Costa Rica Rainforest Guide: Best Parks, Wildlife & Adventures

5 Best Costa Rica Rainforest Destinations

The rainforests of Costa Rica are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. Biologists recognize at least 13 distinct types of rainforests worldwide. Each has a unique habitat, with its own creatures and microclimates. The following are some of our Expert recommended rainforest destinations:

Corcovado National Park | Southern Pacific

Probably the most remote and pristine rainforest experience in Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park accumulates more than 200 inches of rainfall each year. The park is located on the rugged and remote Osa Peninsula. You have the best chance of spotting the most elusive and endangered wildlife here. Tapirs, tanagers, spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and wild cats are just a few of the rainforest dwellers down here.

• Why go: Called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic.
• Highlights: Jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and four monkey species.
• Best for: Serious wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous travelers seeking remote wilderness.

Where to Stay around Corcovado National Park:

• Playa Cativo Lodge: a boutique eco-lodge nestled in a beachfront rainforest retreat on the Osa Peninsula
• Lapa Rios Ecolodge: A boutique, beachfront rainforest retreat offering upscale immersion in solitude.
• Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge: Located in Drake Bay, this eco-lodge seamlessly blends rainforest comfort with access to marine adventures, making it an ideal destination for Corcovado explorers.

Piedras Blancas National Park | Southern Pacific

On the other side of the Golfo Dulce from the Osa Peninsula sits Piedras Blancas National Park, a wild and untouched paradise set far off the beaten path and less frequently visited than Corcovado National Park. This remote rainforest is a must for adventurous spirits looking to get off the grid and reconnect with nature. The park was once part of Corcovado National Park, but much was destroyed due to private deforestation projects in the ’90s. Since then, what is now Piedras Blancas has been turned over for public use, resulting in two separate parks. The park is home to some of the last remaining jaguars and four other wild cats, such as the puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. Other animals include coatis, toucans, scarlet macaws, anteaters, sloths, spider monkeys, and the white-faced capuchin monkey.

• Why go: A hidden gem across from Corcovado, less crowded but equally wild.
• Highlights: Jaguar sightings, colorful tanagers, ocelots, and pristine primary forest.
• Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers and eco-lodge stays.

Where to Stay around Piedras Blancas National Park:

• Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge – Only accessible by boat, this secluded eco-lodge borders a private reserve that opens directly into Piedras Blancas’ biodiversity.

Manuel Antonio National Park | Central Pacific

One of the most popular and easily accessible rainforest experiences in the country is Manuel Antonio National Park. This celebrated little rainforest is buzzing with people and animals alike. You can pretty much count on seeing monkeys. In fact, they’ll probably come to you! In addition to lush vegetation, Manuel Antonio boasts stunning coastal views.

• Why go: A smaller park combining rainforest trails with white-sand beaches.
• Highlights: Capuchin monkeys, sloths, toucans, and vibrant flora.
• Best for: First-time visitors, families, and those seeking easy access + guaranteed wildlife.

Where to Stay around Manuel Antonio:

• Hotel Makanda by The Sea – An adults-only, upscale hotel with dramatic ocean views.
• Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge – Ideal for nature lovers; features wildlife trails.
• Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort – Luxury resort combining beach access with lush jungle surroundings.

Cahuita National Park | Southern Caribbean

On the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Cahuita National Park protects coral reefs and the beaches and lowland tropical rainforest behind them. There is a trail running behind the beach alongside the seashore that is perfect for hiking, wildlife exploration, and views. The trail is about 5.6 miles in total out to Puerto Vargas at the southern end of the park. If you’re one for snorkeling, we recommend the 2.35-mile trek to Punta Cahuita for incredible snorkeling and white sand beaches. The very best snorkeling can be arranged on a guided tour.

• Why go: Where rainforest meets coral reef.
• Highlights: Howler monkeys, sloths, snakes, and snorkeling among tropical fish.
• Best for: Travelers wanting a blend of hiking and underwater adventure.

Where to Stay around Cahuita National Park:

• Hotel Aguas Claras – offers a uniquely artistic and environmentally thoughtful retreat on Costa Rica’s Caribbean shore

Carara National Park | Central Pacific

Carara National Park is considered the northernmost rainforest on the Pacific Coast. The park is home to a large population of scarlet macaws and many other tropical birds, which draws in birding and wildlife enthusiasts. Another popular attraction of the park is the Crocodile Bridge, where tourists can look over and see wild crocodiles in their native homes. Both the two and three-toed sloths can be found in the park. There are two trails within the park: the 2.7-mile Laguna Meandrica Trail and the 0.6-mile Araceas Nature Trail. The park is one of the most easily accessible rainforest experiences, making it a great rainforest day trip excursion for travelers staying on or near the Central Pacific Coast and the San Jose area.

• Why go: Transition zone between dry and wet forest, rich in birdlife.
• Highlights: Scarlet macaws, crocodiles at Tarcoles Bridge, and both two- and three-toed sloths.
• Best for: Birdwatchers and day-trippers from San José or the Pacific coast.

Where To Stay Near Carara National Park:

• Los Suenos Marriott Resort – upscale, resort near the park with a golf club and spa

Costa Rica Rainforest Animals

Costa Rica sits at the meeting point of North and South America, creating a rare crossroads where species from both continents mingle in ways found nowhere else on Earth. This unique location gives the country the highest density of biodiversity in the world, with over 4% of all global species—many of which are found nowhere else. Its lush rainforests are among the planet’s richest ecosystems, sheltering everything from jewel-bright frogs and colorful birds to playful monkeys and elusive jaguars, offering endless opportunities to encounter extraordinary wildlife.

