Nearly a fourth of Costa Rica’s territory are protected areas, including national parks, reserves and privately-owned land.
Carara National Park is located 15 miles north of Jaco, and a hike inside its trails can make for a day´s escapade into the forest. The park is popular among birdwatchers, as you can observe scarlet macaws, motmots, parrots, hummingbirds and more.
The park’s Northern boundary is the Tarcoles’s river’s edge (where you might stop to observe crocodiles off the bridge on the road). Apart from crocodiles, lizard and some snake species may be observed.
The park may be self-guided, or you can request a guide at the park´s entrance. Their trained eyes and ears will be able to find local flora and fauna more easily and provide information throughout.
Manuel Antonio National Park is most likely the most popular protected area in all of Costa Rica, having been featured several times as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its walking trails and beaches allow the observation of flora and fauna or the simple relaxation in the sun. It is located a little over an hour south of Jaco and definitely worth doing a day trip to experience it.
Manuel Antonio National Park is most likely the most popular protected area in all of country, having been featured several times as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its walking trails and beaches allow the observation of flora and fauna or the simple relaxation in the sun. It is located a little over an hour south of Jaco and definitely worth doing a day trip to experience it.