Most beautiful National Parks in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

Beaches and Forests

Manuel Antonio is where the rainforest waltzes with the ocean, and yes, it’s as romantic as it sounds. White sandy beaches backed by evergreen forests make this the country’s pin-up for tropical paradise. It might be the size of a crumb compared to other parks, but this David among Goliaths packs a punch with its scenic vistas.

Wildlife Spotting

From mischievous capuchin monkeys to lazy sloths that treat moving as a day job they’re about to quit – the wildlife here doesn’t just show up; they put on a full Broadway show. Grab your binoculars and prepare for some serious animal encounters with minimal stalking required.

Corcovado National Park

Biodiversity Hotspot

Corcovado is the biodiverse brainchild of Mother Nature on a good day. It’s home to 13 major ecosystem types, from lowland rainforests to highland cloud forests. This place is so teeming with life, you’ll start wondering if trees might actually be sentient.

Hiking Trails

Hiking in Corcovado is not for the faint-hearted or the unprepared. Trails here will challenge your body but reward your soul. And remember, the Sirena Station has been known to turn sweaty hikers into ecstatic naturalists, spellbound by the raw beauty of the park.

Tortuguero National Park

Canal Exploration

Conceived as Costa Rica’s answer to Venice, Tortuguero’s labyrinth of waterways is best explored by boat. Glide through this liquid maze and eye the dense greenery for wildlife that’s apparently playing hide and seek with your camera.

Turtle Nesting Grounds

If seeing a baby sea turtle shoot for the ocean isn’t on your bucket list, add it now. Between July and October, the beaches become maternity wards for sea turtles. It’s a natural spectacle worth more than just a Facebook post.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Majestic Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is so picture-perfect, it’s as if it was plucked straight out of a child’s drawing. Often shrouded in mist, Arenal’s symmetrical cone stands as a silent sentinel over the surrounding rainforest.

Hot Springs

What’s better than a hot bath after a day of adventuring? Let’s say, naturally heated thermal waters with a volcano view. The park’s hot springs are nature’s own Jacuzzis, and they’re the perfect muscle relaxant – no prescription needed.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Unique Ecosystem

Monteverde is like the VIP lounge of ecosystems – exclusive, misty, and full of interesting characters. The cloud forest is a science fiction landscape where plants grow on air, and clouds take a forest walk.

Canopy Tours

Elevate your perspective with canopy tours that will have you zip-lining through a sea of green, with eye-level views of the forest that even the birds are jealous of.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Volcanic Activity

This park is the outdoor equivalent of a chemistry set, with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud pots. Rincon de la Vieja keeps things steamy – and not just because of the volcanic heat.

Adventure Activities

Adrenaline junkies, assemble! From horseback riding to waterfall rappelling, this park offers an adventure menu that reads like a dare. Water slide through the forest? Check. Just try to wipe that grin off your face.

Cahuita National Park

Coral Reefs

Snorkelers and divers, get ready to be wooed underwater by Cahuita’s coral reefs. This aquatic tapestry hosts a riot of colorful fish, and you don’t need to be Aquaman to appreciate it.

Coastal Hikes

Take a coastal hike and bask in the glory of the park’s laid-back vibes. The trail is a beachcomber’s dream, flanked by palms and kissed by the Caribbean Sea, minus the crowds.

Chirripo National Park

Tallest Peak

Mount Chirripó asserts itself as Costa Rica’s highest point – a literal breath of fresh air. Scaling this behemoth requires stamina, but the views are like receiving a standing ovation from Mother Nature herself.

Varied Climates

Experience the full meteorological buffet as you ascend Chirripó. From tropical to tundra, the park’s varied climates cater to all tastes. Just remember, dressing in layers is not just fashion advice here; it’s survival.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Dense Rainforest

Home to some of the lushest, most dense rainforests in Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo is like the jungle from every adventure book ever, minus the man-eating plants. It’s a green maze where every path leads to an "aha!" moment.

Aerial Tram Ride

Hop on the aerial tram ride for a bird’s eye view of the forest. It’s like flying, if you could do it horizontally and without the risk of being sucked into a jet engine. Plus, you get to spy on monkey business from above.