Best Natural Parks of Costa Rica To Visit in 2023
Costa Rica is the ultimate paradise - a natural wonderland of diverse ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and endless adventure. One of the best ways to experience Costa Rica's breath taking beauty is by visiting its network of protected national parks. With 28 incredible National Parks dotting its landscape, every trip to Costa Rica would only be complete by taking time to explore at least one!
Whether it's a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, we've compiled the list of Costa Rica's best natural parks for 2023.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a nature-lovers paradise. It's a hidden gem that's only accessible by plane or boat, making it a truly unique destination. But don't let the remoteness deter you, as it is the third most visited park in the country! The park boasts incredible plant and animal life diversity, with eleven distinct habitats interweaving to create a rich tapestry of natural wonders. One of the best ways to explore Tortuguero is by boat or kayak.
But what really sets Tortuguero apart is its reputation as a haven for sea turtles. Every year, these gentle creatures return to the park's beaches to nest, attracting turtle enthusiasts from all over the world.
Location: Limon Province
Fee: $5 Children And $15 Adults
Open time: Every day from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 1 PM to 4 PM, the park is open.
Piedras Blancas National Park
This park, located in the southern zone of Costa Rica, boasts lush Jurassic forests and houses a number of plant and animal species that are native to the region. Its importance goes beyond its beauty, as it is actually a wildlife corridor that connects Corcovado National Park and gives Jaguars their last chance for refuge.
Do you want to be close enough to the park to feel like you're part of it? Reserve your stay at Playa Nicuesa Lodge – it's right at the edge of Piedras Blancas, so you can get up early and wander among all this natural beauty.
Location: Osa Peninsula
Open time: The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Tuesdays, the park is closed.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful landscapes, and it was rightfully named one of the top parks by Forbes Magazine in 2011. The park offers several hiking trails that wind through the rainforest, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. With white sandy beaches cuddled gently by coves, any beachgoer will be excited by what they find here.
Specially the park is known for its breath taking scenery, lush tropical rainforest, and pristine beaches. It's home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, and various species of reptiles and amphibians. When traveling from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in Costa Rica, consider taking the private minivan for a convenient and affordable option.
Location: Pacific Coastline, south of Quepos
Fee: $16 for Adults
Open time: Usually, it's open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. On Tuesdays, the park is closed.
Santa Rosa National Park
Santa Rosa National Park is an experience like none other—situated in the northwesternmost corner of Costa Rica, this park contains some of the world's last remaining tropical dry forests. It was created to connect critical habitats to ensure wide-ranging wildlife, including jaguars, have enough habitat to survive. Basically, the park is home to howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatis, deer, and many species of birds. You might even spot a jaguar or a puma if you're lucky!
One of the park's most popular areas is the beach at Playa Naranjo. This is a great spot to relax, swim, or even surf.
Location: R7QV+5XC Hacienda Murciélago, Provincia de Guanacaste
Open time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
The lovely Las Baulas National Marine Park is located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. It was created in 1990 to conserve the nesting beaches of the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle, the world's largest sea turtle species. However, the 3.2km stretch of white sand beach is perfect for swimming or surfing if you visit during daylight hours; between September and May, it closes down after sunset so that these ancient animals can lay their eggs in peace.
Once you're inside the park, you can take a guided tour to see the nesting turtles, or you can explore the park on your own. One thing to remember is that Las Baulas National Marine Park is a protected area, and visitors are expected to follow certain rules to minimize their environmental impact.
Location: 500 m SO de la Escuela de Playa Grande 933, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz
Fee: $10
Open time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Marino Ballena National Park
Located in Costa Rica, Marino Ballena National Park is home to some of the most stunning beaches and marine life you'll ever see. The park is named after the humpback whales that visit the area between December and April to mate and give birth. Aside from the whales, you'll also find dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and other sea creatures in the park's waters.
If you enjoy water activities, there are plenty of options here. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or even take a boat tour to see the whales up close.
In an effort to protect this special area, it was declared the first-ever marine park in Central America - making it a truly unique place to explore.
Location: 500 m SO de la Escuela de Playa Grande 933, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 5030
Open time: 6 am to 6 pm
Poas Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano is an active stratovolcano in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The park offers visitors the chance to see the volcano's crater, one of the largest in the world. The impressive cavity is filled with water of a stunning aqua color, from which ethereal steam rises. You'll need to take a short hike to get to the viewpoint, but the stunning views of the steaming crater are well worth it. In addition to the volcano, the park is also home to various flora and fauna, including several species of birds and monkeys.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations.
Location: 5QX6+6JW Parque Nacional Volcán Poas, Provincia de Alajuela, Valverde Vega
Open time: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Braulio Carrillo National Park is a protected area located in central Costa Rica, and it's named after Braulio Carrillo, a former president of the country. Spanning an impressive 108,970 acres, it boasts two volcanos and a plethora of river systems that cut through some of the steepest topography in Costa Rica. If the soaring heights don't take your breath away, soak in awe-inspiring views from Quebrada González and Barva Volcano – both spots guarantee spectacular things to look at.
While most of the park is preserved for preservation and research purposes, visitors are still encouraged to explore this paradise respectfully.
Location: Quebrada Gonzalez, Carr. San Jose Limon KM 2, Heredia
Open time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is a biodiversity hotspot where you can experience nature like never before. You should know that this is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. It's home to over 500 species of trees, 140 species of mammals, and over 400 species of birds. Explore the canopy, and you'll have the chance to spot some of Costa Rica's most magnificent animals - including spider monkeys, jaguars, three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and tapirs!
The park may be challenging to get to, but it is worth exploring if you're an avid wildlife admirer looking for something rare and special. Location: Osa Peninsula between Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez
Fee: $15
Open time: The park is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Wrap Up
Overall, Costa Rica is an amazing place to visit and experience the exotic culture and beauty that this nation has to offer. With its plentiful natural parks, it's worth visiting in 2023.
We encourage you to check out the parks on this list, as they are all incredibly beautiful and teeming with wildlife. If you're looking for a specific park, Manuel Antonio National Park is an excellent choice and should be at the top of your list.
