This 4700Ha reserve form an oasis for wildlife from a large surrounding area. Carara offers rich biodiversity due to its transitional position between the dry northern forests and the humid tropical forests from the south, and hence is of great interest to biologist. The reserve is known for its abundant birds and diverse plants, also, is one of Costa Rica's last habitats for the brilliantly patterned scarlet macaw which is seen here especially in June and July. Other birds to watch for include guans, trogons, toucans, marmots and many other forest species. Monkeys, squirrels, sloths and agoutis are among the more common mammals present. Its rivers and lagoon are home to crocodiles, roseate spoonbills, boat-billed herons, blue-winged teals, howler and white-faced monkeys, deer and peccaries.

Two trails lead through the reserve: a short 1km trail starts at the main entrance, about 3km south of the Tárcoles River bridge, and a longer 4km trail starts about 500m past the bridge. Black-hooded antshrikes, long-tailed hermit hummingbirds and armadillos are quite often encountered, and you may see nesting pairs of the macaws, in hollows high up large trees.

The dry season from December to April is the easiest time to go -though the animals are still there in the wet months!. Rainfall is almost 3000 mm annually, which is less than the rainforest further south. It is fairly hot, with average of temperatures of 25ºC to 28ºC, but is cooler within the rainforest.

At the mouth of Tarcoles River, 57 km southeast of Puntarenas, 83km southwest of San Jose.
Opening hours: Daily 8am-4pm