On a beautiful, bright, early morning in February, we set out to explore one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating national parks—Carara National Park, located in the country’s central Pacific region. Traveling with Iguana Tours, we were filled with anticipation, excitement, and hope. Carara is famous throughout Costa Rica for one very special reason: it is one of the best places in the country to see the magnificent scarlet macaw in the wild.
Our goal for the day was simple but thrilling—to spot a pair of scarlet macaws, male and female, perched together in the forest canopy. For bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, seeing these iconic birds in their natural habitat is a bucket-list experience.
Arriving Early at Carara National Park
We arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m., just as the park opened. The air was already warm, the sun bright, and the sounds of the rainforest alive with birdsong. After paying the $7 entrance fee, we met our naturalist guide, Eduardo, whose knowledge and enthusiasm would soon prove invaluable.
Carara National Park is a lowland tropical rainforest, and its well-marked trails make it accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels. However, despite the trails being relatively flat, the forest itself is dense, humid, and rich with life at every turn.
Eduardo explained that over 100 scarlet macaws nest and feed in and around Carara National Park. The nearby mangrove forests along the Río Tárcoles provide essential roosting areas for these birds. At dawn and dusk, scarlet macaws can often be seen flying westward toward the river, their loud calls echoing across the forest.
A Forest Where Two Ecosystems Meet
One of the most unique aspects of Carara National Park is that it sits at the transition point between dry tropical forest and humid rainforest ecosystems. This blending of environments creates exceptional biodiversity and supports an incredible variety of plant and animal species.
As we stepped onto the trail, the forest immediately enveloped us. The trees were so thick and tall that we could barely see the sky—only flickers of sunlight danced through the canopy above, creating a magical play of light and shadow.
Early Wildlife Encounters
We headed for the shortest hiking trail, accompanied by Eduardo, whose English was nearly perfect and whose eyes seemed trained to notice every movement in the forest.
Within minutes, he stopped us and pointed silently upward. There, perched on a tree limb, was a large gray owl, sitting calmly and watching us with enormous, expressive eyes. I had never seen an owl like this before—its eyes seemed almost unreal, glowing in the filtered morning light. It was so close I felt I could reach up and touch it.
Moments like this remind you why a naturalist guide is so important. Without Eduardo, we would have walked right past this incredible creature without ever knowing it was there.
The Tireless Leaf Cutter Ants
Continuing along the trail, Eduardo pointed out something equally fascinating, though much smaller. Stretching across the forest floor was a long, uninterrupted line of leaf cutter ants.
Each ant carried a piece of leaf nearly the size of its own body, marching tirelessly along a well-worn path. Eduardo explained how these ants play a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem, helping to recycle plant material and maintain soil health.
Watching the ants at work was mesmerizing. The line seemed endless, disappearing into the undergrowth, a reminder that even the smallest creatures have an important job in Costa Rica’s ecosystems.
The Moment We Had Been Waiting For
After more than an hour of hiking, scanning treetops, and listening carefully for the distinctive calls of macaws, we began to lose hope. The forest was alive with sound, but the scarlets remained elusive.
Just as we were considering turning back, Eduardo suddenly stopped and raised his hand.
“There,” he whispered.
High in the canopy, nearly hidden among the leaves, sat two scarlet macaws, side by side on a tree branch. My heart skipped a beat.
We quickly raised our binoculars, and there they were—deep red feathers blazing against the green forest, with flashes of royal blue and golden yellow on their wings. The morning sunlight made their plumage glow, almost as if they were lit from within.
It was breathtaking.
A Perfect Wildlife Encounter
We stood silently, watching the macaws for several minutes. They preened each other gently, completely at ease in their surroundings. Seeing them together—clearly a bonded pair—made the moment even more special.
Then, without warning, they launched themselves into the air. With powerful wingbeats and loud calls, they flew westward toward the Río Tárcoles, disappearing beyond the treetops.
My day was complete. I had seen the scarlet macaws.
Best Time to Visit Carara National Park
Later, someone asked me, “What is the best time of year to visit Carara National Park?”
Without hesitation, I replied that the dry season, from December through mid-April, is the best time to visit. Trails are easier to navigate, wildlife is more active, and spotting birds—especially macaws—is more reliable.
The worst months are August through October, which bring heavy rains that can make trails muddy and limit visibility.
No matter the season, visitors should be prepared for hot and humid weather year-round.
What to Wear and Bring
To enjoy Carara National Park comfortably, proper preparation is essential:
- Good tennis shoes with traction or lightweight hiking boots
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of water
- Binoculars (absolutely essential for birdwatching)
- A light waterproof jacket, especially in the rainy season
The humidity can be intense, and even short walks can feel physically demanding without proper footwear and hydration.
Cruise Ship Visitors and Safety Tips
We noticed that the park was unusually busy that morning and asked Eduardo why so many tourists were present. He explained that several cruise ships were docked at the nearby port of Caldera, adjacent to the seaside town of Puntarenas. Many cruise passengers visit Carara National Park as a day excursion.
Eduardo also shared an important safety tip: do not leave valuables visible inside parked cars at the park. Unfortunately, petty theft can occur when belongings are left in plain sight.
Carara’s Importance to Conservation
Carara National Park plays a critical role in protecting Costa Rica’s remaining populations of scarlet macaws. Once threatened by habitat loss and illegal pet trade, these birds have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts and protected areas like Carara.
The park also safeguards important wetlands and mangrove ecosystems along the Tárcoles River, which support countless species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Day
Back at our hotel in Manuel Antonio, resting in our cool, air-conditioned room, we talked about the day’s experiences. From the owl’s haunting stare to the leaf cutter ants’ tireless work and, finally, the breathtaking sight of the scarlet macaws, the visit had been both educational and deeply moving.
Another great day of fun, learning, and connection with nature—the kind of experience that makes Costa Rica unforgettable.
Why Carara National Park Belongs on Your Itinerary
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica and dream of seeing scarlet macaws in the wild, Carara National Park should be at the top of your list. Its accessible trails, rich biodiversity, and strategic location make it one of the best wildlife destinations in the country.
Carara is more than just a park—it is a place where nature reveals itself generously to those willing to look, listen, and walk quietly beneath the trees.