5 Must Visit National Parks

Rincón de la Vieja

Located right outside of the city of Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja is easily accessible for a day or few of nature exploration. The park encompasses three volcanoes, Rincon de la Vieja, Santa Maria and the dormant Cerro Von Seebach. Hiking to the different waterfalls, mud pots, or hot springs you’ll spot a number of the over 300 species of birds. The area is also home to cougars, monkeys, kinkajous, jaguars, and many others.

Isla del Coco

Isla del Coco, with a coastline of 14 miles, is the largest uninhabited island in the world. You may even recognize it from the opening scene of Jurassic Park. Nearly 360 miles off the coast this secluded National Park is a sight to be seen. Due to its remote location only hundreds of people have visited the island. With 200 waterfalls and around 60 species that are unique to the island, this hidden paradise is a must see for nature enthusiasts.

Tortuguero

Located in the Limon Province of the country, Tortuguero. Despite its remote location, it is the third-most visited park in Costa Rica, reached only by airplane or boat. The tropical climate park has a large variety of biological diversity with eleven different habitats, including rainforest, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. The main attraction of the park is the turtles! Green sea turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbill all lay their eggs here. Whether its watching the eggs be laid or seeing the baby turtles emerged an scuttle down to the water you will surely be mesmerized.

Corcovado

Corcovado National Park is Central America’s largest lowland Pacific rainforest containing
13 major ecosystems. These include the lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps, as well as coastal marine and beach habitats. It’s the most important sanctuary of biological diversity and endangered wildlife in the country, and one of the most important in the world. Five hundred species of trees, more than 6,000 kinds of insects, almost 400 species of birds, plus frogs, butterflies, and many of the world’s most endangered and spectacular mammals, including tapirs and jaguars, live in this place.

Arenal

Arenal Volcano National Park is home to incredible hiking, magnificent views, abounding wildlife and one of the world’s most active volcano. Hiking and horseback riding tours allow you to get up close and personal with this incredible area that extends into eight different life zones.
Of the 850 total species of birds identified in Costa Rica nearly all can be found inhabiting the area. Also keep your eyes peeled for the white-faced monkeys, jaguars, deer, coatis, toucans and snakes. In Arenal you experience hot springs, rappelling, waterfalls, volcano hiking, a modern tico town with delicious food and much, much more.