Costa Rica is a country that has managed to preserve its natural wonders, its wildlife, its heavenly beaches and its lush forests from mass tourism.
And even if the country is not huge, with its many national parks and nature reserves, it is difficult to choose which visits to absolutely do in 3 weeks.
So, if you're planning a trip to this beautiful Central American country, here's a complete guide to the must-see parks to visit in three weeks.
From Manuel Antonio National Park to the Osa Peninsula, via the Arenal Volcanoes and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves, I share below an itinerary that allows you to discover the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica.
In addition, this 3-week circuit allows you to observe the fauna and flora, discover historical sites, local culture and enjoy the magnificent beaches of Costa Rica.
Visiting Costa Rica’s Parks – Tips
Just like the Panama, it is very easy to visit the country on your own. But, visiting the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica with a guide makes all the difference and makes the trip even more memorable.
Indeed, Gregory our local guide knew the reserves and parks of Costa Rica like the back of his hand. He knew how to show us the most picturesque sites of the country, the most beautiful beaches and the best kept secret places.
With his in-depth knowledge, he knew when and where the animals were in the parks and guided us to observe them. Without him, I'm not sure we would have been able to see so many animals, birds and such spectacular panoramas.
In addition, he was able to provide us with interesting information on the fauna and flora but also on the historical and cultural places of the country.
Here are the contact details of the Costa Rica Infinita agency through which we used to book the guided tours: Tel: (+506) 86181983, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, E-mail : info@costarica-infinita.com
The importance of parks and reserves for species conservation
Costa Rica's parks and reserves play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. They are home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, some of them even endemic to the region. These protected areas provide a safe haven for threatened species and contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems.
Nature conservation is a major concern for Costa Rica, which has strict measures in place to protect its parks and reserves. Actions such as limiting visitor numbers, regulating human activities and raising public awareness are essential to preserving these precious ecosystems.
The most beautiful parks to visit in Costa Rica
There are many national parks and nature reserves in Costa Rica, which is why it is essential to know which ones are really worth it to organize a visit.
On the advice of the local agency Costa Rica Infinite, here are the most beautiful parks to visit in Costa Rica:
Monteverde Biological Reserve
The Monteverde Biological Reserve is a natural gem located in the mountains of Costa Rica. It is home to a spectacular cloud forest, where the trees are shrouded in mysterious mists. This reserve is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 2 species of plants, 500 species of birds and numerous mammals.
As you walk through the reserve, you can observe colorful birds, poisonous frogs and perhaps even spot the rare resplendent quetzal. The well-maintained trails will take you through stunning scenery, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The Monteverde Reserve also offers exciting activities such as ziplining through the canopy, allowing visitors to explore the different strata of the forest and admire the flora and fauna up close.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife and white sand beaches. Walk among howler monkeys, sloths and iguanas, or dive into the park's crystal clear waters to spot tropical fish. This park also offers beautiful hiking trails through the forest, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the main attractions of the park is Manuel Antonio Beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. With its white sand and turquoise waters, it is the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is another must-see, famous for the sea turtles that come to lay their eggs there. You can witness this incredible spectacle by visiting the park's beaches during the nesting season. Local guides will accompany you to ensure you do not disturb the turtles and will explain the egg-laying process.
Besides turtles, the park is home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, caimans, manatees and a multitude of birds. The park's canals can be explored by boat, providing a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is one of the wildest and most remote areas in Costa Rica. It is considered one of the most beautiful parks to visit in Costa Rica.
Indeed, it is home to incredible biodiversity, with rare species such as the tapir, the jaguar and the large anteater. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the park's numerous trails, which cross varied landscapes, ranging from golden sandy beaches to dense forests.
Corcovado Park also offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. You'll see howler monkeys perching in the trees, colorful toucans flying overhead, and maybe even spot a jaguar slinking through the jungle.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano, which was once one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes. Although the volcano is now dormant, the area still offers stunning natural beauty.
You can stroll along the park's trails and admire spectacular volcanic landscapes, with lava fields and hot springs. The park is also home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, tapirs and exotic birds.
Palo Verde National Park
Located in the Tempisque Valley, Palo Verde National Park is a true paradise for bird lovers. It is home to more than 300 species of birds, including ibises, herons, spoonbills and storks. This park is an important nesting and wintering place for many migratory species.
In addition to birds, the park also offers magnificent landscapes, with mangroves, dry forests and floodplains. You can explore the park by boat, kayak or by hiking through the well-developed trails.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located in the province of Guanacaste, in the northwest of Costa Rica. It is nestled in the Guanacaste mountain range, which offers a spectacular landscape with volcanoes, craters and fascinating rock formations. The park covers an area of more than 34 hectares, offering vast expanses of unspoiled nature to explore.
