GENERAL INFORMATION

Carara is located in the transitional area between the dry and moist forests of the Pacific Region. It can be said that no other wildlife area in the country protects the resources of plants and animals present in that bioclimatic region.

This wildlife area is considered an excellent living laboratory, where it’s possible to study the structure and function of tropical ecosystems and the relationship among them. The mean annual temperature is 27° C.

LOCATION

The Park is located 90 km from the capital city, following the coastal south road and the center of the banks of River Grande de Tárcoles. The time it takes from San José is approximately two hours and is a part of the Central Pacific Conservation Area.

ACCESS

San José – Orotina, 25 km by the road to Jacó

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

In Carara we distinguish three life zones: the tropical moist forest transition to pre-moist, the tropical very moist forest transition to moist and the very moist pre-montane forest.

Among the most outstanding fauna can be found the peccary, ocelot, white-faced monkeys, and macaws. Some of the animal species cited before are in danger of extinction or have reduced populations. This Park counts with numerous remnants of pre-Columbian indigenous occupations, that to this date are not open to the public.

SERVICES OFFERED

General information, bilingual staff, potable water, restrooms and trails, parking area; lodging for researchers and volunteers (prior request in writing, w/15-days anticipation and depending on vacancies), telephone, local bilingual guides, look-outs.

TRAILS

• Las Aráceas Natural Trail

  Type of trail: Circular. Duration: 1 hour. Distance: 1200 m. Main Attraction: Variety of plants, trees, primary forest, bird watching.

• Quebrada Bonita Natural Trail

  Type of trail: Circular. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. Distance: 1500 meters. Main Attraction: Variety of trees, bird watching; has small look-outs and resting area.

• Meandric Lagoon Natural Trail

  Type of trail: Linear. Duration: Two to four hours. Distance: 4350 meters. Main Attraction: Bird watching.

• Meeting of Ecosystems Trail

  Type of trail: linear and circular. Main Attraction: Bird watching, flora; facilities for persons with some disability, with interpretation about the forest and its surroundings.

REGULATIONS

• In spite of its biological diversity, many animals living in Costa Rica are hard to observe because of their migratory or reproductive habits, because they are nocturnal or because the forest is too dense to see them clearly. Move quietly and sharpen your observation skills in order to have better appreciation of the richness of this area).
• All protected wildlife areas have rules that regulate the protection of resources and the activities of visitors. This reserve operates under these rules for public use and all visitors must respect them.
• If you need help or have questions, please ask the rangers or volunteers, they will be ready and willing to help you.
• All living things, plants and animals, alike, share this planet with you. Please respect them.
• Enjoy the forest’s peace and natural sounds. Do not play radios or make loud noises that might disturb the tranquility within it.
• Please keep yourself on the trails. The signs are for the benefit of all. Do not deface or destroy them.
• This area is a natural preserve. We invite you to observe, enjoy and take as many pictures as you like. Please do not remove plants, animals, stones or other materials as souvenirs.
• Please collect you garbage and take it with you.
• Do not feed the wildlife. They can suffer serious health problems if they eat people’s food.