National Parks

The majority of guests to Costa Rica are attracted by the diverse ecosystems and wildlife, which represents about 5% of the world’s biodiversity. From the Monteverde Cloud Forest to the marine preserve in Manuel Antonio and the steamy white-sand beaches of the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s landscape will not disappoint. The country’s government has been an active supporter of the environment, and has declared about 25% of the country’s terrain protected within national parks and wildlife preserves.

As tourism is one of the largest industries in the country, the parks are heavily trafficked and well maintained by the park services. Guests can expect wide walkways, bathroom facilities, garbage cans and safety details such as hand rails and friction strips on inclines to prevent slips at most national parks. Foreigners can also expect a fee averaging around $10 to enter each park, unless you manage to pass as a local, which would only set you back about $2. Among the top attractions to be seen are turtles, white-faced and howler monkeys, alligators, sloths, jaguars and over 800 bird species.

• Monteverde
• Tortuguero
• Cahuita
• Manuel Antonio
• Corcovado
• Chirripó
• Rincon de la Vieja
• Braulio Carrillo
• Coco Island National Park
• La Selva
• Carara National Park
• Curu (Wildlife Refuge)
• Gandoca Manzanillo (Wildlife Refuge)
• Ostional (Wildlife Refuge)
• Cano Negro (Wildlife Refuge)