Costa Rica’s 500,000 different species, epic jungle-backed beaches, and misty volcanic highlands make it a wise choice for nature buffs and wannabe wildlife spotters. While it’s tough to go wrong anywhere in this small Central American destination, there are a few key places that are more than worth the plane ticket. These eight Costa Rican national parks and refuges are the best spots on both coasts.
Off the coast of Montezuma en route to Isla Tortuga (Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis)
Isla Tortuga
My day trip to Isla Tortuga from Montezuma was one of the highlights of my time on the Nicoya Peninsula. This protected reserve is full of marine life and on-land mammals and has a wide, white-sand beach overlooking turquoise waters. Plus, the journey out is half the fun. Keep your eyes peeled for leaping dolphins as you sail through the Gulf of Nicoya.
I took the boat from Montezuma, but you can get there from the Central Pacific side too. Most day trips come with lunch and snorkeling gear for an optional dip below the waves. Otherwise, you can mete out your time as desired, either by basking on the idyllic beach, taking a quick hike around the island (it’s small), or checking out the resident peacocks and tiny boars that live near the beach.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is arguably the North Caribbean coast’s best destination for spotting green sea turtles, monkeys, and an abundance of vivid-colored tropical birds. It’s also isolated, accessible primarily by boat, and you’ll need a guide to see most of it.
In addition to the creatures of the air, sea, and land, you’ll wind your way through twisting mangrove trees, an essential part of the region’s ecological system. Visit during the late summer or early fall to catch turtle nesting season, but keep your eye on the weather; heavy rains kick up in July and August.
Corcovado National Park
The southern edge of Costa Rica is a celebration of biodiversity, lush jungle, and deep turquoise waters around Drake’s Bay. Corcovado National Park, on the Osa Peninsula, is a fantastic spot to drink in all of this biodiversity and beauty and even catch a peek of the elusive Baird’s tapir.
The easiest way to get there is via boat from Drake’s Bay. You must have a guide to explore the park, but exploring it is a choose-your-own-adventure situation, where you can opt between leisurely day hikes or more intensive multi-day ones.
Sea Turtle in Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge (Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis)
Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge
There are tons of places to see nesting sea turtles, including the notoriously difficult-to-get-to and popular Playa Ostional, but Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge is one of my all-time favorites.
Playa Camaronal is less congested with people than other spots, and you can pick up a tour in neighboring Samara for a breathtaking nighttime peek at turtles laying their eggs. October and November are great times to go. You’ll need to visit the turtles with a guide and be careful not to impede their slow trek out of, or back into, the sea.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The misty reaches of Monteverde Cloud Forest and its network of sky-high hanging monkey bridges are sure to lure any tourist in from the beach. This cloud forest is bursting with bird life and laced with well-marked trails. Venture across the monkey bridges, speed through the canopy on one of Monteverde’s zip lines, or enjoy a well-paced nature walk through the colossal, old-growth trees. As Monteverde Cloud Forest is at a higher elevation than most of Costa Rica, it can get a bit chilly and be mistier and wetter all year round. As such, waterproof layers are a must.
Marino Ballena National Park
Central Pacific’s Marino Ballena National Park, located right outside the coastal town of Uvita, is a waypoint for migrating humpback whales and an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s a great place to get your steps, too, with a wide, soft, sandy beach that splits into a distinctive natural whale tail formation in the middle of the park.
Your best chance to spot the humpbacks is generally January and February or August and September. Still, migratory patterns can shift, so it’s good to check an official source before you go. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has a page on Costa Rica’s whale migratory trajectory.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic spots, with a plethora of wildlife like bright blue morpho butterflies, tiny howler monkeys, and tropical birds. Dominated by the enormous Arenal Volcano itself, it’s a splendid place to hike, and you’ll get impressive views of La Fortuna and the greater Central Valley. When you’re done hiking, soak your tired bones in one of La Fortuna’s many hot springs.
Manuel Antonio National Park Beach (Image Credit: Elizabeth Lavis)
Manuel Antonio National Park
This most popular Costa Rican park is a heady combo of beach and jungle, and a fantastic place to spy capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and birds. Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast is almost always jam-packed, so make your reservations in advance, especially in December and January. I love this spot because the trails are well-marked, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see wildlife, and there’s a gorgeous beachy payoff at the end.
Did I hit on all of your favorite parks? Let us know what you think, or what I’ve missed, in the comments.
