the spectacle of nature
The natural world really puts on a show when we leave the environment untouched. More than 900 species of birds visit or live in Costa Rica. Sea turtles choose our sands to lay their eggs in every year. Frogs and toads sing in the forests and wetlands. Monkeys swing through the trees. Honestly, there are so many species in our marine reserves and protected lands we couldn’t begin to name them all. But you can explore for yourself to see how many you can spot.
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Inside Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
If you’re looking for a destination that’s full of nature and trails and close to the beach, you can’t pass up the chance to explore Cabo Blanco. Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve is located in the north of Puntarenas province on the Nicoya Peninsula, just to the south of Montezuma. It protects 1,269 h...
A magical, natural forest: San Gerardo de Dota
We had been planning on going to check out Dota, located towards our country’s southern region. Finally, things were coming together! The summery climate was an invitation to pack our bags and begin the journey to the village of San Gerardo, a place bursting with natural beauty.
We left downto...
FAQs and tips
The main difference is the amount of rain. It doesn’t rain as much in the cloud forest as it does in the rainforest. The species of flora and fauna may also differ.
Be sure to bring insect repellent, a raincoat with a hood and a comfortable pair of hiking boots.
You can see sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast or Las Baulas National Marine Park on the Pacific coast.
Cahuita National Park, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, Poás Volcano National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Caño Negro Mixed National Wildlife Refuge offer wheelchair access.
things to do
Find your perfect activity in Costa Rica.
finding your wild side
You might plan your trip to try to see migrating whales or manta rays. You may want to see the turtles hatch and take to the sea. Maybe you’re dying to spot a giant owl butterfly or add some new species to your birding journal. Here are some helpful articles about where to go and what time to visit to see these incredible sights.
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Admission Fees and Hours at Costa Rica’s National Parks
Plan your next getaway!
We want to make it as easy as possible to check new destinations off your list and see what our country has to offer. This list provides a full review of national parks, monuments, reserves and refuges that will help you plan your next trip in a snap.
All that’...
Heading up Barva Volcano
It was one of those spectacular mornings: rays of sun on our faces and a blue sky.
Since we knew that our legs would be put to the test, we first headed for a delicious gallo pinto in a traditional restaurant, or soda, in Barva de Heredia.
After refueling ourselves, ...
Have you always wanted to fly? We’ll show you how to do it
Maybe when you were little you longed to be able to fly, to open your arms and feel the air on your face - this could cease to be a dream and become a reality. Paragliding makes you feel like a soaring bird and it could be the next adventure you’re looking for.
Nemaclys opened their doors to u...
Quetzal Education and Research Center
The Quetzal Education and Research Center is located in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, and acts as a second campus for the Southern Nazarene University. The Center helps students learn about field biology and research, while also promoting biodiversity, sustainability and social responsibility....
Welcome to the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve
Without a doubt, our country’s southern region is full of natural riches and spots that are worth exploring, one of which is the Golfo Dulce Reserve. It was created to protect the forested lowlands that surround the gulf. It also borders national parks such as Corcovado National Park, known for i...
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