Carara National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse protected areas making it a must see for anyone interested in tropical biology. The park was formed to protect the river basin of ‘Rio Grande de Tarcoles’ which is a transitional area between tropical moist forest to tropical dry forest. Carara is an indigenous term believed to mean ‘crocodile’, many of which you will see basking in the sun on the banks of the river. Its 4,700 hectares are located only 2 to 3 hours from San Jose and is one Costa Rica’s most visited national parks. Established in 1978 as a biological reserve its popularity meant it was upgraded to a National Park in 1998. It is located 15 miles north of the bustling coastal beach area of Jacó.

Flora and Fauna

There is a hugely diverse range of birds including at least 450 species. Habitats include evergreen and deciduous forest, river (the Tarcoles) and marshland. Carara is a bird watchers mecca and the best place to see the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao). Visitors may also see orange-chinned parakeets (Brotogeris jugularis) and other parrots, hummingbirds, jacamars and several species of trogon.  Other flora and fauna include the rare American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and the purpleheart tree (Peltogyne purpurea) with its rare and sought after timber. Mammals include mantled howler monkeys, agoutis, two toed and three toed sloths and the elusive jaguar and puma.

Getting around Carara’s sights

As well as guided hiking to explore the park’s natural history, Carara offers the possibility of walking in the canopy along a 1.5km aerial walkway. This includes 5 suspension bridges which are 90 meters long and up to 55 meters from the ground.  If you enjoy the adrenalin rush of zip lining, then the park also offers this famous Costa Rica activity.