Carara National Park is a compact rainforest park on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, about 1.5 hours from San José and 15 to 20 minutes north of Jacó. It’s one of the best places in the country to see scarlet macaws, and its short, flat trails start right off the coastal highway, which makes it an easy half-day stop. Entry costs $10 plus tax for foreign adults, tickets are sold online only through SINAC, and the park opens at 7 a.m. in the dry season and 8 a.m. in the green season.
This guide is for travelers planning a visit to Carara National Park: what you’ll see, which trails to walk, how to buy tickets, how to get there and how to fit in the crocodiles at the Tárcoles River bridge.
| Carara National Park | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Route 34 (Costanera Sur), just south of the Tárcoles River bridge |
| Drive time | About 1.5 hours from San José; 15–20 minutes from Jacó; about 1.5 hours from Manuel Antonio |
| Size | About 5,240 hectares (about 12,950 acres) |
| Entrance fee | $10 + tax for foreign adults; $5 + tax for ages 5–12 |
| Tickets | Online only, through SINAC |
| Hours | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. (December–April); 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (May–November) |
| Best for | Scarlet macaws, birding, easy rainforest trails |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
Why go
Why Visit Carara National Park
Carara sits where the drier forests of the north Pacific meet the wetter rainforests of the south, so it mixes species from both. For visitors, that means a lot of wildlife in a small, easy-to-walk area.
- Scarlet macaws: Carara and the surrounding area hold one of Costa Rica’s best-known scarlet macaw populations. You’ll often hear them before you see them, especially early and late in the day.
- Birds: more than 400 species have been recorded, including toucans, trogons, motmots and jacamars, which makes Carara a regular stop on birding trips. See our guide to bird watching in Costa Rica.
- Mammals: white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths and coatis are seen regularly. Read about spotting white-faced monkeys.
- Easy access: the main trails are flat and short, and one is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Trails
Carara National Park Trails
Carara has two entrances along Route 34. The main ranger station holds most of the trails; the Laguna Meándrica sector has its own small parking area a little to the north.
| Trail | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sendero Universal | About 1.2 km (0.7 mile) | Paved and wheelchair accessible; starts at the ranger station |
| Quebrada Bonita | About 1.3 km (0.8 mile) | Loop through tall forest along a stream |
| Las Aráceas | About 1.1–1.2 km (0.7 mile) | Loop; connects with the other main trails |
| Laguna Meándrica | About 2 km (1.2 miles) | Separate entrance to the north; follows an oxbow lake; closed in September and October because of flooding |
The three main trails link into a loop you can walk in about two hours with stops. Most of the park beyond these trails is closed to visitors, and camping isn’t allowed, so Carara is a day trip.
Tickets
Carara Entrance Fee, Tickets and Hours
- Fee: $10 plus tax for foreign adults, $5 plus tax for children ages 5 to 12. Costa Rican residents pay lower rates.
- Tickets: buy online through SINAC before you go; there are no ticket sales at the gate. Book a few days ahead, or a week or more around holidays. Our guide to buying park tickets on SINAC walks you through it.
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December to April, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May to November.
- ID: bring your passport or a clear photo of its ID page; rangers check it at the entrance.
- Parking: free at the main entrance.
Getting there
How to Get to Carara National Park
- From San José: take Route 27 toward Caldera, then Route 34 (the Costanera Sur) south toward Jacó. The park entrance is just past the Tárcoles River bridge. Allow about 1.5 hours, more in traffic. Route 27 has tolls.
- From Jacó: drive about 15 to 20 minutes north on Route 34.
- From Manuel Antonio: about 1.5 hours north on Route 34.
- Without a car: many tours from San José, Jacó and the cruise port at Puntarenas include Carara with transport. Buses between San José and Jacó or Quepos run along Route 34, but confirm a stop at the park before relying on one.
A 4×4 isn’t needed; the highway is paved. See our guides to car rental insurance and the public bus.
Crocodiles
The Tárcoles River Crocodile Bridge
Just north of the park, the Route 34 bridge over the Tárcoles River is one of the most reliable places in Costa Rica to see large American crocodiles. Look down from the sidewalk on the bridge to see them resting on the sandbanks below. A stop takes 15 minutes or so. Watch your belongings and your car here, and don’t lean over the railings.
Scarlet macaws often fly over the river around dawn and late afternoon. Boat tours on the Tárcoles River, which leave from nearby, get you closer to the crocodiles and to herons, egrets and other waterbirds. Read more about crocodiles in Costa Rica.
Tips
Tips for Visiting Carara
- Go early. Arrive at opening time; wildlife is most active in the first hours of the day, and it gets hot by late morning.
- Bring binoculars. Much of the action is in the canopy. See our picks for compact binoculars.
- Use insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be heavy, especially near the lagoon and in the green season.
- Carry water. At least a liter per person, plus sun protection for the drive and the bridge.
- Stay on the trails. The Laguna Meándrica trail runs near water where crocodiles live.
Plan
Where to Stay and What to Pair It With
Most visitors see Carara on the way between San José and the central Pacific beaches. Stay in Jacó for the closest beach base, or continue south to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. See our guides to the central Pacific coast and hotels in Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
For more parks and wildlife, see our Costa Rica wildlife guide.
FAQ
Carara National Park FAQ
How much does Carara National Park cost?
$10 plus tax for foreign adults and $5 plus tax for children ages 5 to 12. Costa Rican residents pay less. Tickets are sold online only through SINAC.
What are Carara National Park’s hours?
7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December to April and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May to November.
Can you see scarlet macaws at Carara?
Yes. Carara is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see scarlet macaws, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
How far is Carara National Park from Jacó?
About 15 to 20 minutes by car, north on Route 34.
Do you need a guide at Carara?
No, the trails are easy to follow on your own. A guide with a spotting scope will help you see far more birds and animals.
Where can you see crocodiles near Carara?
From the Route 34 bridge over the Tárcoles River, just north of the park entrance, or on a Tárcoles River boat tour.
The short version
Carara National Park is an easy half-day stop on Route 34, about 15 to 20 minutes north of Jacó.
Buy tickets online through SINAC ($10 plus tax), arrive at opening time and bring binoculars for the macaws.
Stop at the Tárcoles River bridge for the crocodiles, and leave nothing in your car.