Nearby attractions
Carara National Park
The Carara National Park protects the river basin of the Rio Grande de Tarcoles, near Orotina, Puntarenas, on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Primary and secondary rainforest, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Pre-columbian archaeological sites are scattered throughout the area.
Bird watchers and nature lovers, this is the tour for you!
This trip will surprise you with caimans, lizards, exotic birds, monkeys and much more in the surroundings lush rainforest and wetlands.
You will be amazed with the beauty as your guide talks you about the marvels of the wildlife, vegetation, ecology and culture of this tropical paradise. It certainly is a learning experience and something you can`t miss.
Park Facilities and Hours
The Quebrada Bonita Ranger Station is open for visitor attention from 8am to 4pm, and has potable water and restrooms.
There are two hiking trails in Carara National Park. One-half mile south of the Rio Grande de Tarcoles bridge, as you head towards the rangers station, there is a parking area on the left. The 2.7 mile Araceas Nature Trail that begins here parallels the Río Grande de Tárcoles and has short branches to the Laguna Meandrica and marshes.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Park Attractions
Manuel Antonio National Park is perhaps the most visited park in Costa Rica. The picturesque Punta Catedral was once an island off the coast. Over the years, sedimentation filled in a bar of sand, connecting it to the mainland. The locals call this stretch of white sand beach Tombolo.
The volcanic-sedimentary cliffs rise steeply from the shoreline, providing scenic vistas and hiking trails. The forested hillsides are home to many of the animals, plants and flowers that are Costa Rica's unique attractions: Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans and scarlet macaws.
The islands and islets of Manuel Antonio provide an important refuge for a variety of sea birds. Olocuita and Mogote Islands are mating and nesting sites for brown pelicans, frigate birds and ahingas. The three primary beaches of the park are Playas Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido Costa Rica.
The mouth of the Rio Naranjo forms the southern border of the park.
Park Facilities and Hours
Near Quepos Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio Ranger Station is open for visitor attention from 8am to 4 pm, and has drinking water and restrooms.
Costa Rica National Parks
