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Carara National Park Rainforest Hike With a Naturalist Guide

Manuel Antonio ・ Herradura ・ Jaco

Your experience

Good to Know

Embark on an immersive full-day hike through Carara National Park, a vital transitional forest renowned for its abundant wildlife and as a premier birdwatching destination in Costa Rica. Led by a professional bilingual naturalist, this tour offers prime opportunities to witness vibrant scarlet macaws, white-faced monkeys, sloths, and diverse bird species. The experience culminates with a stop at the Tárcoles River Bridge to observe giant crocodiles. This enlightening tour includes round-trip transportation, park entrance, a guide, and lunch, connecting you deeply with the heart of the rainforest.


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.

Highlights

  • Nature hike through Carara National Park
  • Stop at the Rio Tarcoles Bridge to see giant crocodiles

What to Bring

Insect repellent, binoculars, camera, sturdy shoes, sun block, and rain gear.

Includes

Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee, and lunch.

Location and Availability

Available in: Manuel Antonio, Herradura, Jaco

Tour space is generally available when requested more than two days in advance and remains subject to confirmation.

Tour Times

07:00

Tour Type

  • Nature
  • Birding
  • Wildlife Hike
Explore the location on the map

Location

Latitude: N 9° 46' 16.74" (9.771318)
Longitude: W 84° 33' 22.59" (-84.556274)

Recent Reviews

Overall
91%
Expectations
89%
Experience
90%
Guides
95%
Logistics
94%
Value
92%

Alberto R.

Saw many more animals, insects at this interesting park. Gerardo went out of his way after we left the park to find scarlet macaws. Stopped by a bridge over a river on the return in order to see crocodiles. Very cool.

Randy R.

Again a long drive for seeing very little wildlife.
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.

Before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main highlights of the Carara National Park tour?

The tour's primary highlights include a nature hike through Carara National Park, offering excellent chances to see scarlet macaws, and a stop at the Rio Tarcoles Bridge to observe giant crocodiles.


What is included in the Carara National Park tour?

The Carara National Park tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, park entrance fees, and a delicious lunch.


What wildlife can I expect to see at Carara National Park?

Carara National Park is home to scarlet macaws, white-faced monkeys, sloths, peccaries, trogons, toucans, iguanas, basilisks, and potentially frogs or snakes, offering rich wildlife observation opportunities.


What should I bring for the Carara National Park hike?

For the hike, guests should bring insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, sturdy shoes, sun block, and rain gear to ensure a comfortable and prepared experience.


The people behind your vacation

Personal service from Pacific Trade Winds

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