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.
The Perfect Getaway for Two
This romantic getaway is anything but cliche! Explore the jungles of Arenal and Monteverde, and the beaches of Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo on this sun soaked adventure.
This Was Heaven on Earth
Anywhere is the company we will book our trips again and again. We will recommend YOU to everyone. Costa Rica is a heaven on earth. We are so happy to have had a reliable car to cover so much millage in 8 days and get to experience so many different climate and sceneries in just a short time. It was amazing to be connected to the locals and experience so much nature, culture, beauty, comfort, joy and hospitality in a short time. Thank you Anywhere. You are one of the best finds we have landed in our lives. Your team and your knowledge deserves a gold medal.
An Adventure-Packed Family Reunion
Costa Rica is a great country, everyone is willing to help you.
Caribbean, Mountains, & Pacific Beaches
I have already recommended Anywhere.com to others. Both the trip planning and the trip itself was a pleasant experience. I appreciated the ability to customize the trip to our desires, and for the ability to contact and get Anywhere's assistance when things didn't go as planned.
The Most Memorable Honeymoon Ever
Our first but definitely not last time in Costa Rica. We loved all the areas, people, activities, food, everything. Been gushing about our trip to our family and friends since we got back.
The Ultimate Pura Vida Party
Costa Rica is an unforgettable paradise. 5% of the world's total bio diversity. We can't wait to go back and we'll definitely be booking our next adventures through Anywhere Costa and their networks of amazing companies, guides etc that they work with. Book with them and you'll be so happy that you did.
Costa Rica 101: A Solo Adventure
You don’t have to travel with anyone to see the world — think of all the people you’ll meet along the way. Treat yourself to an epic solo adventure through Costa Rica.
Our Best Adventure Yet
An adventure awaits you, and who better to share it with than your best friends? Volcanoes, rappelling, zip lining, and sailing are just a few of the activities you’ll all enjoy.
A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
One suggestion would be to let people know the amount of time to drive from hotel to hotel. If I would have known, I would have stayed longer in fewer hotels.
All-In-One Magical Family Vacation
Best trip ever! Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful and magical. All the drivers were waiting and all the accommodations arranged — Anywhere took care of every detail so we don’t have to stress.
Pura Vida Friendcation
Using anywhere to book our trip was the best decision we made! Everything was catered to us and taken care of. The easiest adventure I've been on. Absolutely incredible
A Delightful Adventure for Two
Costa Rica continues to become a more expensive destination, but it is well worth it. An absolutely beautiful country with wonderful people.
We Returned Refreshed
Costa Rica is a safe and eco-friendly travel destination. Booking a trip with Anywhere doesn’t get any easier than this — they'll accommodate you whether you want to pack your bags for adventure or hang out on the beach.
Senior Couple's Self Driving Adventure
We are very pleased with our trip. The people we talked to were intelligent and happy to be living in Costa Rica. The food was SO good and fresh. We bought some Lizano sauce to bring home.
A Magical Adventure for Two
We visited the Arenal and the Tamarindo areas. Tourism appears to be the only industry that we saw. It is obvious that Costa Rica needs tourism to provide for its growth and environmental efforts. It is refreshing to have seen such little development in those areas. Our lower rating for "returning in the future" is because we typicall do not repeat vacations destinations.
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.
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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.
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