Note: As of July 1, 2020 the following parks and reserves are open with restrictions – Arenal, Barra Honda, Ballena, Las Baulas, Braulio Carrillo, Cabo Blanco, Cahuita, Camaronal, Carara, Cipanci, Corcovado, Diriá, Gandoca-Manzanillo, Grecia, Guayabo, Iguanita, Irazú, Isla del Coco, Manuel Antonio, Monte Alto, Monteverde, Ostional, Poás, Los Quetzales, Rincón de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, Tapantí, Tenorio, Tortuguero.
Also Note: Although the above list is official it is also unreliable. The park service lists Irazú volcano national park as open but according to recent visitors the gate is closed and locked displaying a note stating that it may reopen in August…Poás was re-closed on July 17th and may re-open August 1 – instructions for refund or rescheduling.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for Poás…for other parks go to the office in person.
Use the menu of the parks and reserves shown on the map for visitor guides with hiking, common birds and wildlife, getting there, and official accommodations available within the boundaries.
Map of Costa Rica’s Protected Areas
Leaders in Conservation
Costa Rica’s National Parks and other protected areas serve as a model of sustainable conservation.
The world owes Costa Rica a debt for the social conscience, political will, original economics, and plain old hard work that have led to the protection of a larger percentage of the land as natural habitat than in any other country.
The incredible ecological diversity is recognized as an irreplaceable treasure by the people and government of Costa Rica and international organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, The Rainforest Alliance, Worldwatch Institute, Organization for Tropical Studies, MacArthur Foundation and the Nature Conservancy.
Other countries including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Panama have also contributed much to the growth and protection of the wilds of Costa Rica with debt for nature swaps, grants, and scientific, economic and political expertise.
National Parks Day
Every August 24th is Costa Rican National Parks day and entry into all parks is free for residents and international visitors!