Carara National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated birdwatching destinations. Located along the Central Pacific coast, the park and its surrounding reserve are home to hundreds of bird species, including the scarlet macaw, one of the region’s most recognizable residents.
What makes Carara especially interesting is its location. Here, the tropical dry forest of Costa Rica’s north begins to meet the wetter rainforest of the south. This transition creates a rare combination of habitats within a relatively small area, allowing birds from both ecosystems to live close together.
For visitors, that means every walk offers something different. The canopy may fill with the call of toucans while smaller birds move through the lower branches. Near the river, herons and kingfishers search the water. Scarlet macaws often fly overhead in pairs, easy to recognize by their bright red feathers and unmistakable calls.
The scarlet macaw
The scarlet macaw has become a symbol of the Carara region. These large, colourful birds can often be seen travelling between the forest and nearby feeding areas, especially during the quieter hours of the morning.
Spotting one is exciting even when you know they are nearby. They may first appear as a flash of red above the trees before landing high in the canopy. Their loud calls often give them away before they come into view.
Carara has played an important role in protecting the habitat these birds depend on. The forest provides nesting areas and access to food, while the wider landscape allows them to move between the coast, the river, and surrounding woodland.
More than one kind of forest
Birdwatching in Carara is not only about seeing the most famous species. The park is home to 420 recorded bird species, making it one of the most important places in Costa Rica for observing birds in the wild.
The mix may include trogons and motmots, along with woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and birds of prey. Some are easy to spot because of their colour or movement. Others require patience and a good ear.
A knowledgeable guide can make a big difference. Guides understand where certain birds are likely to be found and can recognize calls that most visitors would easily miss. They also help guests notice the smaller details happening throughout the forest.
When to go birdwatching
Early morning is often the best time to head out. The temperature is cooler, the forest is more active, and birds are usually easier to hear before the sounds of the day begin to build.
Comfortable walking shoes are helpful, along with lightweight clothing and insect repellent. Binoculars allow you to see movement high in the trees without disturbing the birds. It is also worth moving slowly. Birdwatching tends to be most rewarding when there is time to pause and let the forest reveal itself.
Birdwatching from Santa Lucía
At Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda, the experience begins within the property’s protected natural setting. Guests may hear macaws in the morning or notice birds moving through the trees while walking between different areas of the hacienda.
Guided birdwatching tours are available on the hotel grounds, while nearby Carara National Park offers the opportunity to explore deeper into the region’s transition forest. Staying close to the park makes it easier to begin early, when wildlife is most active and the trails feel especially calm.
You do not need to be an experienced birdwatcher to enjoy it. Sometimes all it takes is one unexpected sighting to make you start paying closer attention. In Carara, there is almost always something moving above you.
Resources:
es.visitcostarica.com
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