Compare prices
EN
Explore a rare transition forest protecting Costa Rica's largest wild population of scarlet macaws. Plan your hiking routes and book a certified naturalist guide.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Visit Carara National Park

Explore a rare transition forest protecting Costa Rica's largest wild population of scarlet macaws. Plan your hiking routes and book a certified naturalist guide.

4.9 from 256 traveller reviews on Viator

  • 5,242 haprotected forest
  • 430+bird species
  • 150-200scarlet macaws
  • 1.2 kmaccessible trail

Tickets & tours

Choose your Carara National Park tour

Compare guided walks, private excursions, and birdwatching activities.

All 6 options
A vibrant scarlet macaw resting in the hollow of a tree trunk.Most booked

Guided tour2 h to 3 h4.9 (256)Free cancellation

Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included)

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and animals. We will have the opportunity to observe an incredible diversity of fauna, including monkeys, snakes and a wide...

  • entrance ticket
  • Telescope

From$45per person

Best for: first-time visitors and families

A small bird with a bright yellow chest perched on a thin branch.Best value

Guided tour3 h to 5 h4.6 (34)Free cancellation

Carara National Park Tour

Best bird watching tours in Costa Rica with native guide to spot endemic species. Guides will be able to spot seasonal birds and wildlife, making this the best tour on...

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

From$31per person

Best for: budget-conscious travelers

A scarlet macaw peeking out playfully from its nest in a tree.Top rated

Private tour4 h4.9 (40)Free cancellation

Carara National Park Private Tour

Enjoy a unique experience in contact with nature with a private guided tour of Carara National Park. Located in the province of Puntarenas, this park is a meeting point...

  • Private tourist transportation
  • Bottle of water for each tourist
  • Entrance to the national park

From$85per person

Best for: personalized wildlife spotting

Carara National Park

Buy your $10 entrance ticket online in advance.

There are no ticket sales at the ranger station.

Plan your visit

Plan your hike

Full planner
  • How long it takes

    Walking the main trails takes 2 to 4 hours. Guided tours usually last 3 hours.

  • Best time to go

    Visit between December and April for dry trails. Arrive at 7:00 AM for peak bird activity.

  • Getting there

    Drive 20 minutes north from Jaco on Route 34. Parking at the ranger station is free.

  • Entry rules

    You must purchase entry via the SINAC website. Single-use plastics are strictly banned.

About Carara National Park

Established as a biological reserve in 1978, Carara became a national park in 1998. It covers 5,242 hectares of the Rio Grande de Tarcoles river basin. The park uniquely sits where the dry northern forests meet the humid southern rainforests.

Most visitors start at the Main Ranger Trails, which feature four loops. This includes a fully paved 1.2-kilometer Universal Access Trail designed for wheelchairs. You can also explore the separate River and Wetlands to the north.

Carara holds Costa Rica's largest wild population of scarlet macaws. The dense forest canopy makes wildlife hard to spot. Hiring a guide with a telescope greatly improves your chances of seeing the animals.

View at Carara National Park
Carara National Park

How we compare tours

  • Verified providers

    We list activities from established platforms.

  • Clear costs

    We note when park tickets are excluded from the tour price.

  • Real reviews

    We summarize what past travelers actually say.

From Viator

Traveler feedback

4.9

256 reviews of the guided visit on Viator

A variety of wild life was there and our guide Maria had a hawk eye for finding them. It was a great hiker seeing things we would never have seen with out Maria, although the two young men from the Netherlands who accompanied us also had hawk eyes.
Patricia_B2026-10Viator
Our trip started off with this tour and this turned out being the best part. Our guide Giavoni, I hope I’m spelling that right, was so kind and patient. When we didn’t see all the animals at the park that we wanted to see, she took us to spots that she knew nearby so we could see the other animals. It was so amazing to meet her and learn about all the animals and wildlife we were seeing. Overall, an amazing time!!
Denesa12342026-10Viator
Geohanna was our wonderful guide for Carara national Park in Costa Rica. Her knowledge of the animals plants and insects in the park is immense. We visited two sections of the park. One is Primary Forest in the other is Secondary Forest. The primary forest tour is also accessible for people with walking difficulties or in wheelchairs.
GoPlaces184162728772026-02Viator
Mauricio is an excellent bird guide. He found so many unusual birds that we would have missed. He speaks very good English. He knows so much about the carara forest, having worked there for over 25 years. He organised transport for us too as we're travelling without a car. We had an excellent morning. We contacted him directly on 8889 6061 and had a quick reply.
katherinemN7059GA2024-01Viator
Possibly the best trip in Costa Rica. Mauricio is unbelievably knowledgeable about nature, and has a great eye spotting exotic things to see. I’m booking a second day with him next week when additional family members arrive. A wonderful adventure at a great value!
douglaswB3657AY2026-08Viator
This was a wonderful experience. Kalany was a wonderful guide. Learned a lot about the indigenous people of Costa Rica, the trees, animals, reptiles, and birds of carara! It was truly a wonderful experience! And we had the pleasure of seeing a ton of spider monkeys!
Renee_S2026-05Viator
This was the best experience in Costa Rica for me. Jason is the best guide, he knows all the good spots and all the calls, not to mention all the other animals also. I got at least 40 lifers with him in the rainy season, which is a lot. I do recommend him!
Jurij A2026-07Viator
Jason worked had to find great photo opportunities and views of the local birds. Very knowledgeable and easy to chat with. Saw spider and howler monkeys, an anteater, many reptiles, and 30+ species of birds. Loved it. Checked a few off the bucket list.
A3617XVchadd2026-05Viator
Thanks to our fantastic Guide, Ronald, we had the best time at the Nationalpark Carara. Ronald showed us lots of tiny and big animals and explained the ecosystem and the animals to us. His Englisch is brilliant, so that he explained the Wildlife to us. The photographs he took for us are impressiv . We highly recommand this tour with Ronald. Thanks again
irismH732QO2026-08Viator

FAQ

Quick answers

All questions

How do I buy tickets for Carara National Park?

You must purchase tickets in advance via the official SINAC website. There are no on-site ticket sales. Read more in our Ticket Guide guide.

How much is the entrance fee for Carara National Park?

The fee is $10 USD for adult foreigners and $5 USD for children, plus VAT. Costa Rican residents pay ¢1000 for adults and ¢500 for children.

What are the opening hours for Carara National Park?

From December to April, the park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. From May to November, hours shift to 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Do I need a guide for Carara National Park?

A guide is not mandatory, but highly recommended. The dense canopy makes wildlife hard to spot. See our Guided Tours guide for details.

Are there scarlet macaws in Carara National Park?

Yes. Carara protects Costa Rica's largest remaining wild population of scarlet macaws. There are approximately 150 to 200 individuals in the area.

Is Carara National Park worth visiting?

Yes, especially for birdwatchers. It hosts over 430 bird species and offers a rare transition forest environment.

Carara National Park

Ready for the rainforest?

Book your tour and buy your SINAC entry ticket today.

or compare all 6 options