Juan Castro Blanco National Park
One of the lesser explored parks in Costa Rica, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, is positioned in the center of various destinations. This bird-watching haven is located northwest of the Central Valley, with the Poas Volcano to the southeast and Braulio Carrillo National Park to the east. Juan Castro Blanco National Park provides an excellent opportunity to see incredible primary and rain forests, which make up 50% of the park.
Various volcanoes surround the park, making this rugged destination an adventure for anyone. Three volcanoes within the park, the Porvenir Volcano reaching 7,438 ft (2,267 m), the Platanar Volcano at 7,162 ft (2,183 m) and the inactive El Viejo Volcano measuring 6,962 ft (2,122 m) provide a stunning, picturesque skyline as well as thermal hot springs found throughout the park. It is from these and other steep slopes within the park that many of the region's important rivers begin, including the Toro, Platanar, La Vieja, Tres Amigos and Aguas Zarcas.
Stretching out over 35,000 acres (14,258 ha) is an extensive, yet rugged trail system that allows visitors to explore the vast array of flora and fauna. Birders commonly view the black turkey, peacock, falcon and even the quetzal. Mammals found here include monkeys, coyotes, armadillos, raccoons, goats and various felines. Many different reptiles and amphibians are found inside the park including species of frogs, lizards and snakes. Dense vegetation gives way to forests full of quizarra, oak, cypres and cedar. Orchids are also found throughout the park. Archeological discoveries have even shown that the park was the meeting ground for ancient cultures!
Except for the system of trails, no services are provided. The park entrance, which is located east of Ciudad Quesada, can be reached by heading northwest from San Jose through Alajuela, approximately 46 miles (73 km) on Hwy 141. From La Fortuna, Ciudad Quesada is 16 miles (25 km) southeast on Hwy 141. During the rainy season, a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.
Experiences in Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Explore hand-picked Juan Castro Blanco National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Where to stay in Juan Castro Blanco National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Juan Castro Blanco National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Bosque de Paz Lodge
Bosque de Paz is set within a 2,470-acre (1,000-ha) private reserve in Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica. This hotel is perfect for outdoorsy types and travelers who want a quiet, nature-driven experience in Costa Rica.
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Set in Costa Rica's central volcanic region, El Silencio Lodge and Spa will be a sanctuary for soft adventure and inspired wellness. Close to the hotel lies the town of Sarchi home to the Costa Rican oxcart also bordering the Northwest area of the Poas Volcano offering some of the most astounding scenery in Cost Rica.
The Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall
The unique and magical Peace lodge is located on the grounds of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Heredia. In possibly one of the finest natural masterpieces, guests can expect to find themselves in a magical world, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and pristine rainforests.
Villa Blanca Hotel and Nature Reserve
Located in the foothills of the central highlands, an hour from the San Jose International Airport, is the Villa Blanca Hotel and Nature Reserve. Here you'll be surrounded by pristine cloud forest and a private biological reserve. Medicinal plants, hundreds of bird species, insects and amazing fauna are just part of the area's attractions. A short distance away lays the nearby town of San Ramon, offering excellent restaurants, bars, and museums.
Poas Volcano Lodge
The Poas Volcano Lodge is situated in Costa Rica’s Central Valley outside the capital city of San José. Nestled between the Poás and Barva volcanoes at an elevation of 6,000 ft (1,900 m), this rural area of Costa Rica is stunningly beautiful and still within range of a major population center.
Hotel Villas Escondidas
Set amongst 6 acres (2.4 ha) of forested countryside, the Villas Escondidas Hotel is an authentic Central Valley getaway. Five minutes outside of Grecia and 30 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, guests are immersed in a naturally air-conditioned temperate microclimate and a landscape punctuated by forested volcanoes.
Tilajari Eco Resort Hotel
Overlooking the San Carlos River, the Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center is located outside of Muelle San Carlos in the sweeping agricultural landscape of the Northern Lowlands. Founded as a recreational country club, the Tilajari Hotel offers a comprehensive blend of on-site sporting facilities and access to both adventure and relaxation activities in the surrounding areas.
Xandari Resort and Spa
The elegant Xandari Resort and Spa sits in the central valley region of Costa Rica, just 20 minutes from the international airport. The central valley is wrought with volcanoes, lush plantations, and hillsides, and blessed with outstanding weather. San Jose is a short drive away and offers an abundance of international cuisine, shops, open markets and entertainment.
Alma del Pacifico
Alma del Pacifico on Playa Esterillos Este lies between Jaco Beach and Quepos, on the Central Pacific of Costa Rica. The hotel fronts the expansive beach of Playa Esterillos with its gorgeous Pacific waters and warm sunshine making for a stunning tropical vacation. The sun-splashed beach, glistening ocean waves and steep verdant cliffs create an awe-inspiring landscape. Lovely walking paths lead through colorful ornamental, herb and vegetable gardens.
Asclepios Luxury Boutique Hotel
Asclepios is a wellness center in El Cacao de Alejuela, which is near the Poas Volcano and twenty minutes from Juan Santamaria Airport in the Central Valley Region of Costa Rica. The wellness center offers twelve rooms, a wide range of treatment facilities, services, special programs, and spa therapists and holistic practitioners to promote healthy living for guests in a natural environment protected by sustainable practices.
Villa Pacande
Villa Pacande is a bed and breakfast that is nestled among coffee plantations in one of the top coffee-growing regions of Costa Rica. This B&B has made a commitment to sustainability, which has been officially recognized by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism.
Villa San Ignacio
Villa San Ignacio is set outside the city of Alajuela in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. This hotel is close to the international airport and has a laidback atmosphere.
Flora & fauna in Juan Castro Blanco National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Juan Castro Blanco National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
