Carara National Park, Tropical rainforest national park in Garabito Canton, Costa Rica.
Description
Carara is a tropical rainforest national park covering about 4,700 hectares between 100 and 500 meters elevation, with sections of regenerating and dry forest. The landscape shows different forest types that support diverse plant and animal life throughout the protected area.
History
The area was established as a biological reserve in 1978 and became a national park in 1998. This change reflected growing recognition of its importance for protecting the region's natural environment.
Culture
The name comes from the indigenous Huetar language and means River of Crocodiles, reflecting the wildlife you will encounter here. Walking through the park, you notice how this name connects to the animals and waterways you see throughout the trails.
Practical
The park offers five hiking trails of varying difficulty, including one that is wheelchair-accessible with adapted facilities for all visitors. Signage is available in English, Spanish, and Braille to help you navigate and make your visit easier.
Did you know?
The park hosts about 47 percent of Costa Rica's bird species, including scarlet macaws, trogons, and various herons. This concentration of birds makes it a special destination for people who enjoy watching and photographing wildlife.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Garabito Canton).
San Lucas Island
37.2 km
Esterillos
32.5 km
La Cangreja National Park
28.2 km
Spiaggia Jacó
15.3 km
Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
19.4 km
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Puntarenas
34.3 km
Playa Doña Ana
26.3 km
Playa Mantas
6 km
Tambor Beach
42.3 km
Tivives Protected Zone
16.8 km
Playa Órganos
30.6 km
Phare de Puntarenas
35.4 km
Lighthouses in Puntarenas
33.5 km
Playa Guacalillo
9.1 km
Isla Herradura Lighthouse
14.3 km
Playa Blanca
6.8 km
Playa Pájaros
34.5 km
Playa Boca de Barranca
27.3 km
Playa Panamá
36.6 km
Puntarenas
34.4 km
Playa Limoncito
5.3 km
Playa Caldera
23.1 km
Playa Tumbabote
38.4 km
Playa Bochinche
2.5 km
Playa Camarón
28.5 km
Playa Mora
35.7 km
Playa Cuchillo
30 km
Playa Angostura
31.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes