Top 19 most beautiful nature parks in Costa Rica2026 ranking

A small preserved area, Cahuita National Park offers a feeling of freedom along the Caribbean Sea. I enjoyed being able to swim, hike, and photograph the colorful birds, reptiles, and monkeys hanging out in the undergrowth. Wooden paths are set up along the beach and the jungle. Plus, access to the park is very easy from the village of Cahuita.

This famous volcano does not disappoint! If you are lucky enough to see this perfect cone without any clouds, you will have a memory that lasts a lifetime. The slopes of the summit are covered in dried black lava, and sometimes during eruptions, orange lava shoots out and flows down the hillsides! Plus, hikes between the fumaroles and jungle sightseeing are all part of the experience!

Located at the foot of the volcano, this reserve is a testament to the volcanic activity of Rincon de la Vieja. I spent time gazing at the fumaroles and the bubbling mud pots. As a bonus, the wildlife is varied, with coatis and friendly spider monkeys on the agenda!

My favorite part of Costa Rica. This park is worth the effort, you have to get to the southwest of the country, then take a 4x4 or finish on foot along the beach. Accompanied by wild macaws, I was lucky enough to spot a tapir and its baby. You get the feeling that the jungle merges with the ocean, Corcovado is majestic. Actually, it is a fantastic landscape, a kind of miniature Amazon, a place that stays with you forever!

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio National Park is great for families. I found it really easy to get to and get around. The well-maintained trails lead to both beaches and the jungle. The reserve is home to lots of animals, and I saw monkeys, coatis, and reptiles. There are plenty of birds, too. On the downside, the crowds are everywhere, so get away from them by following the more isolated trails!

The Arenal Volcano National Park area is a beautiful destination in Costa Rica. It is possible to do plenty of activities like rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, etc. You can also just lounge in the hot springs in La Fortuna. With its characteristic conical shape, the Arenal volcano is not quite as beautiful as Poas, though. The lucky ones might be able to see red lava flowing down its sides if there is an eruption.

Corcovado National Park is something you have to earn. Getting there is a real challenge. There are several ways to get in. The easiest remains via Sierpe. Excursions leave in the morning, go through the mangroves, and reach a beach in Corcovado Park where you do not see much besides birds. The other option is to go around through Puerto Jimenez. You then have to drive toward Playa Carate, where there are lodges on the edge of the park. From there, very expensive multi-day excursions are possible. Only recommended if you have the time and the money.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-see park in Costa Rica, starting from the town of Quepos. It is a wooded natural area right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. You can go for short hikes, swim, and admire the local wildlife. To my great dismay, I only saw coatis, which are South American raccoons, raiding the trash cans. I got eaten alive by mosquitoes, so definitely bring some repellent. Once again, the price is a disgrace: more than 20 dollars just to go to the beach...

Poás Volcano National Park is the classic excursion to do from the Costa Rica capital, San José. The only catch is that the entrance price is too high, just like in all the parks in Costa Rica. I went there with some friends in a 4x4 from San José. The trip is easy to do, even for those who do not walk much, thanks to a system of platforms. The view of the volcano is unbeatable. With its steaming lagoon, it has a unique charm. On days with good weather, it is magnificent.