Costa Rica is a small country with an extraordinary Costa Ricas national parks. Despite covering only about 0.03% of the Earth’s surface, this Central American nation has made a global commitment to protecting its natural heritage. Today, nearly one-fourth of Costa Rica’s land is set aside in national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges, protecting its ecosystems from exploitation and environmental destruction. This percentage is higher than that of any other country in the world and is one of the main reasons Costa Rica is internationally recognized as a leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.
For nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, birdwatchers, and eco-travelers, Costa Rica’s national parks are nothing short of extraordinary.
A Small Country with Extraordinary Biodiversity
One of the most astonishing facts about Costa Rica is its biodiversity density. Though small in size, Costa Rica is home to approximately 5% of all known plant and animal species on the planet. This includes:
- Over 30,000 species of insects
- Around 1,000 species of orchids
- More than 850 species of birds, making Costa Rica one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world
- Hundreds of mammal species, including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, and anteaters
- Thousands of species of plants, amphibians, reptiles, and marine life
This incredible biodiversity is made possible by Costa Rica’s varied geography, which includes rainforests, cloud forests, dry forests, mangroves, wetlands, volcanoes, beaches, and coral reefs—all protected within its park system.
The Birth of Costa Rica’s National Park System
Costa Rica’s conservation movement officially began in 1969 with the establishment of Santa Rosa National Park, located in the northwestern province of Guanacaste. That same year, the country created its National Parks Department, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most successful conservation systems in the world.
Santa Rosa National Park was not only created to protect tropical dry forest—one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world—but also to preserve Costa Rica’s cultural and historical heritage, including the site of the historic Battle of Santa Rosa.
From this first park, Costa Rica’s protected areas rapidly expanded, guided by the belief that natural resources are more valuable preserved than exploited.
A Visionary Philosophy of Conservation
Former Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo, who served from 1978 to 1982, captured the spirit of this vision when he said:
“Our parks are splendid natural laboratories which we offer to the international scientific community the opportunity for scientific exploration, and also to visitors from all over the world a unique place to enjoy direct contact with nature in its most pristine and natural state.”
This philosophy continues to guide Costa Rica’s environmental policies today. National parks are not only preserved for science and education, but also for responsible tourism—allowing visitors to experience nature while ensuring its long-term protection.
National Parks of Northern Costa Rica
Northern Costa Rica is known for its volcanoes, dry forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Some of the most important parks in this region include:
Santa Rosa National Park
Located in Guanacaste, Santa Rosa protects tropical dry forest, savannas, beaches, and mangroves. It is home to white-tailed deer, howler monkeys, coatis, and hundreds of bird species.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Famous for the stunning Río Celeste, a brilliant turquoise river created by volcanic minerals. The park features rainforest trails, waterfalls, hot springs, and rich biodiversity.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
A geothermal wonderland with boiling mud pots, fumaroles, waterfalls, and hiking trails through dry and cloud forest.
Barra Honda National Park
Known for its underground caves and limestone formations. This lesser-known park offers a unique adventure for visitors interested in geology and spelunking.
National Parks of the Caribbean Side
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has a very different atmosphere from the Pacific side—lush, humid rainforests, Afro-Caribbean culture, and rich marine ecosystems.
Tortuguero National Park
Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is famous for its canals, wildlife, and sea turtle nesting beaches. Green turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbills nest here, while visitors explore by boat through jungle waterways.
Cahuita National Park
A unique combination of coral reefs and rainforest. Cahuita offers excellent snorkeling, coastal hiking trails, and easy access to wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and raccoons.
National Parks of the Central Valley
The Central Valley is home to volcanoes, cloud forests, and some of Costa Rica’s most accessible parks.
Poás Volcano National Park
One of the most visited parks in Costa Rica due to its proximity to San José. Poás Volcano features one of the largest active volcanic craters in the world, along with cloud forest trails and scenic viewpoints.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
A vast and rugged park protecting rainforest and cloud forest between San José and the Caribbean lowlands. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country.
Central Pacific Coast National Parks
The Central Pacific is known for lush rainforests meeting the ocean, offering dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife.
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of Costa Rica’s most famous parks, Manuel Antonio combines white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and rainforest trails. Despite being one of the smallest parks, it boasts incredible biodiversity, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds.
Carara National Park
A transition zone between dry and wet forest, Carara is especially famous for scarlet macaws and birdwatching opportunities.
South Pacific National Parks
The South Pacific region is wild, remote, and incredibly biodiverse.
Corcovado National Park
Often considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s park system, Corcovado protects the largest remaining tract of lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. It is home to jaguars, tapirs, all four Costa Rican monkey species, and hundreds of bird species.
Marino Ballena National Park
Known for the famous “Whale’s Tail” sandbar formation and seasonal humpback whale migrations.
Offshore and Marine Parks
Cocos Island National Park
Located far off the Pacific coast, Cocos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its incredible marine biodiversity, including hammerhead sharks, rays, and dolphins. It is considered one of the world’s top diving destinations.
La Amistad International Park: A UNESCO Treasure
La Amistad National Park, located in the Talamanca Mountains along the border with Panama, is the largest protected area in Costa Rica, covering nearly 500,000 acres. It is jointly managed by Costa Rica and Panama and has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.
Almost half of La Amistad has never been explored, making it one of the last true wilderness areas in Central America. The park protects virgin rainforest, cloud forest, and high-altitude ecosystems and is home to over 400 bird species and countless endemic plants.
Due to its rugged terrain and lack of marked trails, La Amistad should only be explored with experienced guides.
The Most Visited National Parks
While every national park in Costa Rica is unique, two parks stand out as the most visited by tourists:
Poás Volcano National Park
Its easy access from the Central Valley and dramatic crater views make it extremely popular with both locals and international visitors.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Surrounding the iconic Arenal Volcano, this park offers hiking trails, lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs, canopy tours, rafting, and abundant wildlife. The wide variety of activities makes it a favorite destination for families and adventure travelers.
Why Costa Rica’s National Parks Matter
Costa Rica’s national parks are more than tourist attractions. They are:
- Living laboratories for scientific research
- Sanctuaries for endangered species
- Natural climate regulators
- Sources of clean water and air
- Economic engines through sustainable tourism
By protecting nature, Costa Rica has proven that conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand.
Planning Your Visit
With so many incredible national parks, planning a visit to Costa Rica can feel overwhelming—but that’s part of the adventure. Whether you are interested in volcanoes, wildlife, beaches, rainforests, or all of the above, there is a national park perfectly suited to your interests.
If you would like help planning a visit to Costa Rica’s amazing national parks, consider working with a knowledgeable Costa Rica travel specialist who can design an itinerary tailored to your interests, schedule, and travel style.
Costa Rica’s national parks are a gift to the world—protected places where nature thrives, wildlife flourishes, and visitors can experience the planet in its most pristine and inspiring form.