When Is the Best Time
Carara National Park famous for breeding red macaws in the canopy. This wild jungle is truly magical, and one of the trails is even wheelchair accessible.
Carara is not as famous as Manuel Antonio, but due to the proximity to Tarcoles, the crocodiles that can be spotted from the bridge in the riverbed, it gets a little busy here during the day. Therefore, to spot the macaws and other birds come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The dry season from December to April is the best time for your vacation at the western side of Costa Rica.
The dry season starts in December and lasts until the end of March. Increasing rainfall in April, most precipitation from May to October; the rainy season. However, showers occur also in the dry season. On average, the temperatures are always in the high 20's°C/around 80° F. The driest time is from January to March. There are much more sunshine hours during this time of the year up to 300 hours—most precipitation in September. Road conditions can be challenging, and it isn't easy to spot wildlife and birds.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
The Carara National Park located close to Jaco and 1.5 hours drive from San Jose. There is plenty of space to park your car, and even restrooms are available.
You can spot many different mammals, birds, frogs, with a little luck a sloth, and even snakes. We were fortunate to spot a Scarlet Macaw at the blue sky and a Boat-billed Heron. There are two different entrances both are worth to visit. Close to the National Park is the Rio Tarcoles and bridge, a fantastic place to watch huge crocodiles just beneath the bridge. This is a popular stop for tour busses and rental cars.
Top Tip
Take a guide to get the most out of your visit. They know where to spot the macaws, and they definitely see more than we do. The price is $20 per person an IMO utterly worth to pay. Entrance fee for the park is $10.
