Guanacaste National Park

Guanacaste Overview

Guanacaste National Park, or Parque Nacional Guanacaste in Spanish, is a protected area in northwestern Costa Rica, covering approximately 133 square miles (345 square kilometers).

Located in the province of Guanacaste near the Nicaraguan border, this park is an essential part of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established to create a biological corridor between Santa Rosa National Park and the highlands of the Guanacaste Volcanic Range, facilitating the migration of wildlife between dry forests, cloud forests, and rainforests. This unique transition of ecosystems makes Guanacaste National Park an important conservation site with incredible biodiversity.

The terrain of the park is defined by rolling hills, volcanic slopes, and dense forests. The most prominent geographical features include the Orosí and Cacao volcanoes, which tower over the landscape. The Orosí Volcano, standing at 5,440 feet (1,658 meters), is covered in lush vegetation, while the Cacao Volcano, reaching 5,440 feet (1,658 meters), is known for its cloud forest and rich biodiversity.

The park’s diverse ecosystems range from tropical dry forest at lower elevations to montane rainforests and cloud forests in the higher altitudes. The dry forests feature towering Guanacaste trees (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), the national tree of Costa Rica, along with kapok and mahogany.

Meanwhile, the higher elevations are covered in dense vegetation, including moss-covered trees, ferns, and orchids, creating a humid and mystical atmosphere. Rivers and waterfalls, such as the seasonal Quebrada Grande and the lush riparian zones along the Tempisque River, provide essential water sources for wildlife.

The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including some of Costa Rica’s most iconic mammals and birds. Visitors may encounter jaguars, pumas, and ocelots roaming the forests, while white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys are commonly seen swinging through the treetops.

Baird’s tapir, the largest land mammal in Central America, can be found foraging in the dense undergrowth. The dry forest is also home to armadillos, white-tailed deer, and agoutis.

Birdwatchers are drawn to the park for its diverse avian life, including the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, and long-tailed manakin. Raptors such as the ornate hawk-eagle and great black hawk soar over the forest canopy, while parrots, toucans, and trogons add bursts of color to the trees.

Visitors can explore the park through a network of hiking trails, offering opportunities to experience its distinct ecosystems up close. One of the most popular trails leads to the summit of Cacao Volcano, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and glimpses of high-altitude wildlife.

The park’s diverse habitats make it a prime destination for nature photography, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Educational programs and guided tours offer insights into the park’s ecology and conservation efforts, helping visitors understand the importance of preserving this delicate ecosystem.

Guanacaste National Park has been a success story in conservation, playing a critical role in restoring degraded lands and protecting endangered species. Reforestation efforts have helped regenerate once-cleared dry forests, and ongoing research programs monitor wildlife populations.

However, the park faces challenges such as illegal hunting and habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion. Collaborative efforts between conservation organizations and local communities have been key in promoting sustainable practices and ensuring the park’s long-term protection.

Park Map

Guanacaste National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Guanacaste National Park, located in northwestern Costa Rica, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park’s dry tropical forest, rivers, and volcanic landscapes provide a unique habitat for numerous species. Below are some of the more popular animal species found in the park.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest wild cat in the Americas and a top predator in Guanacaste National Park. With its powerful build and distinctive spotted coat, this elusive animal is an important part of the park’s ecosystem, helping regulate prey populations such as deer and peccaries.

White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica)
This small, curious mammal is often seen foraging in trees and on the ground. It has a long, ringed tail and a flexible snout that it uses to search for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. Coatis are social creatures, often traveling in groups.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
One of the largest land mammals in Central America, the Baird’s tapir is an herbivorous species that plays a crucial role in seed dispersal. With its prehensile snout and stocky build, it moves through the forest undergrowth mostly at night, avoiding predators like jaguars.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These wild pig-like animals are commonly found in Guanacaste National Park. Living in small herds, they feed on roots, fruits, and small animals. Though they may look similar to domestic pigs, peccaries have distinctive musk glands that give them a strong scent.

Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Known for their deep, resonating calls that can be heard over great distances, mantled howler monkeys are one of the most iconic primates in Costa Rica. They primarily eat leaves and fruit, spending most of their time high in the canopy.

Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Agile and acrobatic, this species of spider monkey is recognized by its long limbs and prehensile tail. It is one of the most intelligent primates in Central America and plays an important role in maintaining forest biodiversity by spreading seeds.

Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
A type of anteater, the northern tamandua has a long, sticky tongue that it uses to extract ants and termites from nests. It is well adapted to both trees and the ground, often seen climbing in search of food.

Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
This rodent resembles a large guinea pig and is known for its role in seed dispersal. Agoutis are shy but essential to the ecosystem as they help regenerate forests by burying seeds that later grow into trees.

American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
Often seen sunbathing along riverbanks, the American crocodile thrives in the freshwater rivers and estuaries of Guanacaste National Park. Although large and powerful, they are generally shy and avoid human contact.

Boa Constrictor (Boa imperator)
One of the largest snakes in Central America, the boa constrictor is a non-venomous snake that subdues its prey by constriction. It can be found in trees, on the ground, or even in burrows, preying on mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Birds

Guanacaste National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with its varied ecosystems supporting a wide range of species. Many of these birds are known for their vibrant plumage, distinctive calls, and important roles in the environment.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
One of the most recognizable birds in Costa Rica, the scarlet macaw is known for its bright red, blue, and yellow feathers. These intelligent parrots are often seen in pairs or small flocks, feeding on fruits and nuts high in the canopy.

Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
Easily identified by its striking colors and unique tail, this bird is commonly found in open woodlands and forest edges. It is often seen perched motionless before swooping down to catch insects or small lizards.

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
This iconic bird has a large, multicolored beak that helps it reach fruit on thin branches. Keel-billed toucans are social and can be found in small groups, often heard before they are seen due to their loud, croaking calls.

Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis)
This small but charismatic bird is known for its elaborate courtship displays, where males perform synchronized dances to attract females. It has a black body, red crown, and striking blue back.

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
A small but fierce predator, this owl hunts insects, rodents, and small birds. Unlike many owls, it is active during both day and night, making it easier to spot in open woodlands.

Black-headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus)
A medium-sized bird with striking yellow underparts and a black head, the black-headed trogon is often found perched in the forest understory. It feeds primarily on insects and fruit.

Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
Named for its loud, laughing call, this bird of prey specializes in hunting snakes. It has a distinctive black mask and a white body, making it easy to identify against the forest backdrop.

Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula)
This chicken-like bird is commonly seen in family groups foraging for fruit and seeds. Its loud, raucous calls are often heard at dawn and dusk.

White-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta formosa)
An incredibly social and intelligent bird, the white-throated magpie-jay is known for its long tail, striking blue and white plumage, and distinctive crest. These birds often approach humans in search of food.

Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
This large, ground-dwelling bird has a glossy black body (males) or a rufous coloration (females). It is shy and prefers dense forests, where it forages for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Guanacaste National Park’s incredible diversity of wildlife and bird species makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.