Costa Rica National Parks and Wildlife Refuges

At over 5,400 feet, Arenal Volcano is a behemoth to behold. Considered one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanos, Arenal has given birth to welcoming hot springs, lush jungle carpets and intrigue.

Just south of Quepos on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, you’ll find Manuel Antonio. This national park is home to more monkeys than people, numerous bays with white, sandy beaches and over 180 species of birds.

This biological reserve is home to Costa Rica’s best known cloud forest. Trekking, hiking and bird watching are favorite activities with over 400 species of birds and 100 species of animals.

Tortuguero National Park is a warm and more humid destination with a multitude of wildlife species and flora. The park’s elaborate network of creeks offer natural scrublands that are peppered with diversity.

Meet what one National Geographic writer calls the most bio diverse place on earth. Corcovado National Park is home to large rainforests and numerous ecosystems and species of wildlife.

The Palo Verde National Park covers nearly 46,000 acres and is known for its diverse ecology and variety of bird species. A favorite for photographers, Palo Verde is rich in nature, culture and beauty.

Rincon de La Vieja stretches over six climate and life zones that are comprised of volcanoes, their craters, and various tropical forests. 

Cahuita National Park welcomes you with white sand beaches, coral reefs and sights for snorkelers and divers. Located on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, it is the perfect setting for photographers and explorers.

Marino Ballena National Park offers 13,000 maritime acres and the largest coral reef on Central America’s Pacific coast. Home to Humpback Whales December through April, this destination is long on scenic beauty.

Great fishing, bird watching and plenty of warmth are what you’ll find in the Barra del Colorado Refuge. An abundance of wildlife awaits you in one of Costa Rica’s warmer year-round climates.

Barra Honda National Park delivers the unexpected. Its numerous caves offer you a look into the past while its plentiful wildlife and natural beauty make the perfect backdrop to your adventure.

With a staggering 6,000 species of trees, a view of the Barva Volcano and its black lake and over 117,300 acres to explore, Braulio Carrillo National Park offers plenty for the explorer in you.

Located at the tip of the Nicoya Penninsula, Cabo Blanco National Park is home to its famous white cape, plenty of bird species warm waters perfect for swimming and fishing.

The Camaronal Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to get closer to nature. Home to four sea turtle species, this refuge features warmer temperatures and a fascinating look into the life of sea turtles.

More than just a tropical island, Cano Island is one of the best diving sites in Costa Rica. It is also a sacred indigenous site with Pre-Columbian artifacts.

Close to the Nicaraguan border, Cano Negro is a marshy, jungle-like area that is rich in flora and fauna. Here you’ll be greeted by sloths, monkeys, turtles and a nearly endless variety of migratory birds.

Carara National Park is the perfect place for a hiking adventure or unplanned stroll. You’ll be greeted by Costa Rica’s largest population of Scarlett Macaws as well as a plethora of other birds and wildlife.

Carate Wildlife Refuge is truly a walk on the wild side. This remote but beautiful location is home to numerous animals, birdlife and plants. Don’t forget your camera!

This natural wetlands reserve offers an interesting glimpse into protected marine life. Spend a day exploring the area’s many species of trees and mangroves. A must for nature lovers.

Home to cloud forests and famous hiking, Chirripo National Park is a place where you can observe both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. This combination of five ecosystems promises an adventure for explorers.

One of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, Cocos Island has much to offer in underwater amazement. Rays, dolphins and even whales greet you as you explore the warm waters surrounding the island.

The Terraba Sierpe wetlands offers a variety of activities including boating, hiking and bird watching. The diversity of mangroves provide a coastal ecosystem that is home to an abundance of reptilian and aquatic animals.

Finca Baru offers a variety of activities including hiking and guided walks. This tropical destination features waterfalls, beach, jungle trails and more. Meet more than 310 species of birds and countless mammals and reptiles.

Considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, Grandoca Manzanillo will stun you with its gorgeous beaches and varied wildlife. Scuba diving can be your treat or just admiring the assortment of birds and animals.

The Golfito Wildlife Refuge is rain-nourished destination offers varying trails for hiking, excellent bird watching and a host of rare animals. It also boasts a chain of mountains and highlands that climb over 500 meters above sea level.

Golfo Dulce is a scenic and diverse refuge in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific region. Surrounded by the Corcovado National Park, this region attracts sport fishing enthusiasts, hikers, surfers and photographers.

An environmental treasure, Guanacaste National Park is home to the country’s most diverse animal and bird populations. Its many ecosystems are welcoming for hikers or just a casual stroll. Photo safaris are must-do.

