Nature Reserves of Costa Rica
Costa RicaNature Reserves seek to preserve and rehabilitate Costa Rica’s tropical ecosystems and their biodiversity. The reserves differ from National Parks in that community and conservationist groups manage their land. Visitor revenues are used to maintain the trail system, pay park staff, and purchase surrounding land for protected zone expansion. Visit the Costa Rica National Parks, Rivers and Reserves Map to view the locations. Find photos and profiles of the famous National Parks of Costa Rica .
Costa Rica Highlights
A curated look at the best Costa Rica has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Biologica del Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde) is where some of the best-kept cloud forest in all of Costa Rica can be found. It is a cloud forest, not a rain forest, due to its elevation of 4,724 ft (1,440 m) above sea level. Some of the best bird-watching can be done inside and outside the reserve.
Explore DestinationGandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Located in Costa Rica's southeastern Talmanca region is the large Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, a collection of rainforest and wetland habitat complete with a coral reef. At 23,348 total acres (9,450 ha), this vast refuge begins south of Punta Uva-3 miles south of Puerto Viejo-until it runs into the Sixaola River at the Panamanian boarder. Besides Cahuita, this park is the only other place in the country with a coral reef.
Explore DestinationCabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
Situated at the southernmost point of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve encompasses 2,896 acres (1,172 ha) of pristine dry tropical forest famed for its biologically rich ecosystems, which consist of unique plant and animal species. Anteaters, coatis, margays, ocelots, sloths, spider, howler and capuchin monkeys and a variety of snakes call Cabo Blanco home, not to mention over 150 species of trees that makeup the animals habitat.
Explore DestinationChildren's Eternal Rain Forest
An indispensable option for hiking and viewing this area's amazing biodiversity is the Children's Eternal Rain Forest (Bosque Eterno de los Ninos), also known as CERF. This gigantic reserve gets its name from the unprecedented support from children all over the world.
Explore DestinationIsla del Caño Biological Reserve
Isla del Caño – situated 20 km offshore from Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula – is an important island for Costa Rica, both archeologically and environmentally. The waters surrounding this biological reserve are swarming with marine creatures, while the island itself protects several artifacts that date back to pre-Columbian times.
Explore DestinationFeatured Costa Rica Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Costa Rica itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
Sisters Adventure Together
Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Costa Rica Two Family Journey
Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.
Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
Costa Rica Off Season Adventure
We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.
Family Annual Adventure
It's a beautiful country and the rainforest, Arenal volcano, rafting safari and catamaran sail were all wonderful. We learned a lot,laughed a lot, and would go back.
Costa Rica Family Adventure Quest
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican family adventure that weaves together rainforest mist, volcanic fire, and Pacific surf, offering a dynamic contrast of nature’s extremes. Your journey moves from the sun‑kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio to Monteverde’s misty hanging bridges, then into Arenal’s volcano and waterfalls, ending with surf lessons in Tamarindo. Friendly local guides and coffee‑farm hosts will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and adventurous spirit.
Solo Exclusive Trip
An incredible country which went beyond expectations. Absolutely amazing & so many memorable experiences. The welcome from all the people & the hospitality everywhere is fantastic. I always felt safe
Family Fun in Costa Rica
This trip was perfect for our family of 4! It was full of adventure for EVERYONE! Usually our vacations consists of entertainment for the kids but on this vacation we all got to enjoy so much. We have a 5 and 9 year old and we did zip lining, safari boat tour, coffee/chocolate tour, hot springs, waterfall hike, manual Antonio national park and so much more!! We were here for 11 days (2 of them travel days) and it was just enough time! I can’t wait to come back!
Daughter's 12th Birthday Trip
Arenal especially was amazing - so much to do there and such a cool place to see. Overall the people were very kind - pura vita!
Deep Journey into the Heart of Costa Rica
From misty cloud forests to sun‑kissed Pacific beaches, this Costa Rican adventure weaves together vibrant wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and endless ocean horizons. You’ll trek Monteverde’s canopy bridges, soak in Arenal’s hot springs, kayak mangroves at Drake Bay, and snorkel coral reefs off Manuel Antonio. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share traditions, cuisine, and conservation stories, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit.
Paradise is Meant to Be Explored
Best vacation we have ever been on. Everything was planned out and went extremely smoothly. Can't say enough good things. We had an amazing time. Big thank you!!!!
