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Costa Rica is home to 28 national parks, making it a global leader in conservation and biodiversity. These parks, which encompass nearly 25% of the country’s land area, protect a wide range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to coastal mangroves and volcanic landscapes. Known for its exceptional ecological diversity, Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species, representing approximately 5% of the world’s total biodiversity. Its national parks not only preserve these natural wonders but also play a significant role in ecotourism, drawing millions of visitors annually.
One of the most popular parks is Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast. Despite being one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica, it is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Visitors often encounter white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, and iguanas along its trails, while the surrounding waters offer snorkeling opportunities to see vibrant marine life. Its accessibility and natural beauty make it a favorite among travelers.
Corcovado National Park, situated on the Osa Peninsula, is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This vast park protects primary rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems, providing a haven for jaguars, scarlet macaws, and endangered Baird’s tapirs. Visitors to Corcovado can embark on guided hikes through its dense jungles or explore its remote beaches, experiencing nature at its most pristine. Due to its remote location and strict conservation policies, the park offers an unparalleled wilderness experience.
Tortuguero National Park, located on the Caribbean coast, is famous for its network of canals and lagoons, as well as its role as a critical nesting site for green sea turtles. During the nesting season, visitors can witness turtles laying eggs on the beaches, a profound and unforgettable experience. The park also supports rich birdlife, including toucans and herons, and is best explored by boat or kayak, offering a tranquil view of its water-dominated landscapes.
Arenal Volcano National Park, in the northern region, is centered around the imposing Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks. Although the volcano has been dormant since 2010, the park remains a hotspot for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring geothermal hot springs. The surrounding rainforest is alive with species like howler monkeys, coatis, and colorful tropical birds.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, while technically not a national park, is often associated with Costa Rica’s conservation efforts. This ethereal cloud forest is known for its mist-shrouded canopies and unique wildlife, such as the resplendent quetzal and rare amphibians.
Despite its conservation successes, Costa Rica faces challenges, including habitat fragmentation and the impacts of climate change. However, strong government policies and community-driven initiatives have helped restore forests and protect endangered species. Costa Rica’s pioneering ecotourism model continues to support its economy while preserving its natural heritage.
Costa Rica has 29 national parks. These national parks cover a significant portion of the country’s territory and are renowned for their diverse ecosystems, stunning natural beauty, and rich biodiversity.
Each national park in Costa Rica offers unique opportunities for exploration, adventure, and wildlife viewing, making the country a premier destination for ecotourism and nature lovers.
The largest national park in Costa Rica is La Amistad International Park (Parque Internacional La Amistad), which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Amistad International Park is located in the southern part of Costa Rica, bordering Panama. It is a transboundary park that extends into both countries, with the Costa Rican portion being the largest.
Covering an area of approximately 401,000 hectares (about 990,000 acres), La Amistad International Park protects a vast expanse of pristine rainforest, cloud forest, and high-elevation habitats. The park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including many endangered species such as jaguars, tapirs, quetzals, and numerous species of orchids and trees.
La Amistad International Park offers visitors opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, wildlife observation, and exploring one of the most biodiverse regions in Central America.
The smallest national park in Costa Rica is the Las Baulas National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas). Established in 1991, Las Baulas National Marine Park covers an area of approximately 445 hectares (about 1,100 acres).
Located on the Pacific coast in the province of Guanacaste, Las Baulas National Marine Park is primarily known for its nesting beaches for the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
These beaches, including Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, and Playa Ventanas, provide important nesting habitat for these majestic creatures, which can weigh up to 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds) and reach lengths of over two meters (six feet).
In addition to protecting nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles, Las Baulas National Marine Park also conserves important mangrove ecosystems, estuaries, and marine habitats, providing refuge for a variety of marine species.
Visitors to the park can participate in guided tours to observe nesting turtles, enjoy recreational activities such as swimming and surfing, and learn about marine conservation efforts.
The first national park in Costa Rica is the Irazú Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú). Established on August 30, 1955, Irazú Volcano National Park protects the area surrounding the Irazú Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and active volcanoes.
Located in the Central Valley region of Costa Rica, Irazú Volcano rises to an elevation of 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) above sea level, making it the highest volcano in the country. The park encompasses an area of approximately 2,309 hectares (about 5,705 acres) and features diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, paramo (high-altitude grasslands), and barren volcanic landscapes.
Visitors to Irazú Volcano National Park can explore hiking trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the volcanic crater, which contains a stunning green crater lake called Diego de la Haya. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the summit of the volcano.
The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and experiencing the unique geological features of the volcano.
The most popular national park in Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast. Covering just 6.8 square miles (17.7 square kilometers), it is one of the smallest national parks in the country, yet it attracts the highest number of visitors due to its stunning combination of tropical beaches, rainforests, and rich biodiversity.
Visitors can experience pristine beaches, hike through lush jungles, and spot wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and exotic bird species, making it a must-see destination for eco-tourists and nature lovers.
Roughly 25% of Costa Rica’s total land area is protected through a network of national parks and reserves, amounting to approximately 19,700 square miles (51,000 square kilometers).
This vast commitment to conservation makes Costa Rica one of the most environmentally protected countries in the world, with parks safeguarding everything from coastal ecosystems to dense tropical rainforests.
In addition to national parks, Costa Rica has numerous wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and marine protected areas. The Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is one of the first protected areas in Costa Rica, preserving the country’s rich coastal and marine biodiversity.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another important area, known for its high-altitude cloud forests and extraordinary range of flora and fauna.
Costa Rica also protects marine areas such as the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, which shelters an essential habitat for marine life, including dolphins and humpback whales.
Costa Rica is brimming with natural attractions outside its national parks. The Arenal Volcano, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, offers hiking trails, hot springs, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Osa Peninsula, considered one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, offers pristine beaches, rainforests, and opportunities for whale watching.
The Tortuguero Canals, located on the Caribbean coast, provide a unique experience to explore mangroves, wetlands, and rivers teeming with wildlife like manatees and caimans.
Additionally, the Rio Celeste, with its vivid turquoise waters, is a natural wonder caused by the unique chemical composition of the river.
Costa Rica is home to a wealth of endemic species, especially due to its diverse ecosystems. The Resplendent Quetzal, although found in other parts of Central America, is a symbol of Costa Rica’s cloud forests and is commonly spotted in Monteverde.
The Golden Toad, now believed to be extinct, was once native to the Monteverde region and became an emblem of the country’s biodiversity.
Other unique species include the Costa Rican Brook Frog, the Silvery-brown Tamarin, and various endemic plant species found in the cloud forests and coastal regions.
Costa Rica’s main international airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA code: SJO), located in Alajuela, near the capital city of San José. It serves as the primary gateway for international travelers arriving in the country.
The following international airline companies fly into Costa Rica:
The national parks in Costa Rica are managed by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), a government entity under the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE).
SINAC is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the country’s protected areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and biological reserves. More information can be found on the SINAC website: https://www.sinac.go.cr.
