Dense green rainforest in Costa Rica, with a small group of people standing on a suspended bridge surrounded by tall trees and lush foliage—an unforgettable experience in one of the country’s best parks and reserves.

Latin America

5 Best National Parks & Reserves in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a sanctuary for wildlife, has around 30 national parks and even more nature reserves. The volume of parks plus their environmental diversity from one another, from the cloud forests of Monteverde Preserve to the volcanic highlands of Arenal to the beaches of Corcovado, can make it difficult to narrow down where to go. With proper planning and the right expertise, Costa Rica’s relatively small size makes it possible to see multiple parks or reserves in one trip. Here are the top five reserves and national parks in Costa Rica to consider when traveling to this biodiversity capital, all of which are featured in WT’s Costa Rica adventure tours.

1Arenal Volcano National Park

Japan has Mt. Fuji, Italy has Mt. Etna, and Costa Rica has Arenal, famed for its near-perfect symmetrical cone shape set among lush rainforest. Although the Arenal Volcano has been dormant since 2010, it remains one of the country’s most impressive landmarks and a symbol of Costa Rica’s geological history. Not only is the volcano a sight to behold, but the surrounding area of Arenal Volcano National Park is an adventure and wellness playground, filled with networks of hanging bridges, geothermal hot springs, and hiking trails—this makes visiting Arenal one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

When to Go

There’s no bad time to visit Arenal Volcano National Park, as each season has its own benefits. The dry season of December through April, one of the best times to go to Costa Rica generally, means more sunny days for hiking and clearer views of the volcano, while the green season of May through November is a great time to enjoy the hot springs.

Reasons to Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

See La Fortuna Waterfall. If it’s too hot to enjoy the thermal springs, head to La Fortuna Waterfall, a dazzling cascade that drops 230 feet to a crystal-clear pool ideal for swimming. Located near the town of La Fortuna within Arenal Volcano National Park, the waterfall can be reached by descending a well-maintained trail of 530 steps. On the way down, look out for toucans and monkeys, and once you reach the base, sit at the stone edges, enjoy the cooling mist, and take a dip in the River Fortuna.
Soak in thermal hot springs. Just beyond Arenal Volcano National Park are hot springs heated naturally by the volcano’s geothermal activity. A variety of hot springs resorts catering to every price point and atmosphere, from romantic hideaways to family-friendly destinations, offer day passes. Spend a few hours hopping between mineral-rich pools that vary in temperature, while enjoying views of the volcano in the background.
Enjoy a boat ride across Lake Arenal. For the best views of Arenal Volcano, head to Costa Rica’s largest lake. Taking a boat ride across Lake Arenal is a relaxing way to soak in the scenery and guarantees great photography opportunities. Many operators offer on-board guides who turn the ride into a wildlife-spotting tour of the lake’s birdlife, including herons and kingfishers.

Which Trip Should I Book?

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour | Costa Rica Private Journey | Costa Rica Family Private Journey

A group of people wearing life jackets sit in a blue boat on a river surrounded by dense green jungle, while a guide points toward the trees in one of the best parks and reserves in Costa Rica.

2Tortuguero National Park

With incredible biodiversity and a vast network of canals, it’s no wonder Tortuguero National Park is commonly referred to as Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon.” Located on the northern Caribbean coast, the 77,000-acre reserve is one of the last large tropical rainforest tracts in Central America. It’s only reachable by boat (or small plane) and best explored by boat or canoe along its extensive canal system, which offers a front-row seat to Tortuguero’s wildlife. While sea turtles, as its name suggests, are one of the highlights of a well-timed visit, they’re just one of a variety of species on display—spectacled caimans, river otters, howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans abound.

When to Go

Tortuguero National Park is a year-round destination, but seasonal highlights can help narrow your time of visit—turtle nesting season takes place from July to October, the drier months of February to April offer better conditions for hiking, while the green season, from May to January, is when Tortuguero is at its most lush and dramatic.

