Costa Rica, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, boasts an impressive array of national parks, 25% of the whole territory is under some kind of protection from the government. From lush rainforests to pristine coastlines, these protected areas offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature’s wonders. In this article, we present the national parks in Costa Rica, the order of the list has no meaning, but the most visited might be at the top.
| Manuel Antonio National Park * Located in the Central Pacific Coast, enjoy a tropical beach, tropical forest and lots of wildlife to see. |
| Poás Volcano National Park * |
| Irazú Volcano National Park * |
| Marino Ballena National Park (Marine Park) |
| Coco’s Island National Park * |
| Santa Rosa National Park * |
| Carara National Park |
| Chirripó National Park * |
| Monumento Nacional Guayabo |
| Braulio Carrillo National Park * |
| Cahuita National Park |
| Corcovado National Park |
| La Cangreja National Park |
| Los Quetzales National Park |
| Rincón de La Vieja National Park (Volcano) |
| Tortuguero National Park * |
| Arenal Volcano National Park |
| Tenorio Volcano National Park |
| Turrialba Volcano National Park * |
| Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve |
| Grecia Forest Reserve (Child’s Forest) |
| San Lucas Island National Park * |
| Tapantí National Park * |
| Barra Honda National Park ** |
| * To visit this National Park you need to buy tickets online or make a reservation. ** Requires to call for reservation or tickes. Visit the park’s page in this blog to see more information on how to make a reservation or buy tickets. |
The following list are protected areas that are not National Parks but they are still regions that are preserving the nature of the region where they are located:
| Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge |
| Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge |
| Caño Island Biological Reserve |
Recommendations when visiting a National Park or any Protected area
These are some recommendations that we follow ourselves when we visit a national park or any protected area in Costa Rica or anywhere else. We hope these are helpful to you too:
- Stay within the hiking trails, do not go around or off the trails.
- Bring a snack in case you get hungry.
- Bring drinking water or another rehydrating drink.
- Protect your self with sunblock screen, a hat, long sleeves or similar clothing, not only at the beach, a sunny day at the mountain can also harm your skin.
- Bring some bug repeller.
- Consider the weather of the place to visit and dress accordingly.
- It might be in order to bring an umbrella or rain jacket.
- Consider the types of shoes to wear depending on the length, type of trail and other conditions of the tour.
- Don’t forget your medicines if you are under any kind of prescription.
- Always respect the directions given by the rangers at each location.
- Do not smoke. Prevent Forest Fires.
- Do not throw garbage in the wild. Use a propper container. Glass containers can also cause forest fires.
- Do not feed the wildlife animals.
- Do not take natural souvenirs (plants, rocks, animals, etc).
Costa Rica’s national parks are a testament to the country’s commitment to environmental preservation and its rich biodiversity. Whether you seek encounters with exotic wildlife, awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes, or tranquil coastal beauty, these national parks offer something for every nature enthusiast. So, grab your hiking boots, binoculars, and camera, and embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s national parks.
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