Costa Rica is a true paradise for anyone who loves nature, adventure and sustainability. With over 25 % of protected land, this small Central American country is one of the most environmentally friendly destinations in the world. Backpackers will find a wealth of breathtaking national parks here - full of rainforests, volcanoes, wild animals and hidden beaches. In this article, we take you on a trip to six of the most impressive national parks - with real insider tips, exciting details and practical information for your planning.
In the northwest of Costa Rica lies a real insider tip for anyone who loves hiking, thermal baths and volcanoes: the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The volcano of the same name dominates the landscape, surrounded by bubbling mud holes, steaming fumaroles, waterfalls and dense cloud forests.
Why you should come here:
This park is ideal for active travelers who want to spend a varied day in nature. There are several well-marked hiking trails - from short walks to all-day trekking routes. With a bit of luck, you might spot howler monkeys, toucans or even a coati.
Accommodation and starting point:
The ideal starting point for your visit is the city of Liberia. It is only around 30 kilometers away and is easily accessible by public bus. Although Liberia has an urban feel, it offers charming cafés, local markets and a relaxed atmosphere. Many accommodations in the area also organize transfers to the park entrance.
Best time to travel:
The dry season from December to April is particularly suitable for hiking, as the paths are easy to walk on and visibility is clear. If you want to experience the park in its green, tropical splendor, you can also travel between May and August - but then you should expect short, heavy rain showers.
In the north-east of the country, on the Caribbean coast, lies one of Costa Rica's most unique national parks: Tortuguero National Park. Here you don't glide through the park on foot, but by boat through a labyrinth of canals and lagoons, surrounded by dense rainforests.
Why you should come here:
Tortuguero is particularly famous for its sea turtles, which land here between July and October to lay their eggs. With our turtle project, you not only have the chance to make an active contribution to the conservation of their species, but also to be there when the baby turtles hatch! But even outside of the turtle season, the biodiversity is impressive and definitely worth a visit - sloths, caimans, colorful frogs and exotic birds are not uncommon here.
Accommodation and starting point:
The starting point is the village of the same name, Tortuguero, which can only be reached by boat or domestic flight - making the arrival itself part of the adventure. The village itself has a very relaxed, almost island-like atmosphere with small, family-run accommodation, typical sodas (local restaurants) and the special rhythm of the Caribbean coast.
Best time to travel:
The best time to visit is between February and October - the months of July to September are considered the peak season for turtle spotting. Boat trips and wildlife spotting are also possible during the rest of the year, but the weather is wetter and more humid.
The Arenal volcano is a symbol of the country - it rises majestically above the national park of the same name, surrounded by lush rainforest, thermal springs and spectacular viewpoints.
Why you should come here:
The park offers numerous hiking trails through cooled lava fields, dense forests and over suspension bridges. The "Mirador Coladas" viewpoint, from where you can overlook the volcano and nearby Lake Arenal, is particularly popular. There are also natural hot springs in the area - perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking.
Accommodation and starting point:
The city of La Fortuna is an ideal place to stay overnight. It has developed into the backpacker center of the region without losing its charm. Here you will find simple guesthouses, affordable restaurants and agencies that organize excursions in the region.
Best time to travel:
For a clear view of the volcano and dry hiking trails, we recommend the period between February and April. In the green season from May to November, the volcano is often shrouded in cloud, but the vegetation is particularly lush and visitor numbers are lower.
Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast is one of the most famous in the country - and for good reason. Where else can you watch monkeys and sloths in the morning and relax on white sandy beaches in the afternoon?
Why you should come here:
The short hiking trails lead through dense rainforest and offer numerous opportunities to observe animals - including colorful crabs, capuchin monkeys and iguanas. The beaches in the park are among the most beautiful in all of Central America.
Accommodation and starting point:
Right next to the park is the village of Quepos, a lively coastal town with a friendly, open atmosphere. It is easily accessible by bus and offers a mix of affordable guesthouses, small hotels and accommodation with sea views. Many of the accommodation options are located along the winding road that leads up from Quepos towards the park entrance. From there, it is only a short walk to the park - making it an ideal starting point for day visits. In Quepos itself, you will also find numerous small supermarkets, cafés and tour operators who organize guided hikes or boat tours in the area.
