Costa Rica’s national parks offer direct access to rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, but many now require online tickets through the SINAC system to handle visitor numbers. This setup lets you reserve spots ahead of time, often with specific entry hours.
If you’re heading to places like Manuel Antonio or Poas Volcano, figuring out the process early avoids last-minute hassles. Based on the latest details from late 2025, this post walks you through each part, including tips for when the site acts up or slots fill up.
Parks That Require SINAC Reservations and Timed Entry
Several of Costa Rica’s national parks use the SINAC online system to manage crowds, meaning you book tickets in advance and pick an entry time. This helps spread out visitors and keeps the experience manageable for everyone. Not all parks need this—some still take payment at the gate—but the popular ones do, especially during dry season from December to April when demand peaks.
The main parks requiring SINAC reservations include Volcán Poás, Manuel Antonio, Volcán Irazú (crater and Prusia sectors), Braulio Carrillo (Volcán Barva sector), Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte, Tortuguero (canals and Cerro sectors), Isla San Lucas, Chirripó, Volcán Tenorio, Rincón de la Vieja, Carara, Los Quetzales, and Volcán Barva. For parks like Corcovado or Isla del Caño, reservations happen through email or separate sites, not the main SINAC portal.
Booking windows vary by park and season, but plan ahead for high-traffic spots. Manuel Antonio and Poás often need 30-60 days, while Chirripó requires 90-180 days due to limited permits. Less busy ones like Carara might only need 7-14 days. Check the site for real-time availability, as slots can sell out fast in peak months.
| Park Name | Timed Entry? | How Far Ahead to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Volcán Poás | Yes | 30-60 days |
| Manuel Antonio | Yes | 30-60 days |
| Volcán Irazú | Yes | 14-30 days |
| Braulio Carrillo (Barva) | Yes | 14-30 days |
| Tapantí Macizo | Yes | 7-14 days |
| Tortuguero | Yes | 30-60 days |
| Isla San Lucas | Yes | 14-30 days |
| Chirripó | Yes | 90-180 days |
| Volcán Tenorio | Yes | 14-30 days |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Yes | 14-30 days |
| Carara | Yes | 7-14 days |
| Los Quetzales | Yes | 7-14 days |
These estimates come from typical patterns—always verify on the site.
Creating Your SINAC Account
Before you can reserve any tickets, setting up a SINAC account gets you into the system. This step is simple but required, and it involves your email for verification. Once done, you log in to access the buying options.
Go to serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr and click “Crear una cuenta” or the English equivalent if available. Enter your email, full name, and contact details. The system sends a password to your email—check spam if it doesn’t arrive quickly. If still missing after a day, email reservaciones.sinac@sinac.go.cr for a resend. Use a desktop for this, as mobile versions can glitch. Travel agencies follow a separate process with extra documents, but for personal use, this is all you need.
Picking Dates, Time Slots, and Entering Traveler Info
With your account ready, selecting your visit details comes next. This part lets you choose when to go and who’s coming, based on availability. Accuracy here matters, as rangers check info at the entrance.
Log in and select “Buy” or “Online Reservation” from the menu. Pick the park, then a date from the calendar showing open spots. Choose a time slot—options like morning or afternoon help control flow. Enter the number of tickets, specifying adults, kids, residents, or non-residents (foreigners pay more, around $15-20 per adult). For each person, add full name, passport or ID number (no dashes), nationality, and age. Limits apply: up to 10 tickets per transaction for most parks, 6 for Manuel Antonio, and 4 for Chirripó. Review the total before moving on.
Payment and Saving Your Confirmation
After your details are set, payment seals the deal. The system accepts cards, and confirmation follows right away. Saving proof of purchase is key for entry.
Use a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card—enter number, expiration, CVV, and billing address. No bank transfers for these parks. If approved, you get a confirmation with an entry number and QR code. Save the email, QR, and screenshots as backups. Print if you prefer, but digital works at gates. No refunds unless the park closes for an emergency, in which case email for a date change. Note free entry on August 24 for all, or third Wednesdays for residents.
Common Failure Modes and Fixes
The SINAC site has its share of technical hiccups, from loading errors to payment snags. Knowing these ahead lets you troubleshoot without much delay. Many users report issues, but simple steps often resolve them.
Browser problems top the list—pages freeze or won’t load. Try incognito mode in Chrome or Firefox, clear cache, or switch browsers. Use a desktop over mobile. Language switches might not cover everything; browser translate helps with Spanish terms. Payment fails? Check your bank for international blocks or try another card. Invalid ID errors mean re-enter without symbols. Sold-out messages require checking back for cancellations. If stuck, email support with screenshots—responses can take a day. Double charges? Contact your bank.
What to Do If SINAC Is Sold Out
Running into sold-out dates happens, especially for spots like Manuel Antonio in December. But you have options to adjust plans without skipping the parks entirely.
First, try different dates—weekdays or shoulder months like May or November often have openings. Switch to similar parks: Carara for birdwatching instead of Manuel Antonio, or Irazú for volcano views over Poás. Book a guided tour—many operators secure ticket blocks and include entry, transport, and a guide for $50-80 per person. Private reserves like Hacienda Barú provide trails and wildlife without SINAC requirements. For closures, email to reschedule.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up your SINAC bookings sets the stage for smooth park visits in Costa Rica. With advance planning, you secure spots in these protected areas full of trails, animals, and views. Double-check details, prepare for potential site quirks, and consider backups like tours. Follow park rules—stay on paths, carry out trash, and skip feeding wildlife—to help preserve these sites. Your trips to places like Tenorio’s blue river or Chirripó’s peaks will stand out with the right prep.