Costa Rica national parks: a flyer’s guide
A quarter of Costa Rica is protected, and the best parks are spread far across the country. Flying lets you string several together without losing days to the road. Here are the highlights, what you will see, and how to reach even the remote ones.
The biodiversity heavyweights
Corcovado, on the Osa Peninsula, is the crown jewel — tapirs, all four monkey species, scarlet macaws and big cats. Reach it via Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez; our Osa and Corcovado guide goes deeper. Manuel Antonio, near Quepos, packs monkeys, sloths and beaches into a compact, easy park — perfect for a first visit or with kids.
Volcanoes and rainforest
Arenal, near La Fortuna, offers the iconic cone, hot springs, waterfalls and hanging bridges. Rincón de la Vieja’s volcano, mud pots and trails sit within reach of Liberia. Monteverde’s cloud forest is a world of its own.
Water worlds and the Caribbean
Caño Island rewards divers, while Tortuguero National Park — reachable only by boat or plane — is a labyrinth of canals famous for nesting turtles and birdlife.
Wildlife you might see
- Sloths, monkeys, coatis and agoutis on most forest trails.
- Scarlet macaws on the Pacific (Osa and Carara).
- Sea turtles nesting on both coasts in season.
- Hundreds of bird species — Costa Rica is a birding paradise.
Planning tips
- Go early — wildlife is most active at dawn.
- Hire a certified guide; they spot what you would walk past.
- Dry season for firm trails; green season for fuller waterfalls and fewer people.
- Many strips are remote — a charter is often the only quick way in.
Request a flight to combine two or three parks in one trip, or ask us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Which national park is best in Costa Rica?
Corcovado for raw biodiversity, Manuel Antonio for an easy beach-side park, and Arenal for volcano scenery.
Can I visit several parks in one trip?
Yes — flying the long legs makes a multi-park trip realistic in under a week.
Do I need a guide?
For wildlife-rich parks, a guide dramatically improves sightings and is sometimes required — book in advance.
Fly there with AeroRide
Charter the whole aircraft and split the cost — private flights for the price of a regular ticket, booked in minutes.
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