Plan your visit
Plan Your Carara Visit
Prepare for your hike through the transition forest. Read our tips on timing, transport, and essential gear.
Carara National Park
Route 34 (Costanera Sur), 2 km south of the Tárcoles River Bridge, Tárcoles
GPS 9.7797, -84.5955
Open directionsGetting there
Carara is located directly on Route 34, making access easy.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive on Route 34 (Costanera Sur) 15 km north of Jaco or 74 km from San Jose. | 20 mins from Jaco, 1.5 hours from San Jose | Free parking | No 4x4 vehicle needed; the main highway and parking lot are fully paved. Do not leave valuables in the car. |
| Bus: Take any public bus running between San Jose and Jaco or Quepos, and ask the driver to stop at Carara. | 1.5 - 2 hours from San Jose | ~$5 USD | Buses will drop you off right on the highway by the park entrance. Coordinate return times as buses only pass by. |
| Tour: Book a guided half-day excursion from Jaco, Los Sueños, or San Jose. | 4-5 hours total | $50 - $100 USD | Usually includes round-trip transport, entry tickets, and a certified naturalist guide with a spotting scope. |
| Car: Take a taxi or Uber from Jaco. | 20 mins from Jaco | $15 - $25 USD one way | Taxis do not wait at the park; you must coordinate a specific pickup time with your driver in advance. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open daily. Hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM from December to April. From May to November, it opens at 8:00 AM.
Visit during the dry season (December to April) to avoid flooded trails. Arrive right at opening time to see the most birds and monkeys.
What to bring
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Do not bring single-use plastics.
Pack water in a reusable bottle; plastic bottles are banned.
How the day runs
How to structure your visit.
A typical morning exploring the main trails and the crocodile bridge.
- Drive from Jaco
Head 15 kilometers north on Route 34.
- Hike the trails
Walk the Universal Access Trail and Quebrada Bonita with a guide.
- Spot macaws
Look for scarlet macaws returning to the forest canopy.
- Tárcoles Bridge
Drive 2 kilometers north to safely view American crocodiles.
What to pack
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring eco-friendly insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars is essential for seeing birds high in the trees.
Accessibility
Carara features a 1.2-kilometer Universal Access Trail. It is fully paved, flat, and designed for wheelchairs. It includes Braille signage and tactile elements.
Easiest way to do it
Carara National Park Small-Group Tour
3 h 5.0 (12)
- Certified local guide
- Spotting scope use and digiscoping
- Licensed Guide
- 2 Hours 30 minutes guided nature walk
From$35per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does a visit take?
Walking the main trails near the ranger station takes 2 to 4 hours. Add an extra 2 hours if you hike the 4.5-kilometer Laguna Meandrica trail.
Is parking safe?
The parking lot is paved and located by the ranger station. Do not leave any valuables in your car.
Can I take the bus from San Jose?
Yes. Take any bus running from San Jose to Jaco or Quepos. Ask the driver to drop you at Carara. The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.