🦜 Carara National Park – Costa Rica📍 Location

• On the Central Pacific Coast, between San José and Jacó

• Right off the Costanera Sur Highway (Route 34)

• About 1.5 hours from San José, or 30 minutes from Jacó

• Unique transition zone between tropical dry forest and rainforest

• One of the top birdwatching spots in the country!

• Famous for its population of scarlet macaws 🦜

• Much less crowded than Manuel Antonio

• Scarlet macaws (best seen early morning or late afternoon)

• Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, sloths, coatis

• Crocodiles in the nearby Tárcoles River

• Toucans, frogs, butterflies, iguanas

• Open daily: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Entry fee: ~$11 USD

• Tickets must be booked online via sinac.go.cr (official site)

• Local guides available and highly recommended

1. Universal Trail (Sendero Universal) – 1.2 km, paved & wheelchair-friendly ♿

2. Laguna Meándrica Trail – ~4 km loop through lush forest

3. Las Aráceas Trail – 600 m short jungle loop
   → All trails are easy, well-marked, and ideal for spotting wildlife

• Dry Season: December – April (more sun, easier hiking)

• Green Season: May – November (fewer people, more wildlife)

• Best time for macaws: February – April (nesting season)

• Just outside the park: Tárcoles River Bridge
  → Stop here to see giant crocodiles basking in the sun!

• Insect repellent

• Water (reusable bottle)

• Closed shoes (no flip-flops)

• Camera or binoculars

• Sunscreen and a hat

🌳 Why it’s special🐾 Wildlife Highlights🎟️ Opening Hours & Fees (2025)🥾 Hiking Trails🌦️ Best Time to Visit🐊 Don't Miss This Nearby!🎒 What to Bring