//
Park in Costa Rica
Photo: Benjamint444, GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons
Carara National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Carara) is a national park on the mid-Pacific coast of Costa Rica, north of the city of Jacó. Carara is Indian and means river of lizards. The park lies mainly in the river Tárcoles basin. It is very popular by foreign visitors for the large population of macaw and American crocodiles.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
By one of the operators in Tárcoles village.
A seafood restaurant with a terrace overlooking the ocean.
By car
The park is easily accessible by car: - From San José approx 70 km (N310, N27, N34) - From Puntarenas approx 45 km (N17, N23, N34) - From Jacó 20 km (N34)
By bus
Local buses have no official staging. Ask the driver to stop. On departure, just raise your hand if you see an approaching bus. Just make sure you leave before dark. After sunset no bus will stop.
Drinking water and toilets are available at the ranger station. There are no overnight accommodations inside the park. There are two walking tracks. Ask for a plastic map (it can get quite humid) and/or hire a guide.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
San José (Alajuela) · International · SJO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Carara National Park and Costa Rica.
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Costa Rica in 2026. Compare dry season sunshine, green season wildlife, rainforest hiking, hotel rates, and surf swells.
8 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
Nature & adventureDiscover the best nature retreats and farm stays for a relaxing break, featuring Tuscan agriturismi, cloud forest lodges, and fjord cabins.
7 min read
Nature & adventureCosta Rica has some of the world's most spectacular national parks, protecting a range of different ecosystems including rain forests and cloud forests, remote beaches where sea turtles nest, dense jungles, and active…
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.