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.