Reasons to Visit Tortuguero National Park

Bird watch by boat. There’s no better way to spot a wide variety of birds than by boat along the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Traveling quietly by canoe or small motorboat allows you to observe birds at close range without disturbing them, and WT’s naturalist guides are experts at spotting the park’s most coveted species, including the great green macaw or roseate spoonbill.
Catch turtle nesting season. Between July and October, green sea turtles return to the same beaches in Tortuguero National Park where they were born to lay their eggs. Under the cover of darkness, WT’s guides lead travelers quietly along the shoreline in search of nesting females. Strict conservation rules, including small group sizes and minimal lighting, have helped keep this stretch of Caribbean coastline an important research site.
Learn how to make chocolate. The area around Tortuguero National Park has long been a producer of cacao, with many small farms run by local or Indigenous communities who use traditional and sustainable methods, often growing cacao alongside fruit trees. On WT’s journeys, we visit Casa Cecropia to learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s produced.

Which Trip Should I Book?

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour | Costa Rica Private Journey | Costa Rica Family Private Journey

Three people in colorful jackets stand on a suspension bridge in a dense, green forest, looking up at the canopy—a scene reminiscent of the lush reserves and parks found throughout Costa Rica.

3Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Picture a quintessential rainforest of towering green canopies draped in hanging vines, a veil of mist, and an orchestra of birdsong. This is what Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most important ecosystems in Costa Rica and one of a few hundred cloud forests in the world, looks like. Located in the country’s northwestern Tilarán Mountains, about 100 miles from the capital of San José, Monteverde is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, with one tree capable of hosting more plant and animal species than an entire forest in North America. From its network of hanging bridges, you can look for all six of the country’s wildcat species, over 300 types of orchids, and more than 400 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America’s most iconic birds with an iridescent green back and red belly.

When to Go

Monteverde’s microclimate—characterized by mist and drizzle—is constant throughout the year. This makes Monteverde a year-round destination that’s always lush, whether you visit during the dry or green season. For your best chance at spotting the quetzal, head to Monteverde between February and April, when they breed and nest.

Reasons to Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve

Spot more than 400 bird species. Monteverde sits at the meeting point of climatic zones, creating a variety of habitats that support more than 400 bird species. The constant mist, dense vegetation, and plant diversity are ideal conditions for both resident and migratory birds. In addition to the quetzal, with its vibrant green plumage, look out for keel-billed toucans, three-wattled bellbirds, and a huge variety of hummingbirds.
Enjoy a night walk. A night walk in El Refugio Reserve, within the same biosphere of Monteverde, offers a completely different perspective on Costa Rica’s cloud forest. Come nighttime, the forest comes alive with animals rarely seen during the day. Sign up for a guided walk to see sleeping birds, tree frogs, tarantulas, kinkajous, and sloths. Part of the experience is the forest’s soundscape at night, a cacophony of chirping insects and croaking amphibians.
Explore the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Near the main reserve is the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, where four climate-controlled habitats, designed to replicate different environments found throughout the country, host up to 30 species of butterflies. Join a guided tour to learn about the importance of butterflies in Costa Rica’s ecosystems and to see vibrant blue morphos and swallowtails. Along with butterflies, the garden features educational exhibits showcasing insects, arachnids, and other small creatures.

Which Trip Should I Book?

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour | Costa Rica Private Journey | Costa Rica Family Private Journey | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Extension

People walk and swim at a sandy beach bordered by turquoise water and dense, green tropical forest under a sunny sky, enjoying the natural beauty that makes Costa Rica’s parks and reserves so renowned.

4Manuel Antonio National Park

For easy wildlife viewing in a compact coastal setting, look no further than Manuel Antonio National Park. Set on Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific Coast, this 1,688-acre reserve is one of the country’s most biodiverse, full of Costa Rica wildlife like over 100 species of mammals, including three of Costa Rica’s four monkey species, and 350 species of birds, like toucans and motmots. This park stands out for its excellent and easy trail system, density of wildlife, and proximity between rainforest and spectacular beaches.

When to Go

The best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park is generally during the dry season, from December to April. This period offers the most reliable sunny weather, calmer seas, and easier hiking conditions. That said, Manuel Antonio is popular year-round, and the green season (May to November) can also be a great time to visit. During these months, the forest is at its most lush and vibrant, and wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds are more active. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts in the afternoon, leaving mornings relatively clear for hiking and wildlife spotting. Just be sure to plan around Tuesdays, when the park is closed.

