Carara National Park
Carara National park is located 55 kilometers west of San Jose and 17 kilometers north Jaco; placing it between the drier northwest section of Costa Rica and the more humid southwest. This sets the stage for an ideal landscape for spotting wildlife. Since the area is not as hydrated, the vegetation is not as dense, therefore making it easier to catch a glimpse of scarlet macaws, basilisk, blue-crowned motmots, toucans, coatis, armadillos, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and squirrel monkeys.
Habitat
Established in 1979 and covering 11,600 acres of land, Carara National Park is a forest covered with steep slopes and massive trees drapped with vines and epiphytes. This creates the perfect habitat for birds and therefore draws birdwatchers from all over the world.
Rio Tarcoles
Not all wildlife in the park has wings though. Hiking a trail along the Rio Tarcoles will put you in viewing distance of crocodiles and turtles at a lagoon that is covered with water hyacinths. The hike lasts a total of about two hours from the trailhead.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Carara National Park has an entrance fee of 10USD and is open from 8 am to 4:00 pm. Once there, at the ranger station you can buy drinks and use the restrooms. Guides are available, and really are the best way to go if you plan to spot the camouflaged birds and wildlife.
Weather and Packing List
Central Pacific temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Carara National Park is home to the largest population of Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica. These beautiful parrots are well known for their distinguished features and unmistakable call.
