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Scarlet macaws, monkey encounters, and one muddy misstep — here’s what to expect at Carara National Park (and where to see crocs nearby).

Carara National Park (also known as Parque Nacional Carara) is one of Costa Rica’s most important wildlife areas — and one of the best places to see wild Scarlet Macaws. But if you’re picturing flocks of red and gold parrots circling overhead… sometimes that happens. Sometimes it doesn’t.

We’ve visited twice and had very different experiences each time. On one visit, we hiked the main trails while monkeys swung from the trees above us and iguanas posed near our lunch spot. A pair of macaws flew overhead, but I wasn’t quite fast enough to get a picture.

Our second trip, we hired a birding guide and explored more remote sections of the park, getting muddy and saw just a single macaw — high in the treetops.

Still, both visits were 100% worth it.

Carara National Park in Costa Rica is peaceful park with great hiking trails, filled with monkeys and birdsong. It makes a perfect stop between San José and the Pacific Coast. And just up the road? The famous Crocodile Bridge, where massive crocs lounge in the water — no ticket required.

Here’s how to plan both stops, skip the confusion, and know exactly what to expect.

A gray wooden sign annouces Parque Nacional Carara and features a bright red and orange Scarlet Macaw bird taking flight off the side of the sign.

Quick Facts About Visiting Carara National Park

Location: Along Route 34, about halfway between San José and Manuel Antonio
Best For: Birdwatchers, wildlife lovers, nature photographers
Hours: Open daily from 7 AM – 4 PM
Tickets: Must be purchased online in advance (no in-person option) – See the FAQs below for more details
Accessibility: Flat, shaded trails in the main sector, including a Universal Trail that is wheelchair accessible. Remote areas can be muddy or uneven
Restrooms: Yes, at the ranger station
Parking: Main entrance has free parking; remote sites may have informal “attendants”
Time Needed: 2–4 hours depending on trails and wildlife activity
Guides: Available for hire at the entrance. Be specific when inquiring as to whether you want a general guide or a birding expert

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What Makes Carara National Park Unique

Carara National Park sits at the intersection of two ecosystems — tropical dry forest and more humid rainforest — which makes it one of the most biodiverse places in Costa Rica. That mix of environments means you’re likely to spot a wide variety of wildlife in a relatively short amount of time.

It’s also known for having one of the densest populations of the nesting Scarlet Macaws. While you’re not guaranteed a sighting, this is still one of the best places in the country to try and find them. These birds often fly in pairs or small flocks, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot them mid-flight or perched high in the canopy.

A long narrow colorful bird up high in the tree branches is the Scarlet Macaw at Carara National Park in Costa Rica.

Getting to Carara

Carara National Park is located on the east side of Route 34, about 15 miles north of Jaco, 55 miles north of Quepos / Manuel Antonio and about 46 miles southwest of San Jose. You’ll recognize the main entrance by this sign along the road.

Roadside welcome sign for Carara with “Bienvenidos” and large text reading "CARARA" near the highway.

Turn in here and you’ll see the Ranger Station on the other side of a large parking lot. This is where you show your paid entry ticket, ask questions and pick up maps. We don’t recommend leaving anything valuable in your car.

Parking lot and ranger station at Carara National Park, with several vehicles and people visible near the ticket counter.

The bathrooms are located behind the ranger station. Watch to make sure you don’t step on any Iguanas as you make your way to the restrooms. They are everywhere and they blend into the pavement!

A simple park restroom facility with a green roof and signs reading “Servicios Sanitarios.” Cleaning supplies are visible outside, and the building is surrounded by dense forest. — Bathrooms

A black spiny-tailed iguana lounges on a cracked concrete surface, its thick body and ridged tail blending with the rocky textures and scattered greenery. — Black-spiny-tailed Iguana

The Trails of Carara National Park

In the main part of the park, there is a nice trail system that is easy to follow from the ranger station, with or without a guide. Most of the trails are under the tree canopy which can help keep you cooler.

Painted trail map sign at Carara National Park showing various hiking loops.

The Universal Trail (Sendero Universal)

Carara offers a really nice paved Universal trail that is wheelchair accessible. The Loop trail is 1.2 km long and offers observation for a variety of vegetation and birds. Signs along the trail offer Braille for blind people to read.

Informational sign for Carara’s Universal Trail with accessibility notes and a trail map in English and Spanish.

Flat, well-maintained path through dense rainforest vegetation on the Universal Trail at Carara National Park.

The Quebrada Bonita and the Las Aráceas Trails

These two loop trails branch off from the Universal trail and head deeper into the park. The Las Araceas Sendero (trail) is 1200 meters long or 3/4 of a mile. The Quebrada Bonita Sendero is 1300 meters or 8/10 of a mile long. They are a little more uneven (not paved) and you will frequently see and hear the howler monkeys in the trees above you.

If you go quietly through the trails, you are likely to hear and see birds in the trees. We saw kingfishers near where the trail crosses the creek. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the Scarlet Macaws in the trees too!

Two rusty-brown monkeys climb in the trees at Carara National Park.

The Amazon Kingfisher sits perched on a branch overlooking the river, watching for fish to catch. — Amazon Kingfisher

Laguna Meandrica Trail

This trail is about 2 km north from the main park entrance. It starts off of Route 34, just before you get to the Crocodile Bridge. This is where we went with our birding guide. There is no parking lot, we just parked along the road (and paid the guy 2000 colones to watch our car). You will need to show proof of paying the park fees to enter here.

This 2.6 mile out and back trail is full of roots and branches, and can be slippery if it has recently rained. I took a big slip and fall here, got myself all covered in mud. (But I saved my camera!). It is often closed around September – October due to flooding from the rains.

