A Guide to Carara National Park, Costa Rica
Carara National Park in Costa Rica is an easily accessible natural attraction near Jaco. Carara is known for wildlife watching, especially birding, and fewer crowds. Read our travel guide on how to visit Carara National Park independently from Jaco, tips on the best things to do, how much things cost, and how to get from the park to the Crocodile Bridge without a car.
Carara National Park is a top attraction in Costa Rica, only 20 kilometers from a popular coastal town of Jaco.
If you plan on traveling along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast and want to combine bird watching, wildlife watching, adrenaline sports, and lazing on the beach, make sure to include Carara National Park as it offers the first two activities mentioned above, and you will find the other two in the nearby Jaco and its surroundings.
Unlike other heavily visited parks in Costa Rica, such as Arenal or Monteverde, Carara National Park is less visited, and you might want to consider including it on your travel itinerary as the experience is rawer but definitely not less spectacular.
Once inside the park, you will find here several well-maintained trails worth exploring. The park is rich with fauna and flora, like insects, spiders, monkeys, huge trees, and the destination is a favorite with wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers thanks to many species that call this place home and a high chance to take some fantastic photos.
And honestly, wildlife watching is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Here's our guide on how to visit Carara National Park either independently by public transport, by rental car or with a tour, and we share our tips on what to do in the park, cost of travel, what to pack for a one-day trip, and where to stay in Jaco.
IS CARARA NATIONAL PARK WORTH A VISIT?
At first, when we were planning our Costa Rica itinerary, the coastal city of Jaco was not on the list. But only a few days after we crossed borders from Panama to Costa Rica, we decided to change our plans, and it did not take long, and we found ourselves in a new destination.
Hadn't it been for this turn of event, we would have probably never visited Carara National Park, one of the most diverse places in Costa Rica, boasting absolutely outstanding flora and fauna.
Coincidence brought us to Jaco, so we started looking for the best things to do in the area.
Immediately, we found that it is possible to enjoy wildlife spotting in Carara National Park and visit the Crocodile Bridge, a short ride from the city, which was very appealing.
Only then we learned about the park known for its unique ecosystem, so we decided to spend a day in this biologically rich zone where we hoped to spot some of the native wildlife species and native plants.
We really enjoyed the peaceful rainforest without crowds; it was a nice change from the Manuel Antonio National Park.
Due to its accessibility, low price, and rich wildlife, we believe that Carara National Park is worth a visit. Hopefully, the text below will convince you to visit this beautiful place.
HOW TO GET TO CARARA NATIONAL PARK FROM JACO
One of the things to know about Costa Rica is that it is a quite compact country. So it is even possible to make a day trip to Carara National Park from the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose, which is only an hour's drive away and other destinations as well.
But if you plan on traveling along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, it makes more sense to get to Jaco first and base yourself there.
Not only because Carara National Park lies only 20 kilometers from Jaco, but Jaco is a popular beach city and a great place for doing many activities such as ATV tours, waterfall tours or windsurfing. We opted for canyoning in Jaco, and it was fun.
We visited Carara National Park independently by public transport, but we will outline other options to get to the park, so every type of traveler can choose the best alternative.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Getting to Carara National Park from Jaco by bus is easy. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get there, and the ticket costs 725 CRC. The bus goes roughly every hour but always ask around.
Simply put, if you travel on a budget, the bus is your best option.
The host in our accommodation helped us to find the bus schedule, and you should ask at the hotel about current timetable, as it changes often.
The bus stop is on Avenida Pastor Diaz, opposite the large shopping mall. You will most likely see many locals waiting at the bus stop, which is helpful.
You want to get on the bus with a sign Orotina behind the window, but generally, it is enough to ask if the bus goes to the park, and the driver will understand you.
The bus stops right in front of the entrance to the national park, which makes traveling to Carara by public transport very easy.
BY CAR
Renting a car is the most popular way to get around Costa Rica.
If you decide to explore the country by car, getting to Carara National Park will be only a matter of about approximately 30 minutes.
Having your own transport is for sure the best and most flexible way how to travel in Costa Rica, especially when you are short on time.
CARARA NATIONAL PARK TOURS
In case you do not want to wait for public transport, do not have a rental car, but still want to get to the park, taking Carara National Park Tour from Jaco is not a bad idea at all.
You should consider this option, especially when you do not want to visit the park on your own but would like to take a local guide, as this service is already included in this tour.
Morevoer, hiking in the park with a knowledgeable guide will increase your chance of spotting wildlife.
THINGS TO DO IN CARARA NATIONAL PARK
Carara National Park is a unique place in Costa Rica, well-known among professional bird watchers, people, who want to spot exotic animal species during their vacation, and only several kilometers away from the park's gate is one of the most popular attractions in the country, the Crocodile Bridge.
That's why it should not come as a surprise that visiting Carara National Park is about admiring flora and fauna at its best. Here's a list that includes some of the best things to do in Carara National Park.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
Carara National Park is bird watcher's paradise, but except for seeing rare Scarlet Macaws, you can spot in the park several species of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, snakes, frogs, deers, jaguars (cats are very shy and hardly anyone can see them) and much more.
The array of wildlife on display here in Carara National Park is fantastic, and you don't even have to be a wildlife enthusiast to appreciate the exceptionality of the place. To get the highest chance to spot wildlife, it is best to visit Carara National Park as early as you can, before it starts to be too hot and animals will go into hiding.