The highest point of the park is the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, which reaches an altitude of 1 meters. This active volcano is one of the park's main attractions, with its fumaroles, geysers and bubbling mud pools. The area is also known for its natural hot springs, where visitors can bathe in the warm, soothing waters while enjoying the therapeutic benefits.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Volcan Tenorio National Park is located in the province of Guanacaste, in the northwest region of Costa Rica. Surrounded by green mountains and lush rainforests, Tenorio Volcano is an active stratovolcano.
The region is also known for its many streams and rivers, including the famous Rio Celeste. This river gets its name from the turquoise color of its waters, which is the result of unique geological phenomena. The park is also home to many well-maintained hiking trails that will allow you to experience the natural beauty of the rainforests which are home to many species of monkeys, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds and parrots and even jaguars.
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and offers a unique tropical nature experience. The park is home to lush rainforest and a spectacular coral reef, offering a great diversity of ecosystems.
As you stroll through the park, you can spot capuchin monkeys, sloths and a multitude of colorful birds. You can also explore coral reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving, and see tropical fish, rays and maybe even sea turtles.
Poas Volcano National Park
Volcan Poas National Park is located in the province of Alajuela, just 30 kilometers from San José. The region where the park is located is known for its cool and humid climate, which creates perfect conditions for the growth of abundant flora.
This includes a wide variety of species from colorful orchids to giant ferns. The well-maintained trails allow you to stroll through the different areas of the park and admire the natural beauty around you.
As for wildlife, the park is home to a wide variety of animal species: Exotic birds such as the quetzal, the keeled toucan and the hummingbird. Howler monkeys, sloths and tapirs are also present in the area.
Itinerary of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica in 3 weeks
All of these parks are located all around Costa Rica and inland. To visit them in 3 weeks, you must therefore plan an optimized itinerary.
Here is the 3-week itinerary which takes in the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica but also the country's must-see sites and its most beautiful beaches:
- 1 Day: Arrival at the airport San Jose. Head to our hotel in the central valley.
- 2 Day: Journey to Tortuguero (4h). Visit the village located between the Caribbean Sea and the river. Night in Tortuguero.
- 3 Day: Tour in the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Observation of fauna and flora. Night in Tortuguero.
- 4 Day: Journey to La Fortuna (3h). Visit to the thermal baths and relaxation. Night in La Fortuna.
- 5 Day: Day in Arenal. Hike around the Arenal volcano and visit the Fortuna waterfall. Night in La Fortuna.
- 6 Day: Road to Monteverde (3h30). Discovery of the cloud forest and suspension bridges. Night in Monteverde.
- 7 Day: Day in Monteverde. Visit to the Selvatura reserve and ecological sanctuary. Night in Monteverde.
- 8 Day: Journey to Rio Celeste (1h30). Hike in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and discover the turquoise waters. Journey to our hotel at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano (2h20 drive).
- 9 Day: Day in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Hike through the forest and relax in the hotel's thermal baths. Night at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
- 10 Day: Road to Manuel Antonio (4h). Cruise on the Tarcoles River to observe crocodiles. Night in Manuel Antonio.
- 11 Day: Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Day 12 : Relaxing day on the beaches and observing wildlife. Night in Manuel Antonio.
- 13 Day: Road to the Osa peninsula. Visit Corcovado National Park and discover the stone spheres of the Diquis culture. Night in Drake Bay.
- Day 14 : Relaxing day to discover the village of Agujitas, Colorada beach or the village of Bahía Drake. Night in Drake Bay.
- 15 Day: Early morning departure for Corcovado National Park. Wildlife and flora observation hike. Night in Drake Bay.
- 16 Day: Road to the Quetzals region (4 hours). Quetzal observation and hiking in the oak forest. Night in the Cerro de la Muerte region.
- 17 Day: Journey to Orosi (3h). Visit to the Orosi valley and its historical sites. Night in Orosi.
- 18 Day: Visit to the Irazu volcano and the Cartago basilica. Transfer to the hotel near the airport. Night near the airport.
- 19 Day: Visit to the Poas Volcano National Park and the La Paz waterfall. Return to San José and overnight near the airport.
- 20 Day: End of the 3 week itinerary at Costa Rica – Relaxing stay of 1 week at Fiesta Resort All Inclusive Central Pacific before the return flight to France
Image by BelaMarie, Jan Bartel, Gloriana Anchetta, falco, R.Sasse, Katrin Schulz, Philip Spanhove from Pixabay