A local guide and a smiling visitor pose on a shaded jungle trail, surrounded by lush green tropical foliage. Both are equipped with cameras and binoculars for birdwatching. — Birding Guide Franklin and Kari

We found a beautiful Gartered Trogon and a White-whiskered Puffbird along the trail, but no Scarlet Macaws.

The Gartered Trogon sits on a branch, showing us his beautiful green and black backside, with his bright yellow belly just visible. — Gartered Trogon

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Tips for Hiring a Guide (or Going Solo)

If you’re hoping to see more than just trees, hiring a guide can make a huge difference — especially if you’re focused on birdwatching.

If planning ahead, this highly-rated tour offers fantastic guides to take you into the park and explain the diverse ecosystems, animals and vegetation.

Otherwise, at the main Park entrance, you’ll often find general wildlife guides waiting to be hired on the spot. These guides typically stick to the main official park trails and can help point out monkeys, sloths, birds, and insects you’d probably miss on your own.

If you’re looking for something more bird-specific, be intentional. When we told one of the general guides that we wanted a birding-focused guide, he called over Franklin.

Frankin took us to several lesser-known areas inside and outside the park, including spots near Tarcoles and north of the Crocodile Bridge. Some of these places were muddy, remote, and not clearly marked — but offered us a chance to see more elusive species. I added several new birds to my Life List!

Just know that even with a birding guide, sightings aren’t guaranteed. Franklin took us to several spots “guaranteed” to have macaws and came up nearly empty — so go with realistic expectations.

A few other tips:

Ask where your guide plans to take you before committing.
Wear proper footwear — especially if you’ll be heading off-trail.
Be prepared to pay informal parking attendants in remote areas.
If you don’t hire a guide, watch for people in the park with their necks craned looking up – they will usually tell you what they’ve spotted.

For more detailed information on birding in Costa Rica, check out my complete guide.

Stop Here Next: The Crocodile Bridge

Just north of Carara along Route 34 is one of the easiest — and wildest — stops you can make: the Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River.

This stop is totally free, no reservations required. Just pull over, walk across the pedestrian path, and look down. On a good day, you might spot a dozen or more massive American crocodiles sunning themselves or gliding just beneath the surface.

Here’s what to know:

Best viewing: Dry season (lower water levels) and midday sun
Parking: Safest to park on the north side of the bridge; vendors nearby sell snacks and drinks
Caution: LOCK your car and take all valuables with you — this is a known area for petty theft
Getting to the bridge: Follow the streams of people on either side of the bridge
Time needed: 15–30 minutes max

Even if the crocs are sparse, it’s still a fun and photogenic stop — especially if you’re heading toward Manuel Antonio or Jacó. It’s also a frequently congested area so expect to pass slowly.

Busy scene near the Crocodile Bridge with heavy traffic and vendors set up along the roadside.

Roadside restaurant near the Crocodile Bridge, with cars parked out front and colorful market stalls nearby.

Other Things to Do Nearby

If you’ve got a little extra time, here are a few other worthwhile stops in the area:

Tarcoles Village
A small fishing town just north of Carara. Known for its river mouth birdwatching and casual sodas (local restaurants). A good place to grab lunch or spot more wildlife from shore. Learn more about eating at Costa Rican Sodas here.
Tarcoles River Boat Tours
If you didn’t get your fill of crocs at the bridge, this River Boat Tour is a good add-on. Local operators offer small-group tours focused on crocodiles and river birdlife. Some leave from docks just minutes from the bridge.

Check Availability & Pricing for Crocodile Boat Tour

Playa Hermosa or Playa Jaco
If you’re heading toward the coast, both beaches are close by. Playa Hermosa is more low-key; Jaco is busier with surf shops and beach bars.

A rugged coastline with rocky cliffs overlooks a sandy beach littered with driftwood. — Playa Hermosa

This stretch of Costa Rica has more to offer than most people realize — and it’s easy to customize based on how much time you have.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carara National Park

Q: How do I purchase tickets to Carara National Park?
Tickets must be purchased online at the SINAC site. We HIGHLY recommend you do this in advance as the Wi-Fi at the Ranger Station isn’t very strong and the website is full of quirks. Avoid frustration and read my complete guide to buying tickets to Costa Rica’s National Parks here.

Q: Can I visit Carara National Park without a guide?
Yes. The main trail loops are easy to follow and clearly marked. A guide can enhance the experience by showing you more animals, but it is not required. Here is one highly-rated guided tour for Carara National Park.

Q: What animals will I likely see at Carara?
Monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and macaws are all possibilities — but sightings vary by season and time of day.

Q: Is it worth hiring a bird-specific guide?
If birdwatching is your main goal, yes. Ask for a bird-focused guide at the park entrance — that’s how we found Franklin Sanchez. Or contact him via Whatsapp at +506-6157-0495 – tell him Kari & Bill recommended him.

Q: How far is Carara from Manuel Antonio or San José?
Roughly 1.5–2 hours in either direction. It’s a great halfway stop if you’re road tripping between the coast and the capital.

Q: Is the Crocodile Bridge safe?
Yes, as long as you park wisely and lock your car. The bridge has a dedicated pedestrian path for safe viewing.

Conclusion: Is Carara National Park Worth Visiting?

If you’re hoping for guaranteed macaw sightings and a blockbuster wildlife show, Carara National Park Costa Rica may or may not not be the place. Some people have seen tons of animals here, but we didn’t see as many.

But if you’re looking for a peaceful, less crowded alternative to busier parks — especially one with strong birding potential and great hiking trails — Carara delivers.

And with the Crocodile Bridge just minutes up the road, you get two classic Costa Rica experiences in one afternoon.

More Info on Costa Rica

Here are some more posts about Costa Rica, including some that I’m still working on. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.

Monteverde / Santa Elena Rainforest Area

Manuel Antonio / Quepos Area

La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano Area