Nature of
Costa Rica

With almost a third of Costa Rica being protected national parks, it comes as no surprise that the exotic, diverse nature of this country is one of the biggest draws for tourism. Costa Rica has a total of 28 national parks and 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The landscape encompasses almost every variety of national park you can think of from cloud forests, to rainforests, to paradise beaches, making it one of the most biologically intense places in the world, providing the perfect setting for exotic species to thrive. Although there are many, many more to explore, here are the top 5 national parks of Costa Rica.

Monkey hanging in a green tree in the jungle in a National Park of Costa Rica

The Resplendent Quetzal exotic bird in Costa Rica National Park

Manuel Antonio
National Park

One of the smallest parks yet definitely one of the most popular, and often ranked as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Manuel Antonio comprises of 2 types of rainforest, mangrove swamps and lagoons. 184 bird species and 109 animal species can be found here including the howler monkey, tree frog, and three-toed sloth. The hiking is particularly good here as you wander through a variety of climates including stunning white-sand beaches and rich, biodiverse reefs making it the perfect location for snorkelling and diving.

Best time to go: December - April (dry season)

Arenal Volcano
National Park

This 30,000-acre park has the impressive centrepiece of the Arenal Volcano which stands at 5,357 feet tall. The national park covers 290 square miles, and has incredible hiking trails where you can spot parrots, deer, tapirs, orioles, snakes and white-faced monkeys. The conservation covers eight of the 12 life zones in Costa Rica, encompassing everything from natural hot springs, to dense rainforests, to picture-perfect lagoons amist inactive volcano craters. This is also the perfect place to visit if you’re after activities - from zip lining to canyoning to white-water rafting

Best time to go: Anytime outside of December to April.

Our Costa Rica Encompassed tour visits Arenal Volcano

Monteverde
National Park

Definitely one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity lies in this tiny corner of Central America. Just walking through the Monteverde Cloud Forest is an experience within itself. Misty clouds close in on every side, thick moss covering every surface and the strange sounds of the jungle follow wherever you go. Not to mention the wildlife! You can often see hummingbirds, sloths, monkeys, wild cats, tapirs, snakes, dwarf Mexican porcupines, frogs and if you’re lucky, the resplendent quetzal and the three-wattled bellbird.

Best time to go: From December - May (dry season)

Tortuguero National Park

Each national park in Costa Rica offers up something special, but Tortuguero National Park can only be reached via airplane or boat. The park comprises of 11 different habitats with a plethora of flora and fauna living within its boundaries. However, one of the biggest attractions of the park is the variety of sea turtles which return to the beaches to nest. A kayaking trip along the winding system of canals is the perfect way to look out for bird and animal life lurking in the greenery. You’re likely to see spider monkeys, caiman, crocodiles and green basilisk lizards.

Best time to go: Nesting season for Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles are from July - October, Leatherback turtles from February - April.

Turtles nesting on the beach in Tortuguero National Park costa rica

Our Tortuguero Costa tour visits Tortuguero

Corcovado National Park

Named by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’ is quite a statement, but we think it’s just! The wildlife here is incredible with sightings of deer, tapirs, Tamandua anteaters, macaws, plenty of monkeys and even the elusive jaguar. Corcovado is a beast of a national park, encompassing 13 ecosystems ranging in everything from rainforests, to mangrove swamps to beautifully secluded beaches. Being a relatively untouched national park compared to the others, you will need a guide to enter, but there is also the option of camping on the grounds.

Best time to go: From December - April (Dry season)

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