Some of the archeological sites within the Guayabo National Monument are estimated to be up to 3,000 years old. This fascinating site contains ancient dwellings, bridges and even petroglyphs.

The Irazu Volcano and its mysterious green pull are must-sees for anyone visiting Costa Rica. This park is easily accessible and a great learning experience for young and old alike.

Juan Castro Blanco National Park is home to a number of endangered species of animals. Its unspoiled rainforest and cloud forest make hiking exciting and challenging. Here you’ll also find waterfalls and welcoming lagoons.

The tropical dry forests of Junquillal Bay stay warm throughout the year. They make for a perfect adventure with beach camping and plenty of natural beauty to enjoy.

La Amistad International Park is for the adventurer in you. With challenging hiking trails, camp grounds and Costa Rica’s most diverse wildlife, this park is sure to create memories.

This Neotropical area is home to an amazing number of bird and animal species. Great for hiking as well, La Selva Protected Zone is a great learning experience for young and old alike.

Surfing, sunbathing or learning more about leatherback turtles, Las Baulas is an experience to be remembered. The drier, warm climate means the perfect setting for your beach visit.

A nature-lovers trip to Costa Rica is not complete without a visit to the Miravalles Volcano Protected Zone. This impressive natural wonder is a photographer’s dream.

Home to numerous species of birds and both dry and rainforest areas, the Montes de Oro Protected Zone delivers variety and a unique natural habitat not found elsewhere.

This large span of protected area in the Nicoya Peninsula features a warm, dry climate along with a host of natural springs and rivers.

Whether surfing or simply observing the incredible biodiversity or sea turtles, the Nosara Protected Zone offers much to see and experience. Warmer and dryer, this region is home to some of the best surf beaches in Costa Rica.

With over 365 species of birds, 117 species of reptiles and a wealth of other fauna, the Osa Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

A trip to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is sure to be both fun and educational. Here, sea turtles nest by the thousands during arribadas, greeted by the warm beaches.

Penas Blancas makes for a pleasant visit with its many birds and butterflies. This wet area with its moderate temperatures fosters the growth of various flora in its 5,928 acres of unspoiled beauty.

Piedras National Park is a photo-safarian’s dream come true. The rich green of this area is the perfect backdrop to its various wildlife and provides a wonderful opportunity to observe nature’s astounding beauty.

The crater of one of Costa Rica’s active volcanos, Poas, is known worldwide for its depth and its mysterious blue-green color. This is a must-see spot for photographers and explorers alike.

This biologically diverse refuge spans rainforest and beach and offers an excellent outing for nature lovers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The various habitats of Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge make it both fascinating and educational. Here you’ll see waterfalls and over 300 species of birds. Whale-watching and horseback riding are also popular activities.

Rio Pacuare is a must for nature-lovers and adventurers alike. With plenty of rafting and kayaking, you’re sure to experience a thrill. Or, take it down a notch and enjoy the lush, natural surroundings.

If whitewater rafting and excitement are on your list of things to do, the Rio Toro Protected Zone is a great place to land. Here you’ll enjoy stunning nature and plenty of exciting activities to get your heart pumping.

San Lucas Island is a small paradisical island with an interesting historical twist - it was once a prison for some of Costa Rica's most violent criminals.

The San Vito Wetlands offer you the opportunity to explore various flora and birds that grace the region. This naturally lush region is tempting for photographers and nature-lovers alike and is rich in vegetation throughout the year.

This beautiful, natural reserve is home to several bird species and boasts a cooler climate. Meet the Resplendent Quetzal or Emerald Toucanette as you wander the magical cloud forest.

This expansive and lush national park is home to a multitude of bird an animal species and is rich in history. A treasure for explorers and photographers, Santa Rosa National Park is a fun and educational getaway.

A lovely place to kayak, canoe or just explore on foot, the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge provides over 953 acres of protected, natural beauty along with a host of fascinating species of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Hit the trails, fish, swim, bird watch or simply break out the camera for stunning natural photography. Tapanti National Park offers a colorful view into the ecological beauty of Costa Rica and the Orosi Valley.

You will be absolutely mystified at the blue-green waters of the Rio Celeste when you visit Tenorio National Park. This stunning area boasts Costa Rica’s most unusual scenery and is a road less traveled yet one to see.

It may huff and puff, but it won’t blow your house down. The Turrialba Volcano provides visitors with a glorious view and a variety of vegetation that stay lush all year-round.