5 Hours
Daily Tour
10 people
English, Espanol
Just 15 miles from Jaco Beach and Los Suenos lies Carara National Park, an often-overlooked gem brimming with natural wonders. While less famous than its sister park, Manuel Antonio, Carara spans over twice the area, offering 52 square kilometers of pristine Costa Rican biodiversity.
Unlike the smaller Manuel Antonio, Carara National Park features extensive primary rainforest. A guided hike through this dense, vibrant ecosystem with one of our certified Naturalist Guides promises an authentic eco-adventure.
Carara National Park safeguards the Rio Tarcoles and hosts an impressive array of rare bird species. Our expert guides will help you spot everything from exotic parrots and hummingbirds to jacamars, parakeets, and stunning water birds like herons and kingfishers. Notably, Carara is home to Costa Rica’s largest remaining population of wild scarlet macaws.
Your private tour begins with a VIP pickup from your Los Suenos or Jaco hotel or condo. A brief drive north brings you to Carara National Park, where your adventure truly starts.
As you hike quietly through Carara, the park’s rich wildlife gradually reveals itself. Beyond the vibrant birdlife, you might encounter American crocodiles, poison dart frogs, deer, peccaries, red brockets, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and both two-toed and three-toed sloths.
Your certified Naturalist Guide will lead you through the lush primary rainforest on an exclusive journey of discovery. To cap off your exhilarating tour of Carara National Park, we’ll treat your group to a delicious, authentic Costa Rican lunch.
Answer: Yes, it is one of the top birdwatching destinations in Costa Rica. Because Carara is a transition zone between dry and humid forests, it attracts a unique variety of avian life. On our Carara National Park tour, guests frequently see the largest remaining wild population of Scarlet Macaws, along with trogons, toucans, and motmots. If you are a serious birder, for a full breakdown of regions, species lists, and seasonal insights, visit our Complete Costa Rica Birdwatching Guide, for full-day professional itineraries.
Answer: While Manuel Antonio is famous for its beaches, Carara National Park is favored by those seeking a more authentic, less crowded rainforest experience. Carara is more than twice the size of Manuel Antonio and features significantly more primary (old-growth) rainforest. As your booking agency, we recommend Carara for travelers who want to focus on wildlife photography, birdwatching, and seeing rare species like the poison dart frog in a quieter environment.
Answer: Since you will be hiking through a humid tropical forest, we recommend lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals. Don’t forget your binoculars for birdwatching and a camera with a good zoom lens. We also advise bringing insect repellent, sunblock, and a rain poncho. When you book through Jaco360, we provide bottled water and ensure your tour includes a delicious, authentic Costa Rican lunch.
Answer: The trails in Carara are generally flat and well-maintained, making them accessible for most ages and fitness levels. The “Universal Loop” is even paved for wheelchair and stroller accessibility. When we book your Carara National Park tour, we match your group with a guide who can pace the hike to your preference, ensuring you have plenty of time to stop for photos and wildlife spotting without feeling rushed.
Answer: While you can visit the park on your own, wildlife in the dense canopy is incredibly difficult to spot without a professional eye. By booking through Jaco360, you are guaranteed a certified Naturalist Guide equipped with high-powered spotting scopes. Furthermore, as a booking agency, we handle your door-to-door private transportation from Jaco or Los Sueños and pre-arrange your park entrance fees, so you skip the lines and go straight into the jungle.
Member Since 2024