At first, we were surprised that the first section of the trail walked us near the highway so we could hear cars passing by, but luckily after approximately 15 minutes, we got deeper into the jungle and could hear only the sounds of the forest for the rest of our visit.
It took us approximately three hours to walk around the park, but probably 45 minutes we spent watching monkeys jumping from one tree to another.
HIKING
In case you are not interested in wildlife but still want to spend a couple of hours outdoor, Carara National Park has several hiking trails which will take you through the primary rain forest and introduce you to some of the most typical plants in the area.
All the hiking trails are well-marked, and you can find information boards along the paths, so you can learn more about the amazing diversity the park possess.
ENTRANCE FEE
Costa Rica is not a budget-friendly destination, especially if you plan on visiting several national parks such as the well-known Manuel Antonio National Park or Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Although this park is a bit cheaper, the entry fee to Carara National Park is still $10 or 6050 CRC per person (the price is valid for international travelers) without a guide.
On the other hand, flora and fauna are absolutely incredible, and it is worth seeing at least two of the best parks to get a sense of rich biodiversity in Costa Rica.
OPENING HOURS
Carara National Park is open from 7 AM to 4 PM in the dry season. So in order to be there as soon as possible to beat not only the crowds but also the heat, we waited for the bus in Jaco at 6:20 AM, and it paid off.
Also, the wildlife is very active in the morning, and you have the best chance to spot it during this time of the day.
In the rainy season, Carara is open from 8 AM to 4 PM.
CROCODILE BRIDGE
One of the most famous stops close to Carara National Park almost no traveler miss when traveling in Costa Rica is the so-called Crocodile Bridge. The bridge over Tarcoles River is popular because it is a great spot to watch giant crocodiles living in this place permanently.
For us, it was a bit terrifying to watch so many crocodiles in the wild, but if you stay on the bridge, nothing can happen as you keep a safe distance. During our visit, we counted eighteen crocodiles.
Never go to the river's shore. If you want to get closer, take a River Tarcoles Tour instead.
This is one of a few budget-friendly activities in Costa Rica, as watching the crocodiles from the bridge is free.
To get to the Crocodile Bridge, you can either drive from San Jose or Jaco. From Jaco, take a bus to Orotina and get off on the bridge.
As we were planning to see the bridge after visiting Carara National Park, we got off at the park's gate in the morning, and later we walked from the park to the bridge. It took us approximately 30 minutes as the bridge is 2.7 kilometers away along the main road, but it was not that bad.
Later, we flagged down a bus going back to Jaco.
DO I NEED A GUIDE?
No, you don't need a guide to visit Carara National Park, although you can hire one if you want to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Before visiting Carara National Park, you should set your expectations right.
Do you want to see as many animal species as possible? Are you interested in one particular bird which is hard to spot, or did you arrive only to enjoy nature, and spotting monkeys, sloths, and some birds is only a nice bonus?
If you want to take pictures of a rare species or want to see as much as possible, we recommend hiring a guide who will be very helpful.
You can either take the tour we mentioned above or hire a guide in the park.
If you want to enjoy your time in the park on your own and try to look for animals by yourself, and you do not mind if it won't work out, go on your own.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY
We found accommodation in Costa Rica pretty expensive, and when you take into account that Jaco is a popular beach city with plenty of things to do around, it is clear you should start looking for a room rather sooner than later.
We've hand-selected the three best accommodation options in Jaco for every type of traveler.
Budget | Selina Jaco - An unusual hotel concept you must check out when in Jaco. It offers a co-working space, and you can watch the sunset right from the hotel as it stands on the beach!
Mid-range | Bamboo Boutique Hotel - An excellent modern hotel offering a swimming pool, terrace, and free wifi throughout the property are the main features of this reasonably-priced accommodation.
Luxury | Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort - Great location on the beach, helpful staff, and the fact that you don't need to worry about anything as all meals are included make it from this hotel a real luxurious retreat in Jaco.
WHEN TO GO
The park sees two seasons during the year. The dry season is hot and humid, and lasts from December to April, while the other months of the year see more rain, especially in the afternoon. Therefore, it’s the rainy season during these months.
Needless to say, you can visit the park year-round. The more important part is to arrive there early.
When we talk more closely about when is the best time to visit Carara National Park, you should always keep in mind that your chances to spot wildlife are the highest either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Arriving in the park in the middle of the day is not a good strategy. The animals are not very active during this period, and you can leave the park disappointed.
WHAT TO PACK
The main reason to visit Carara National Park is to spot animals, so you should pack some gear that will allow you to spot them more easily.
Here are some essential things you should pack with you for a day trip to Carara National Park.
When traveling in Costa Rica, it is worth it to invest in binoculars, as it is the best way to spot elusive birds or monkeys high in the treetops.
If you want to take photos of the wildlife, you should consider bringing a camera such as Canon EOS R6 with a telephoto lens such as Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 because the animals are often too far from you, and the regular zoom lens you use on your trip will not be enough.
Bug repellent is a must-have while hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest. Do not be bait for mosquitos; use mosquito repellent. Also, use sunscreen often, as the sun is incredibly strong in this latitude.
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things when you travel.
A water bottle with a filter or SteriPen treat water almost instantly while on the road. Tap water is not always drinkable in Costa Rica, so buy this great travel accessory to reduce your plastic footprint. Take at least two liters per person with you to the park.
When visiting Carara National Park during shoulder season or during the offseason, pack a rain poncho to stay nice and dry, though you will still sweat from the humidity.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
