🦜 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

🌿 Manuel Antonio Nationalpark – Costa Rica📍 Lage

• Pazifikküste, Provinz Puntarenas

• Direkt bei der Stadt Quepos

• Rund 3 Stunden Fahrt von San José

• Kleinster Nationalpark Costa Ricas – aber einer der artenreichsten

• Perfekte Mischung aus Dschungel, Traumstränden und Tierwelt

• Bekannt für:

  • Faultiere

  • Kapuziner- und Totenkopfäffchen

  • Leguane, Tukane, Nasenbären

  • Regenwald & weiße Sandstrände

• Playa Manuel Antonio: Postkartenstrand, türkisfarbenes Wasser

• Playa Espadilla Sur: Ruhiger, ideal zum Entspannen

• Playa Gemelas: Weniger besucht, kleiner Geheimtipp

• Geöffnet: Dienstag–Sonntag (Montag geschlossen!)

• Zeiten: 7:00 – 16:00 Uhr (letzter Einlass 15:00 Uhr)

• Eintritt:

  • Erwachsene: ca. $18–20 USD

  • Kinder (2–11 Jahre): ca. $6 USD

  • Tickets nur online buchbar: sinac.go.cr (offizielle Seite)

• Sehr gut ausgebaut, keine schweren Touren

• Sendero Principal (Hauptweg) → Faultier-Spotting!

• Punta Catedral Trail → Aussicht auf Klippen & Ozean

• Sei früh da (gegen 7:00 Uhr)!

• Nimm ggf. einen Guide mit – sie entdecken mehr Tiere

• Fernglas & Kamera nicht vergessen!

• Kein Essen im Park erlaubt (nur Wasser) – strenge Regeln!

• Nur wiederverwendbare Trinkflaschen

• Toiletten und Duschen an ausgewählten Stellen

• Parkplätze vor dem Eingang (Achtung: Straßenverkäufer meiden)

• Quepos oder direkt in Manuel Antonio: viele Hostels, Boutique-Hotels & Airbnbs mit Meerblick

• Sehr touristisch – rechtzeitig buchen, v.a. in der Hochsaison (Dezember – April)

• Trockenzeit: Dezember bis April (beste Sicht & Strandtage)

• Regenzeit: Mai bis November (weniger los, dafür tropischer & grüner)

🐾 Was macht ihn besonders?🏖️ Top-Strände im Park🎟️ Eintritt & Öffnungszeiten (Stand 2025)🥾 Wanderwege🦥 Tipps für Tierbeobachtung❗ Wichtige Hinweise🏨 Übernachten🌦️ Beste Reisezeit

🌴 Manuel Antonio National Park – Costa Rica📍 Location

• On the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

• Near the town of Quepos, in Puntarenas Province

• About 2.5 to 3 hours by car from San José

• Costa Rica’s smallest national park – but one of the most biodiverse

• Combines lush rainforest, white-sand beaches, and wildlife

• Great for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike

• Sloths (both 2- and 3-toed!)

• White-faced capuchin monkeys (often near the beach)

• Howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys

• Iguanas, raccoons, coatis, and toucans

• Colorful butterflies, frogs, and birds

• Playa Manuel Antonio: postcard-perfect, turquoise water

• Playa Espadilla Sur: quieter, often fewer people

• Playa Gemelas: small, hidden twin beaches – a great escape

• Open: Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)

• Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM)

• Tickets:

  • Adults: ~$18–20 USD

  • Children (ages 2–11): ~$6 USD

  • Buy online only at www.sinac.go.cr

• Trails are easy and well-maintained

• Main Trail (Sendero Principal): great for spotting monkeys and sloths

• Punta Catedral Trail: offers stunning cliff and ocean views

• Mirador Trail: lookout points with photo opportunities

• Arrive early (7:00 AM) for fewer people and active animals

• Consider a licensed guide – they spot things you’d miss!

• Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for sloths and birds

• No food allowed in the park (to protect animals)

• Only reusable water bottles permitted

• Don’t feed or touch wildlife – it’s illegal and harmful

• Restrooms and showers are available near the main beaches

• Refillable water bottle

• Comfortable shoes (for walking trails)

• Swimsuit and towel

• Sunscreen, hat, and insect repellent

• Camera or phone with zoom

• Many options in Quepos or Manuel Antonio:
  Boutique hotels, eco-lodges, luxury resorts, hostels, and Airbnbs

• Book early in high season (Dec–Apr) – it’s popular!

