Natural Parks in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Natural Parks

Costa Rica is a true paradise for nature lovers, with a vast network of national parks that protect incredible biodiversity and offer breathtaking landscapes. Let's discover together some of the most fascinating destinations that this beautiful country has to offer.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica. It covers almost 200 square kilometers in the Caribbean region north of Limon and is famous for its magnificent network of navigable canals of about 100 km. This park offers a unique natural spectacle, with an abundant and varied fauna. It is particularly renowned as a breeding ground for green sea turtles, which return every year to lay their eggs on protected beaches.

The Poás Volcano

The Poás Volcano is a basaltic volcanic layer that reaches a height of 2708 meters. Located just 65 kilometers from the capital San José, the Poás Volcano National Park covers 5,600 hectares. It is an ideal destination to spend a day immersed in nature, between spectacular landscapes and unique flora and fauna. The park is easily accessible, with a modern visitor center located almost at the top of the volcano, providing detailed information on the volcano's history and geomorphological processes.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

The Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica, covering an area of 44,099 hectares and comprising seven different natural habitats. It is named after the third president of Costa Rica, Braulio Evaristo Carrillo Colina, a fervent supporter of environmental conservation. This park is a true sanctuary of local flora and fauna, with more than 6,000 species of plants and flowers, about 150 species of mammals and 500 species of birds.

The Irazú Volcano

The Irazú Volcano National Park is located in the Oreamuno canton, 32 km northeast of Cartago, the ancient capital of Costa Rica. Here is the highest active volcano in the country, with an altitude of 3432 meters. The Irazú Volcano is famous for its main crater, Deigo Haya, which over the years has been transformed into an apple-green lake. From the top of the volcano, on clear days, it is possible to see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The flora and fauna of the area are typical of volcanic areas, with low vegetation and various types of animals, including rabbits, squirrels and acorn woodpeckers.

Rincón de La Vieja National Park

The Rincón de La Vieja National Park, with an area of 14,083 hectares, is dominated by the massif of the homonymous volcano. Divided into the Las Pailas and Santa María sectors, it offers a variety of trails to explore its natural beauty. The Pailas sector has trails to craters such as Von Seebach and Rincón de la Vieja, as well as waterfalls such as La Cangreja and Escondidas. The Santa María sector is renowned for its Bosco Encantado waterfall and thermal waters. Sanitary facilities, refreshment areas and camping are available near the administrative area.

The Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, at the foot of the Tilarán mountain range and near the San Carlos Plains, 15 km from La Fortuna. It is one of the most visited destinations in the North Zone, thanks to its various trails such as Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes and the Belvedere, which allow the observation of most of the park's flora and fauna, as well as the remains of lava flows. The park covers 12,124 hectares and offers tourists various services, including an information point, a forest guard house, trails, sanitary services and drinking water.

Las Baulas National Marine Park

The Las Baulas National Marine Park, located mainly in the Grande Beach sector and in the Tamarindo estuary, also includes the Carbón, Ventanas and Langostosa beaches, the Morro and Hermoso mountains, and the mangroves of San Francisco and Ventanas. The park's main attraction is the spawning of the leatherback turtle, the largest sea turtle in the world, an endangered animal. The park also houses extensive mangroves with highly developed trees, excellent for the reproduction of fish, crustaceans and mollusks. It is possible to observe reptiles, amphibians and birds. The park covers an area of 901 hectares of land and tours are available to observe the nesting of leatherback turtles and to explore the Tamarindo estuary.

Guanacaste National Park

The Guanacaste National Park, which covers more than 32,000 hectares, is home to the Orosí and Cacao volcanoes. Divided into three main sectors: Maritza, Pitilla and Cacao. Maritza, 650 meters above sea level, offers mixed woods, springs and varied fauna. Pitilla, near La Cruz, is known for its rainforest and views of Lake Nicaragua. Cacao, at the foot of the homonymous volcano, has trails through dry and humid forests.

Palo Verde National Park

The Palo Verde National Park, with its 18,332 hectares, represents a treasure of biodiversity in Costa Rica. Located between different natural communities, such as deciduous, evergreen forest and mangroves, the park is a sanctuary for more than 280 species of birds, including rare birds such as the red lark and the peacock. Wetlands make up more than 50% of the area, recognized as an important wetland. Trails such as La Roca offer panoramic views of the Palo Verde Lagoon and the Tempisque River, while Isla Pájaros is a haven for birds such as black-crowned jacks.

Moving to Costa Rica means immersing yourself in lush and varied nature, living in a country with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation, and enjoying a high quality of life. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, Costa Rica's national parks offer something special for everyone.