- Book the ticket online before you drive, as of 5 Oct 2026.
- The trail is flat. The macaws are a morning, as of 5 Oct 2026.
Carara National Park
Costa Rica
Macaws and a flat accessible trail, 20 minutes before Jacó. Book the ticket online.
Check before you go
Facts
Tickets: Book online before you drive.
Trail: Flat, and accessible.
Fee: Fees differ for foreigners and for residents. SINAC posts the figure, and it usually includes IVA, as of Oct 2026.
Map
- The macaw trailFlat forest. Go early. Later the birds are higher and the trail is hot.
Scarlet macaws in the forest. Morning is when you actually see them.
A marked trail, flat enough to be accessible. Book the ticket online.
Early. About twenty minutes before Jacó is the drive, not a reason to arrive at noon.
On the highway before Jacó, about twenty minutes north of town.
Yes. Book the ticket online before you drive.
Fees differ for foreigners and for residents. SINAC posts the figure, and it usually includes IVA, as of Oct 2026.
Go at opening. A late arrival is a hot trail and fewer macaws.
No. Stay on the trail.
Book online. Stay on the trail. Do not chase a macaw off the path.
Where to stay
Jacó is the town just south. Playa Hermosa is the beach just south of that.
Jacó
Costa Rica
The busiest beach town on the central Pacific. An easy lesson wave, and a lively town a short drive from San José.
Playa Hermosa de Jacó
Costa Rica
A long beach of bigger waves, a short drive south of Jacó. A strong open beach for anyone who wants the swell.
Thinking about living in Carara?
See homes and land for sale in Carara through Costa Rica MLS, or ask a local agent a question.
Parks near
La Cangreja
A quiet river park south of Puriscal. Twelve kilometers there and back, with swimming holes.
San Lucas Island
The old prison island off Puntarenas. A boat, a guided walk through the cells, and back.
Juan Castro Blanco
The 'water park' above Ciudad Quesada: cloud forest and river sources. Call before you drive.
Poás Volcano
A steaming acid lake above Alajuela. Book a morning slot and look from the rail.
Manuel Antonio
The short Pacific park: monkeys, sloths, and a swim inside the gate. Closed Tuesdays.
Arenal Volcano
The cone is the view, not the climb. Lava-flow trails and lake views west of La Fortuna.