Carara National Park is located part in San José (Turrubares) and part in Puntarenas (Garabito); it is just 90 kilometers from San José which makes it a very convenient option for a one day tour, the drive from San José takes just about 2 hours, it is also very close to Jacó which makes it also a great alternative for those vacationing in the area.

The word “Carara” means “crocodile river” in indigenous Huetar language, it is a destination recommended for nature lovers and ornithologists since it has a wide variety of flora and fauna, particularly birds like the scarlet macaw which is considered an endangered species.

The park has a total of 5,242 hectares where several ecosystems are found such as lagoons, gallery forests and marshlands; among its wildlife visitors can expect to come across monkeys, anteaters, crocodiles, possums, sloths, snakes, kinkajous, armadillos, frogs, white tail deer and ocelots among others.

Carara features several natural trails, among them a universal trail of 1.2 km with resting areas, restrooms that comply with Law 7600 for the adequate attention of the disabled population, signs in Spanish, English and Braille language, etc.

Even though you can choose to walk through the park on your own and the trails and available information make it simple and risk free, it is recommended to take a guided tour in order to take advantage of the time in the park and that you get to see all the wonders it hides.

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. the entrance fee for foreigners is of $5.00 for children and $10.00 per adult, if you want a guided tour the price ranges from $25 to $40 per person. Comfortable clothes and shoes are a must as well as insect repellent. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars.

A lot of the tourists that choose Carara for a one day tour make a full day of it by organizing a crocodile tour in the Tarcoles river.