Attractions

Carara is a favorite with bird watchers for several reasons besides its ease of access. First, its position in a transition zone means that residents of both habitats are likely to appear. Second, the Río Grande de Tárcoles has free flowing sections and its waters seep into seasonal marshlands and a shallow oxbow lake covered with hyacinths further expanding number of local habitats. Finally, because it is slightly dryer, and not all of the trees are evergreen, Carara is more open than the rainforests further south making wildlife spotting easier.

Carara National Park covers a low mountainous area of 15000 acres of an interesting transition forest between the Dry Tropical Forest and the Rainy one. Home of many mammals, as well as the rare Scarlet Macaw and vast number of species of plants and trees. Appreciate the wonders of this intricate eco-system.Walking by his footpaths you will observe several species of monkeys, birds, immense crocodiles, iguanas and frogs along the Tarcoles River.

Carara has flora and fauna from both ecosystems. The virgin forest that covers most of the reserve is the ideal environment for an abundance of flora and species of fauna like crocodiles, ocelots, sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, the Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatros) toucans, trogons and three species of monkeys. Many other species of the Tropical Forest can be seen also.

About 150 scarlet macaws nest and feed throughout the reserve and can usually be seen around dusk flying west down the Río Tárcoles towards the coastal mangroves where they roost for the night.

If you are not a novice and would like to experience the best ways to see wildlife is to look for people with their necks craned, peering into the brush or canopy.

More often than not the guide, or one of the birders would invite us over to look through their binoculars or telescope while they described the habits of the bird or animal we were seeing, as long as you don't interfere with their spotting. Walk quietly and slowly.

If you came to Costa Rica to enjoy the splendid tropical plants and wildlife, this is the tour for you!

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