Reasons to Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Relax on white-sand beaches. Given the compact size of Manuel Antonio and the proximity of rainforest to the beach, it’s possible to combine a wildlife-spotting excursion with ample beachtime in the span of a few hours. In fact, many guided tours, including WT’s, are structured to combine a leisurely jungle walk with time at spectacular beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla.
See monkeys up close. Though there’s no shortage of monkeys in Costa Rica, and especially not at Manuel Antonio. White-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and squirrel monkeys are commonly seen moving through trees right above visitors. In addition to monkeys, you might see three-toed sloths, too.
Enjoy a variety of activities. Both the park and the area surrounding it are an adventure hotspot, with plenty of activities for every age and skill level. Along with hosting one of the country’s best canopy zip lines, which WT visits on our family journey, the region is home to excellent surfing, kayaking to nearby Damas Island, and snorkel cruises.

Which Trip Should I Book?

Costa Rica Family Private Journey

Two red parrots with outstretched wings fly above a lush green rainforest canopy, illuminated by sunlight from behind—an enchanting scene often witnessed in the vibrant reserves and parks of Costa Rica.

5Corcovado National Park

At the southernmost point of Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline is Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically rich areas in the world. Within the peninsula is Corcovado National Park, one of the largest remaining stretches of primary rainforest in Central America. It is one of the few places where you can still find all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species, as well as tapirs, jaguars, pumas, peccaries, and anteaters. Many of its bird, amphibian, and insect species are classified as rare or endangered. Given its remote location, visiting Corcovado can be challenging; most travel with certified guides via boat or small plane.

When to Go

The best time to visit Corcovado National Park is during Costa Rica’s dry season, between December and April, when trails are more accessible, river crossings are easier, and boat transfers along the Osa Peninsula are smoother. While it’s possible to visit during the green season, excessive rainfall can result in trail closures.

Reasons to Visit Corcovado National Park

Spot the scarlet macaw. Central America’s largest population of scarlet macaws lives in Corcovado National Park. These striking red, yellow, and blue parrots are often seen flying in pairs or small groups above the rainforest canopy, more often along coastal and lowland areas. The best way to spot them is to venture out in the early morning and late afternoon, when they’re most active, and listen out for their distinctive squawk.
Hike between ranger stations. As one of Costa Rica’s least developed parks, Corcovado’s trail system is made up of connections between its ranger stations. These trails offer a degree of seclusion and immersion that imbues hikes with a constant feeling of discovery. The sections between Sirena, La Leona, and San Pedrillo ranger stations are among the most scenic.
Snorkel Caño Island. For a spectacular snorkeling or diving excursion, take a boat from Drake Bay to Caño Island. Its surrounding waters are crystal-clear, especially during dry season, and teeming with a level of biodiversity that matches its closest landmass. Expect to see rays, sea turtles, and reef sharks among healthy coral reefs.

Which Trip Should I Book?

Corcovado Rainforest Extension

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 30 national parks in Costa Rica, managed by the Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion), a department of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the most visited national park in Costa Rica. Other popular parks include Poás Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Tortuguero National Park.

The best Costa Rican national parks include Tortuguero for its sea turtle viewing and boat rides, Arenal for its hot springs, hiking, and zip lining, and Corcovado for its incredible biodiversity where the rainforest meets the ocean.

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Our Latin America Specialists know every detail about our Costa Rica trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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5 Best National Parks & Reserves in Costa Rica

1Arenal Volcano National Park

When to Go

Reasons to Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Which Trip Should I Book?

2Tortuguero National Park

When to Go

Reasons to Visit Tortuguero National Park

Which Trip Should I Book?

3Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

When to Go

Reasons to Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve

Which Trip Should I Book?

4Manuel Antonio National Park

When to Go

Reasons to Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Which Trip Should I Book?

5Corcovado National Park

When to Go

Reasons to Visit Corcovado National Park

Which Trip Should I Book?

Frequently Asked Questions

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