Las Aráceas trail
A short, flat trail near the entrance, a good first walk, partly suited to wheelchairs and prams.
Tárcoles · Puntarenas · Costa Rica
Carara National Park
A transition forest on the central Pacific coast, famous for scarlet macaws and the crocodiles of the Tárcoles River.
- National park since 1998
- About 5,000 ha
- Scarlet macaws
- Reservation required
About the park
Carara lies where the dry forests of the north meet the wet forests of the south, and this mix of habitats gives it unusual wildlife for such a small park. It is one of the best places in the country to see scarlet macaws, which fly in the morning from the forest to the mangroves and back at sunset.
The park is only an hour and a half from San José and next to the Tárcoles River, with its large crocodiles and many water birds, so it is a good first stop on the way to the Pacific coast, with a guided walk in the morning and a river safari or a sunset with macaws.
- One of the best places for scarlet macaws
- Forest trails, some of them accessible
- Tárcoles River crocodiles, close by
- An easy stop between San José and the Pacific
Wildlife
Scarlet macawCrocodiles (on the river)Trogons and motmotsMonkeysAgoutis and coatisBoa constrictors
Trails
Quebrada Bonita and Laguna Meanádrica
Longer trails through the forest to an oxbow lagoon, with more chances of seeing wildlife.
Tárcoles River and the macaws
A boat safari on the river shows crocodiles and birds, and at sunset the macaws return to the trees at the river mouth.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. We confirm the hours of the day you want.
- Reservation
- Entrance is booked in advance through the SINAC online system. We handle it for you.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Guide
- A naturalist guide is recommended: the animals are shy, and the guide finds and identifies them.
- Best time
- Early morning for the walk; late afternoon for the macaws. The dry season runs from December to April.
- What to bring
- Light long clothes, comfortable shoes, a hat, insect repellent, binoculars and water.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 1 hour 30 minutes from San José on the road to the Pacific coast. The park entrance is next to the Tárcoles River bridge.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers and shuttles from San José, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde and the airport. Ask us for a quote.
Tours around Carara and Tárcoles
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide?
It is recommended. The animals are hard to find without one.
When do the macaws fly?
In the morning to the forest and at sunset back to the mangroves.
Can I see the crocodiles?
Yes, from the bridge over the Tárcoles River and on a boat safari.
Is the park accessible?
Part of the Las Aráceas trail is suitable for wheelchairs.