of vibrant coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. In addition, its close proximity to Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva and Manzanillo make it an essential stop when visiting the Caribbean.
Best Trails:
- Cahuita Point Trail: This coastal trail (approximately 8 km round trip) combines forest and beach landscapes, offering sightings of sloths, monkeys, snakes and iguanas.
- Snorkeling: Not a traditional trail, but the guided snorkeling experience along the coral reef is a must.
Interesting Facts: Cahuita protects one of Costa Rica’s largest coral reef systems and is a sanctuary for endangered species like the hawksbill turtle.
3. Tortuguero National Park
Often referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is renowned for its intricate network of canals and waterways, providing visitors with a unique experience for wildlife viewing via boat or kayak.
Tortuguero is a vital nesting ground for endangered green sea turtles, and between February and April, leatherback turtles can also be observed nesting at the park’s beaches. True to its name, Tortuguero continues to attract hundreds of nature and wildlife lovers annually.
Best Trails:
- Sendero Jaguar (Jaguar Trail): This short trail winds through the rainforest near the beach, offering chances to spot monkeys, birds, and even jaguar tracks.
- Canal Tours (via boat or kayak): Navigate the waterways to observe manatees, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
Interesting Facts: Tortuguero is accessible only by boat or plane. The park is critical for the conservation of sea turtles, particularly green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles. It also features over 300 bird species, including the striking toucan and green macaw.
4. Manuel Antonio National Park
When thinking of Costa Rican national parks, Manuel Antonio inevitably comes to mind. Beloved for its blend of lush rainforest and idyllic beaches, it’s one of the most accessible parks in Costa Rica and is famous for its wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
Note that while entry to the park is one of the country’s most regulated (to mitigate overcrowding and disturbances to the ecosystem), a well-planned excursion will always be worth it!
Best Trails:
- Punta Catedral Trail: A moderately challenging trail with panoramic ocean views.
- Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail): An easy, flat trail that’s great for spotting sloths and monkeys.
- Beach Trail: A short walk leading to stunning beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla.
Interesting Facts: Though it’s Costa Rica’s smallest national park, Manuel Antonio is arguably its most visited one, boasting extraordinary biodiversity. Its beaches consistently rank among the most beautiful in the world.
5. Arenal Volcano National Park
Dominated by the iconic Arenal Volcano, this park is a hotspot for adventure seekers and nature lovers. While the volcano is currently dormant, its perfect conical shape remains a striking feature of the landscape.
The park offers volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and nearby hot springs. The surrounding town of La Fortuna is also a place to experience the unexpected: it’s not unusual to see a lava flare in the sky while bathing in hot springs, accompanied by spontaneous rain.
Best Trails:
- Sendero Las Coladas: This trail takes you across old lava flows with fantastic views of the volcano.
- Sendero Los Heliconias: A scenic trail known for its diverse plant life and opportunities to spot wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans.
Interesting Facts: Between 1968 and 2010, the Arenal Volcano was erupting continuously. Now that the volcano is dormant, the La Fortuna area has truly exploded with eco-tourism. The region is home to geothermal hot springs and the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration.
Make sure to visit our Tours section to plan your visit to Cahuita, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio or Arenal!
