Carara National Park
Located in the northern region of the Pacific Rainforest, Carara National Park is the transition between tropical forest to the northwest zone of Pacific. Being one of the most popular national parks, because it's proximity with San Jose, this park is also where most cruise ships passengers are bring it to a day trip when cruisers duck at the coast of Puerto Caldera, also is a common field trips for school children.
Attractions
Carara National Park is the favorite place for bird watchers not just for it's easy access, also for its position near San Jose where they can observe many rare birds. Tarcoles river has sections when its waters seep with seasonal marshlands. Finally Carara National Park it's a slightly dry zone with not all evergreen trees perfect for rainforests further south wildlife spotting easier.
Other advantage of visiting Carara National Park it's the larger variety of friendly amateur guides disposed to drive you into the dense forest for you to see amazing rare birds and some other exotic animals as long as you walk slowly and without interfere in their spotting. If you visit or stop by Carara we strongly recommend to do the canopy tour, it's the best way to see the wildlife of the park. Othey way may be if a guide invite you to look through the telescope while they describe the birds and exotic animals you are seeing.
Getting Carara National Park
By Car From San Jose take the 10th avenue to La Sabana Recreational Park, it becomes in the highway 27. Follow this road for 35 miles (about 58 km) until you get to Orotina, 3 miles passed Orotina go south on the 34 street which is going to take you 12 miles (19 km) to Tarcoles River bridge, 1.8 miles further you will find the ranger station.
By Bus Bus services from Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio beach are available to take you to the ranger station in Tarcoles River. Our recommendation is that you should have a plan to get a place to sleep, nearby hotels since camping is not allowed in the park and there are no accommodations in the park.
Carara National Park Map
