National Parks in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is worldwide renowned for its system of National Parks. All National Parks cover about 11% of its surface. Here the most vulnerable ecosystems are protected. All Parks are open to the public. Some of them however are quite inaccessible. In the more accessible and popular parks tourists just can visit a small part as to diminish as much as possible eventual disturbance.

Entrance fees in National Parks are between $10 and $12 for an adult, about $2 for children. The opening hours are - in most of the cases - between 07.00 and 16.00 hrs. Please note that some national parks close their doors at Mondays.

It is recommended to prepare yourself well before you visit a Park: inside it is prohibited to sell anything (with a few exceptions, like National Park Poás). So bring enough water and food. Buy maps in advance, sometimes the hiking trails are well indicated, but not always! In the more popular parks they are available at the entrance.

Some popular parks are well accessible by public transportation (Cahuita, Manuel Antonio for example), but others (Rincón de la Vieja) just by four wheel drive. Read for more information the articles about the different parks.

Facilities are in general quite basic and exist normally of a little ranger station, parking facilities and a few toilets (bring your own toilet paper!).

Due to possible overcrowding of some popular parks during the high season (December-February, Holy Week, July), it is toe be recommended to enter the parks as early as possible, as to avoid larger tourist groups)

Recommended hotels
near to the National Parks:

National Park Corcovado
Original and most delightful jungle hotel in one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica

National Park Arenal
Seeing the lava flow from the balcony of your hotelroom

Wildlife Refuge Caño Negro
A must for birdlovers!