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Tárcoles Carara National Park by Central Pacific Way

A natural space of great interest and biological wealth

The small town of Tarcoles is one of the main doors to the natural world of the Central Pacific since it is located in an environment of true biological wealth between the Grande de Tarcoles River, the Guacalillo Mangrove and Carara National Park. It is located 12 kilometers north of Jaco.

THE TARCOLES RIVER

It stands out for its crocodile population, with 30 individuals per square kilometer, something really out of the ordinary. There are tours that offer boat rides to see these reptiles out close that reach longitudes up to several meters.

GUACALILLO MANGROVE

This rich ecosystem is located where the Tarcoles River flows into the Pacific. The Guacalillo mangrove is an indispensable habitat for the raise and reproduction of numerous species, specially 200 species of birds. Here the Red Macaw comes to spend the night.

CARARA NATIONAL PARK

This 4700 hectare park is located in a transition zone between the Pacific’s humid and dry forests, therefore its natural resources are unique. Besides, due to its rich diversity and its location, relatively close to San Jose, it has become one of the most visited National Parks in the country.

The park is largely formed by a series of hills covered by forest, 60% primary. Next to the Park’s Administration Office there are three well marked and easy accessible trails, one of which is even designed to facilitate access to people with disabilities. There is another trail 2 kilometers north of the main entrance that goes by the bank of the Tarcoles River, here, besides walking through the forest, lagoons and swamps, is where you will see animals more easily.

From the hundreds of animal species that have Carara National Park as their habitat, the gravely endangered population of 200 couples of red macaws that fly and lay among the vegetation certainly stands out. The best hours to contemplate and see the Park’s fauna is at the first hour of the morning and the last of the afternoon.

The park opens at 7:00 and closes at 17:00 and the entrance costs US $6 dollars.