Best time to travel:
The months of December to April are considered the ideal time to visit Manuel Antonio, as it is mostly dry during this time and the paths in the park are easy to walk on. Visibility is also particularly good in the dry season, which increases the chances of spotting wildlife. During the rainy season from May to November, it usually rains in the afternoon, which means that morning visits are still possible - but it is quieter in the park and nature is a lush green.
The north of Costa Rica is home to one of the country's most beautiful natural phenomena: the Río Celeste in Tenorio National Park. The river glows in intense shades of turquoise, created by a chemical reaction between two clear spring rivers - a breathtaking sight that looks like something from another world.
Why you should come here:
In addition to the spectacular river, the national park also offers rainforest trails, hot springs and an impressive waterfall that plunges into a turquoise-blue pool. The hike is well signposted, but slippery in places and requires sturdy footwear - especially in the rainy season. On the "Sendero Misterios del Tenorio", the park's main hiking trail, you will not only discover the famous waterfall, but also bubbling mud holes, steaming crevices and a mysterious place called "Teñideros", where the water suddenly turns sky blue. The area is also home to numerous animal species, including toucans, coatis and - if you're lucky - sloths.
Accommodation and starting point:
The best way to reach the national park is from small villages such as Bijagua, which is located on the slopes of the Tenorio volcano. Bijagua is a quiet place surrounded by green hills with a warm rural atmosphere. Here you will find family-run accommodation and simple restaurants serving local cuisine. From Bijagua, you can reach the park entrance in around 30 minutes by car or organized transfer.
Best time to travel:
The driest months - from January to April - offer ideal conditions to experience the colors of the Río Celeste at their most intense. In the rainy season, between May and November, the water can sometimes be discolored by muddy water, but the rainforest is then particularly lively and lush. A visit is worthwhile at any time of year - as long as you pack weatherproof clothing and hiking boots.
In the far southwest of the Pacific coast, on the remote Osa Peninsula, lies one of the most biodiverse places on earth: Corcovado National Park. This remote region is wild, untouched and just right for adventure-seekers who want to experience the jungle in its most pristine form.
Why you should come here:
Corcovado is not a place for a short stroll - here you go on a real nature tracking adventure. The park is home to rare animals such as tapirs, anteaters, red macaws, spider monkeys and, with a bit of luck, even jaguars. The hikes lead through dense rainforest, along secluded beaches and across rivers. Many routes require an experienced guide - and that is exactly what makes them so attractive: You delve deep into an almost mystical wilderness. In our national park project, this mystical wilderness becomes your main focus and you become part of the team that protects, analyzes and introduces the park to visitors from all over the world.
Accommodation and starting point:
Two places are particularly suitable for a visit: Puerto Jiménez in the east of the peninsula or the small village of Drake Bay in the northwest. Both places exude adventure charm, can be reached by small aircraft or boat and offer simple, nature-loving accommodation. Most guided tours into the park start from there - either as a day trip or a multi-day trekking tour with overnight stays at the ranger stations.
Best time to travel:
The dry season from December to April is the best time for longer hikes, as rivers are lower and the paths are more passable. In the rainy season - especially between September and November - the paths can become impassable and many parts of the park are only accessible to a limited extent. If you want to observe animals, the period between January and March is particularly worthwhile.
Costa Rica is much more than a classic vacation destination - it is an adventure playground for anyone who wants to experience nature up close. The country's national parks are as diverse as the country itself: From mist-shrouded volcanic landscapes to turquoise rivers and wild coastal rainforests. Whether you are traveling as a backpacker on a budget or want to treat yourself to some comfort - with sturdy shoes, a dose of curiosity and respect for the environment, nothing stands in the way of your nature experience.
Pack your rucksack - the green heart of Central America is waiting for you!
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
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