• Dry Season: December – April → sunny, best for beach & photos

• 
  

🇨🇷 Costa Rica FactsGeography & Nature

• Located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua (north) and Panama (southeast).

• Known for its incredible biodiversity, it contains about 5% of the world’s species despite its small size.

• Home to over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves.

• Features stunning landscapes including rainforests, volcanoes, beaches on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and cloud forests.

• Famous for animals like sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, and colorful frogs (e.g., the poison dart frog).

• Birdwatchers flock here—over 900 bird species can be found.

• Tropical climate with two main seasons:

  • Dry season (December to April)

  • Rainy season (May to November)

• Average temperatures range from 21–27°C (70–80°F) depending on altitude.

• Population: around 5 million people.

• Official language: Spanish.

• Known for the phrase “Pura Vida”, meaning “pure life” or “simple life,” which reflects the country’s laid-back and friendly culture.

• Economy relies on tourism, agriculture (coffee, bananas), and technology exports.

• Costa Rica is a leader in renewable energy, producing most of its electricity from hydro, wind, and geothermal sources.

• Aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050.

• Costa Rica has no standing army since 1948; funds are invested in education and health.

• It’s one of the happiest and safest countries in Latin America.

• Popular destinations: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and beaches like Tamarindo.

Menaggio – What to See and DoLocation

• Menaggio is a charming town on the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy.

• It’s a popular base for exploring the lake and nearby villages.

1. Piazza Garibaldi & Lakeside Promenade

• The lively town square with cafés, restaurants, and shops.

• Great place to relax and enjoy beautiful lake views while strolling along the waterfront.

2. Villa Mylius Vigoni

• A historic 19th-century villa and cultural center with exhibitions.

• Beautiful gardens with panoramic views of the lake.

3. Castello di Menaggio

• Ruins of a 10th-century castle with historical significance.

• Offers panoramic views over Lake Como.

4. Lido di Menaggio

• A lakeside beach club perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and dining by the water.

5. Hiking Trails

• Monte Grona: Challenging hike with stunning views of the lake and mountains.

• Val Sanagra: Scenic valley trail, great for nature lovers.

• Boat Rentals: Rent motorboats or kayaks to explore the lake on your own.

• Golf: Play at the Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club with scenic lake views.

• Cycling: Bike through the surrounding hills and quaint villages.

• Local restaurants serve fresh lake fish and regional Italian dishes.

• Boutiques and shops along the main streets sell local products, fashion, and souvenirs.

• Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels with lake views.

• Popular in summer, so booking ahead is recommended.

Top AttractionsActivitiesFood & ShoppingAccommodation

Lecco

Location:

• Situated at the southeastern tip of Lake Como, Lecco is a vibrant town surrounded by mountains.

What to See & Do:

• Lungolago di Lecco: Scenic lakeside promenade perfect for walks and enjoying cafes.

• Piani d’Erna: Take a cable car up to this mountain plateau for hiking and panoramic views.

• Historic Center: Visit Piazza XX Settembre with shops, restaurants, and local life.

• Sentiero del Viandante: A famous hiking trail starting near Lecco, running along the lake.

Vibe:

• Less touristy than other towns, more local feel with a mix of urban and natural attractions.

Location:

• Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio sits at the tip of the peninsula where the lake splits into two branches.

What to See & Do:

• Villa Melzi Gardens: Beautiful historic gardens along the lakefront.

• Villa Serbelloni Park: Large park with stunning views, guided tours available.

• Piazza San Giacomo: Charming town square with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.

• Lakeside Promenade: Perfect for strolling, shopping, and people-watching.

Activities:

• Boat tours to nearby towns like Varenna and Menaggio.

• Shopping for local crafts, silk, and souvenirs.

• Dining at lakeside restaurants serving traditional Italian cuisine.

Vibe:

• Tourist-friendly, romantic, with elegant villas and stunning lake views.

• Both towns are accessible by ferry, car, or bus from other parts of Lake Como.

• Bellagio can be crowded in high season; early mornings are best for peaceful visits.

• Lecco offers more budget-friendly dining and accommodation options.

BellagioTravel Tips

Everything you need to know!

Kansas City must Dos!