Looking for the best chance to see beautiful Scarlett Macaws and giant crocodiles? If so, look no further as the Carara National Park tour provides your best odds of seeing both.
The tour starts when you are picked up from your local hotel. If you are staying in Manuel Antonio, the drive will take about 1.5 hours to reach the park. If you are staying Jaco or Esterrillos, the drive will take less time. The drive from Manuel Antonio will take you along the scenic Central Pacific coastline. You will pass through local villages between the mountains and coast. There will be African palm plantations, cattle ranches, rice fields and more.
When you arrive at Carara, your naturalist guide will lead the hike through the trails. Different trails are used at different times of the year based on rainfall. You can expect fairly groomed trails, but there will be some inclines and declines. Some trails are more strenuous than others, so please inform your guide of any physical limitations. You should also be aware that there are usually muddy conditions.
Carara National Park is a primary nesting area for the beautiful and boisterous Scarlett Macaws. Sighting these colorful over-sized parrots is a primary goal. While we cannot guaranty anything with nature, the odds are good that you will see one or more of these gorgeous and graceful birds.
Many other species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians call Carara home. You will have a good chance of spotting white faced monkeys, sloths, and peccaries. Trogons, toucans and many other species of birds are all common. You will likely see iguanas, basilisks and possibly frogs or snakes. This truly is an amazing place to observe wildlife!
Following the hike you will be driven to the Rio Tarcoles Bridge to observe giant crocodiles. At times, there can be scores of these enormous carnivores right below you!
After the tour you will be returned to your hotel. If you are staying in Manuel Antonio the tour is expected to last around 9 hours including round trip transfers. The tour takes less time from Jaco or Esterrillos. Of course times may vary due to the nature of the tour. This enlightening tour includes transfers, park entrance, bilingual guide, and lunch.
The Carara National Park is available from Herradura, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Palo Seco-Esterillos area
7 and up
Latitude: N 9° 46' 16.74"
Longitude: W 84° 33' 22.59"
02/26/2022
Again a long drive for seeing very little wildlife.
12/30/2015
The guide did a great job trying to show us various birds and animals. She was very patient and tried to customize the tour to our needs.