Costa Rica’s National Parks

With over 25% of its territory protected, Costa Rica is a global model for conservation—and home to some of the most biodiverse landscapes on Earth. From steamy rainforests and volcanic craters to coastal mangroves and coral reefs, the country’s national parks offer an immersive invitation to experience nature at its most wild and wonderful. 

Manuel Antonio National Park 

Location: Central Pacific Coast 
Why it’s special: Manuel Antonio may be the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but it's also one of the most popular—and for good reason. Within a compact, walkable area, you’ll find white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and colorful birds. 

Manuel Antonio combines easy accessibility with rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit for families, photographers, and first-time explorers. 

Corcovado National Park 

Location: Osa Peninsula, South Pacific 
Why it’s special: Often called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic, Corcovado is raw, remote, and unforgettable. This park protects nearly every ecosystem in Costa Rica and is home to endangered species like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. 

Visiting Corcovado is a true adventure—best for eco-travelers and nature lovers looking for untouched wilderness and deep connection to the natural world. 

Tortuguero National Park 

Location: Caribbean Coast 
Why it’s special: Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero is a network of canals, wetlands, and rainforestthat serves as one of the world’s most important nesting sites for green sea turtles. Wildlife viewing here is best done by boat—gliding silently past monkeys, sloths, toucans, and even caimans. 

Tortuguero is a must for eco-tourists, wildlife photographers, and anyone who wants to disconnect from the modern world. 

Rincón de la Vieja National Park 

Location: Guanacaste Province Why it’s special: Close to many of our properties in Hacienda Pinilla, Flamingo, and Papagayo, Rincón de la Vieja is a geothermal wonderland of hot springs, mud pots, waterfalls, and volcanic trails. It offers a variety of activities from hiking and horseback riding to river tubing and canyoning. 

It’s an easy day trip from many of Guanacaste’s coastal communities—perfect for active families and adventure seekers. 

A Country Built Around Nature 

Costa Rica’s national parks are more than just destinations—they’re part of the national identity. Here, nature is protected, celebrated, and deeply integrated into daily life. For residents and homeowners, it means living in a place where weekend hikes, beach cleanups, and wildlife sightings are part of the rhythm of life. 

Final Reflection

At Luxury Homes Costa Rica, we understand that proximity to natural beauty is one of the greatest luxuries of all. Whether you’re looking for a home near a surf break, a trailhead, or a wildlife corridor, we can help you find a property that brings Costa Rica’s magic to your doorstep.

Explore life in harmony with nature.

Visit www.luxuryhomescr.com to browse properties near national parks and protected areas across Costa Rica, and subscribe to our newsletter here to stay updated on the latest opportunities.

Let your next chapter begin where the wild things live.