Biodiversity at its best!
One of the things Costa Rica is known for are its beautiful lush landscapes. In an effort to preserve much of Costa Rica's natural beauty and surroundings, roughly 25% of the country's land has been set aside and turned into protective parks and reserves to safeguard its natural state.
To date, Costa Rica has 28 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation regions that protect the distinctive and diverse natural habitats found throughout the country which are home to a staggering 10,000 species of plants and trees, Costa Rica is also the home of over 850 indigenous and migrant birds, 205 species of mammals, over 35,000 species of insects, 160 species of amphibians, 220 species of reptiles, and around 1,013 species of fresh and saltwater fish. This diversity and richness of nature and wildlife makes Costa Rica a truly natural paradise.
Lucky for us two of the top parks in the country are located within a short driving distance to our homes in Los Suenos Resort.
Carara National Park
Located just 20 minutes from Los Suenos, Carara National Park is one of the most easily accessible rainforest day trip experiences for guests staying with us.
Originally a biological reserve, it was upgraded to a national park in 1998. The park is perhaps most famous for its wild scarlet macaw population but has a wealth of other tropical bird species that attract birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.
Hours of Operation: 8am - 4pm
Rates for non-residents: Adults $ 10, Children $ 5
Cash is not accepted, payments are made only by debit or credit card on the site.
Make your trip count and stop at the Tarcoles River Bridge on your way home. You can simply take a look over the side of the bridge and feast your eyes on any number of big crocs! Even better, we suggest booking a boat tour. Check in with our concierge desk to help you set this up! You can get up close and personal to some of the biggest crocodiles around, reaching up to 15-18 feet!
Manuel Antonio National Park
Looking to venture out a bit further? Check out Manuel Antonio National Park. Located about 90 minutes south of Los Suenos, Manuel Antonio has much to offer!
Manuel Antonio may be the smallest park in Costa Rica, but is one of the most popular destinations, due to its abundance of wildlife, beaches, and walking/hiking trails.
Hire a tour guide to be sure not to miss out on any of the wildlife sightings. They are pros at spotting sloths, birds and other wildlife that typically would go unnoticed to the untrained eye. They can also explain the wonders of all the medicinal fruits and plants and educate your group on the botanicals of Costa Rica.
The light sand beaches inside the park are also not to be missed. Espadilla Sur Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach are each about a 30-minute hike from the main entrance of the park and are popular for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and surf lessons.
Pro Tip: go early in the day and book your tickets in advance
Days/Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 7:00 a.m. at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday closed.
Contact our Concierge Desk to purchase tickets in advance.
RATES for non-residents
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Adults (over 12 years old) $ 16 + IVA
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Children (from 2 to 12 years old) $ 5 + IVA
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Children under 2 do not pay entrance
Happy Travels!
Questions? Our concierge team has your back! Contact us directly!
1 888.490.4581 Toll Free USA
(506) 2637-8484 Phone Costa Rica
Email: vacation@hrgcr.com