Here’s an overview of the wildlife you can encounter:

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Mammals

• Sloths (Two-toed & Three-toed) → Slow-moving icons of Costa Rica, often curled up in treetops.
• Monkeys → Four native species:
  • Howler monkeys (the loudest land animal in the Americas!).
  • Capuchins (clever and curious, often near beaches).
  • Spider monkeys (acrobatic and endangered).
  • Squirrel monkeys (tiny and playful, found mainly in the south).
• Tapirs → Costa Rica’s largest land mammal, nocturnal and shy, often seen in Corcovado.
• Big Cats → Jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis—rarely seen but vital to rainforest balance.
• Bats → Make up nearly half of Costa Rica’s mammal species, playing key roles in pollination and seed dispersal.

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Birds

• Scarlet Macaws → Brilliant red, yellow, and blue parrots, especially abundant in Carara and Osa.
• Resplendent Quetzals → Jewel-toned icons of cloud forests like Monteverde.
• Toucans → Famous for their oversized, colorful bills.
• Hummingbirds → Over 50 species dart through rainforest flowers.
• Raptors → Harpy eagles (rare), hawks, and owls patrol the canopy.

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Amphibians & Reptiles

• Red-eyed Tree Frogs → The photogenic, neon-green frog with ruby eyes.
• Poison Dart Frogs → Tiny, vividly colored, with toxic skin for defense.
• Snakes → From harmless boas to the infamous Fer-de-Lance (venomous pit viper).
• Lizards → Green iguanas and “Jesus Christ lizards” (basilisks that run on water).
• Crocodiles & Caimans → Found along rivers and mangrove edges.

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Insects & Others

• Blue Morpho Butterflies → Huge, iridescent wings flash electric blue in the forest light.
• Leafcutter Ants → Endless lines carrying leaf fragments many times their size.
• Army Ants → Swarming hunters that shape rainforest food webs.
• Tarantulas, Stick Insects, Beetles → Masters of camouflage and biodiversity.

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Why It Matters

Every species plays a role: monkeys and birds disperse seeds, bats pollinate flowers, predators control populations, and insects recycle nutrients. Together, these animals keep Costa Rica’s rainforests thriving—and make them one of the best wildlife-watching destinations in the world.

Rainforest Flowers

Costa Rica’s rainforests aren’t only about animals—they’re alive with spectacular blooms that paint the canopy and forest floor with color:

• Orchids → With over 1,400 species, Costa Rica is one of the world’s orchid capitals. They range from tiny micro-orchids to the large, fragrant Guaria Morada (Costa Rica’s national flower).
• Heliconias → Often called lobster claws or false bird-of-paradise, their vibrant red, orange, and yellow bracts attract hummingbirds.
• Ginger Plants → Red and pink torch gingers light up shady rainforest understories with their waxy, cone-shaped blooms.
• Bromeliads → These spiky-leafed plants collect rainwater in their centers, creating micro-habitats for frogs, insects, and even small crabs.
• Passionflowers → Intricate, star-like blossoms that not only dazzle but also feed butterflies and bees.
• Rainforest Trees in Bloom → Seasonal flowers from trees like the yellow-flowered Corteza Amarilla and pink Roble de Sabana transform entire landscapes.

Together, these flowers create a living palette of color while supporting pollinators, providing food, and shaping the rainforest ecosystem.

Top Rainforest Tours

Costa Rica’s rainforests can be explored in endless ways—there’s an adventure for every traveler. Near Manuel Antonio, you can hike lush jungle trails, ride horseback through the trees, or soar across the canopy on a thrilling zip line. Paddle through mangroves at Isla Damas by kayak or canoe, or take a serene safari float to spot monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. For thrill-seekers, whitewater rafting through pristine rainforest rivers provides an adrenaline rush amidst untouched wilderness. Birdwatchers will find wonder everywhere, with colorful species in every corner of the forest. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking romance, or chasing high adventure, there’s a Costa Rican rainforest tour designed just for you. Ask a Costa Rica Expert to match the perfect tour to your destinations and travel style.

1. Canopy Zip Line Tours

📍 Best Regions: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal
✨ Why Go: Glide through the treetops on suspended cables and platforms, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.
👥 Best For: Families with older kids, thrill-seekers, first-time visitors.

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2. Guided Nature Hikes

📍 Best Regions: Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Cahuita
✨ Why Go: Explore on foot with naturalist guides who point out sloths, monkeys, frogs, orchids, and medicinal plants.
👥 Best For: All ages, wildlife lovers, photographers.

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3. Mangrove Kayaking & Canoeing

📍 Best Regions: Isla Damas (near Manuel Antonio), Sierpe River (Osa Peninsula)
✨ Why Go: Paddle through winding mangrove canals where monkeys swing overhead and herons stalk the shallows.
👥 Best For: Families, birdwatchers, travelers who enjoy a slower pace.

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4. Whitewater Rafting & Safari Floats

📍 Best Regions: Pacuare River, Sarapiquí, Savegre River
✨ Why Go: Choose between adrenaline-pumping rapids or peaceful float trips surrounded by pristine rainforest.
👥 Best For: Adventure travelers, groups, couples seeking variety.

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5. Birdwatching Expeditions

📍 Best Regions: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Carara National Park, Tortuguero
✨ Why Go: Spot resplendent quetzals, toucans, scarlet macaws, and countless hummingbirds with expert guides.
👥 Best For: Birding enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers.

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✨ Whether you’re zipping through the canopy, paddling mangroves, or spotting quetzals in the misty cloud forest, Costa Rica’s rainforest tours offer unforgettable encounters with nature. 🌎 Ask a Costa Rica Expert to help you choose the right adventure for your travel style.

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