Carara National Park

Carara National Park Located along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Carara National Park is a biologically rich destination known for its unique position at the meeting point of two major ecosystems: the dry tropical forests of the north and the humid rainforests of the south. This transitional zone supports an exceptionally high level of biodiversity, making Carara one of the…

Quick Facts on Carara National Park
- Hotspot Type
  National Park
- Habitat
  Rainforest
- Bird Species
  Dusky Antbird, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Buff-rumped Warbler, Black-bellied Wren, Riverside Wren, Northern Bentbill, Barred Antshrike, Black-hooded Antshrike, The Brown-Hooded Parrot, Scarlet Macaw, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Masked Tityra, Orange-collared Manakin, Baird’s Trogon, Black-headed Trogon, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Stripe-throated Hermit, King Vulture, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Golden-naped Woodpecker, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Bay-headed Tanager, Gray-headed Tanager, Great Tinamou, Black-faced Antthrush, Fiery-billed Aracari, Laughing Falcon, Crested Guan, Mangrove Hummingbird, Amazon Kingfisher, Rufous Piha, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Boat-billed Heron, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Slate-headed Tody-flycatcher, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Ochraceous Flycatcher, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Ruddy Quail-dove, Rufous-and-white Wren, Dot-winged Antwren, Long-billed Gnatwren, Rufous-breasted Wren, Plain Xenops, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Northern barred Woodcreeper, Blue-crowned Manakin, Purple-crowned Fairy, Long-tailed Hermit, Streaked Flycatcher, Black-throated Trogon, Violaceous Trogon, Lineated Woodpecker, Cherrie’s Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, Summer Tanager, White-shouldered Tanager, White-collared swift, Blue-black Grosbeak, Variable Seedeater, Rose-throated Becard, White-winged Becard, Golden-crowned Euphonia, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Plain-capped Starthroat, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Bright-rumped Attila, Chestnut-collared Swift, Common Black Hawk, Gray Hawk, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Double-striped Thick-knee, Muscovy Duck, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Painted Bunting, Blue-throated Goldentail, Ovenbird, Olive Sparrow, Orange-billed Sparrow, Gray-necked Wood-rail, Buff-throated Saltator

Carara National Park

Located along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Carara National Park is a biologically rich destination known for its unique position at the meeting point of two major ecosystems: the dry tropical forests of the north and the humid rainforests of the south. This transitional zone supports an exceptionally high level of biodiversity, making Carara one of the most important wildlife corridors in Central America and a key stronghold for species movement between regions.

The park’s mosaic of forest types, rivers, wetlands, and secondary growth creates habitats for an impressive variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers will find Carara especially rewarding, with regular sightings of trogons, antbirds, woodcreepers, hummingbirds, and rufous-tailed jacamars, as well as raptors soaring overhead. Carara is also home to one of the most successful Scarlet Macaw rehabilitation programs in Costa Rica. Thanks to years of conservation work, these iconic birds now nest and thrive in the park, and visitors often spot vibrant pairs flying overhead or foraging in the canopy

Beyond birds, Carara supports a wide array of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. While sightings are never guaranteed, the park is home to margays, ocelots, collared peccaries, anteaters, and even the elusive jaguar. Well-maintained trail systems, including accessible boardwalks, offer visitors excellent opportunities to explore primary and secondary forest and observe wildlife at a comfortable pace.

With its combination of ecological significance, accessible trails, and rich biodiversity, Carara National Park is a standout destination for birders, photographers, and nature lovers traveling through Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region.