CARARA NATIONAL PARK TOUR / WHERE MACAWS RULE

Carara Biological Reserve located among Jaco Beach and Orotina. This transitional zone encompasses several ecosystems and harbors an incredible variety of wildlife including one of the largest populations of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica .

These brilliantly colored birds are in great danger of extinction due primary to nest poaching (the young are highly prized on the international market) and habitat loss, trogons and toucans are possible to see, Capuchin monkey, howler monkey, white tailed deer, peccaries, agoutis and coatimundis are some of the species to mention in this adventure.

Two entrances along the highway provides access to two hiking areas. The river trail also known (Laguna Meandrica Trail) passes along marshlands and a lagoon formed from the flooding of the Tarcoles River .

This is an exceptional area for spotting water birds and probably the majority of wild life in this Nat. Park . The second, shorter trail a good introduction to transitional evergreen forests. Along with more than750 plant species identified here.

About the tour

starting 5:30am at your hotel, we will drive northbound along the road back to San Jose for about an hour and twenty minutes, so by the time we get there (after having a light breakfast on board) you'll be eager to start with this exciting hike.

Along very easy going trails, we will explore for about 3 ½ hours the amazing Transitional Forest that surrounds the area, spotting and learning about the different creatures that duel within. A vast array of bird species (including the Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macao ) and some other birds known to be endemic to the area), reptiles (like salt water crocodiles), some mammals and plenty of lush vegetation are some of the things you can get to see.

Tour includes : transportation, entrance fees, light breakfast and lunch, naturalist tour guide with spotting equipment.
Length of the tour : full day.
What to bring : camera, binoculars, bug spray, light clothes, hiking shoes, light poncho from May thru December.
Price of the tour : Regular $85 per person
Private : please inquire (depends on size of the group).
Minimun allowance : 4pax.

 

Photos by Aguila Mayor - Alberto Fallas & Gerardo Artavia