More Nature Reserves of Costa Rica
There's always more to discover in Costa Rica. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
Curu National Wildlife Refuge
Westbound on the road from Paquera is this small, yet biologically rich coastal refuge near the town of Curu. Before being purchased from the Pacific Lumber Company in the 1930's, the land that now makes up the Curu National Wildlife Refuge was used for small-scale cattle grazing and a sustainable development project consisting of agricultural production and selective logging endeavors.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena) is the less visited sister reserve of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Just 4 miles (7 km) from the town center of Santa Elena are the less crowded, lush green forests full of flora and fauna. This reserve boasts one of the best places to hear and see howler monkeys in all of Costa Rica!
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Just miles from the Nicaraguan border lays a phenomenal bird-watching and natural sightseeing heaven. Situated in the Northern Lowland plains is 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) of wetlands, rainforest and swampland that make up the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Cano Negro).
Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Costa Rica, on the Nicaraguan boarder, is this massive 225,365 acre (91,200 ha) national wildlife refuge-the largest in the nation. The reserve is a vast network of slow-moving waterways that feed into stagnant saline pools, lagoons, and swampy marshlands. Much of this refuge is inaccessible to eco-tourists due to poor roads and infrastructure which have kept Barra Del Colorado an isolated wonder.
Casa de Orquideas
The Orchid house is roughly a 15 minute boat ride from Golfito but is a world away and is a sanctuary for botanists and nature lovers. The gardens are a continuous work in progress but are meticulously maintained by the on site naturalists. Plants including, orchids, heliconias, bromeliads attract over 100 bird species that are attracted to the park’s grounds.
La Selva Biological Station
La Selva Biological Station (Estacion Biologica La Selva) was originally created for scientific purposes in 1954. Since then it has been converted into a leading research center for Costa Rican ecology and has been opened to the public. Providing some of the most immaculate primary tropical rainforest available, the well-kept trail system extends over 31 miles (50 km) and provides visitors the opportunity of exploring La Selva with a knowledgeable guide.
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
A crucial nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtle, the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is made up of Nosara Beach (Playa Nosara), Ostional Beach (Playa Ostional) and the beachside town of Ostional. The reserve occupies 9 miles (15km) of coastline and protects 613 acres (248 ha) worth of precious sea and land habitat.
Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve
Located 60 km south of Puerto Limon is the 22,620 acre (9154 ha) Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve, a rugged and undeveloped park that offers few facilities despite its proximity to a major highway. Though the reserve offers no campsites or any other means of lodging, visitors can find plenty of accommodations in Puerto Limon and Cahuita, two nearby beach towns.
Aviarios del Caribe Reserve
Following Highway 26 south of Puerto Limon, the river valley breathes life into the tropical vegetation, which is a burgeoning haven of unique flora and fauna. Here, 31 km south of town, is the small wildlife refuge of Aviarios del Caribe in the Estrella River delta.
E.A.R.T.H. University
An agricultural college with a focus on investigating sustainable agriculture in tropical environments, E.A.R.T.H. University (Escuela de Agricultura de la Region Tropical Humeda) is located in the town of Guacimo, just east of Guapiles in the Limon Province. This non-profit, private university encompasses 990 acres (400 ha) of lowland forest, including a large, 570,280 square foot (52,980 sq. km) campus that consists of a variety of facilities including classrooms, laboratories, administrative buildings, and residence halls for live-in students and professors.
Lomas Barbudal Reserve
Adjacent to Palo Verde National Park to the north lies the jointly administered neighboring wild life refuges of Lomas Barbudal and Dr Rafael Lucas Rodriguez Caballero. The former protects 5,631 acres (2,279 ha) of mainly dry tropical forest while the latter is an 18,172 acre (7,353 ha) mammoth. As part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, the two parks are a testament to environmentalists& efforts to protect the last remaining vestiges of dry tropical forest once prolific during the pre-Columbian era.
Sirena Biological Station
Along the southwestern coast of the Osa Peninsula, inside of Corcovado National Park, is where you'll find the Sirena Biological Station (Estacion Biologica Sirena). Unquestionably one of the most rugged and extreme areas in the country, Sirena provides the ideal location to witness amazing biodiversity. All it takes is a phone call to the park headquarters in Puerto Jimenez to reserve your spot in this amazing wilderness.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
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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.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
