Carara: Guided Nature Walk & Scarlet Macaw Spotting Ticket

Scarlet macaws overhead, forest sounds all around in Carara

You’ll walk beneath scarlet macaws in Carara’s shifting rainforest with a local guide who knows every call and rustle. Spot monkeys through a telescope, listen for sudden bursts of birdsong, and feel the difference between wet and dry forest underfoot. Entry ticket is included so you can just show up ready for whatever surprises this place throws at you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided visit to Carara National Park

• Meet expert guide
• Learn about forest and animals
• Explore Carara National Park
• Observe monkeys, snakes, and birds
• See scarlet macaw habitat
• Witness dry and wet forest transition

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the flash of red: scarlet macaws, just above us, loud and impossible to ignore. Our guide, Andrés, grinned at my wide-eyed look. “They always come here in the morning,” he said, almost like he’d invited them himself. The air was thick but fresh, with this earthy smell I still can’t quite describe. It’s not like any other forest I’ve walked through: wetter somehow, but also dry in patches. Carara is weird that way.

We followed a narrow path while Andrés pointed out tiny frogs clinging to leaves and the way the trees changed as we moved deeper. There was this moment where the sound shifted: suddenly more birdsong than before, and then silence except for our footsteps and someone’s laugh (maybe mine) when I nearly tripped over a root. He set up his telescope so we could see a toucan’s yellow beak glinting in the sun. Honestly, it felt like cheating but I wasn’t complaining.

I didn’t expect to feel so small walking between two types of rainforest: Andrés called it an “ecotone” (I had to ask him twice). The monkeys were louder than you’d think for something so small. One tossed something at us from above and missed by a mile. There were families from San José here too, chatting quietly in Spanish as they passed us on the trail. By the end I was sweaty and happy and kind of wishing we could stay until sunset, but yeah, maybe next time.

What’s included

Your day includes your Carara entry ticket already sorted out plus use of a telescope for close-up views of wildlife as you walk alongside an expert local guide through the park’s unique forests.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish08:00, 09:00 and 11:00

Guide in English or Spanish08:30, 09:30 and 11:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “At the entrance of the park”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by G&R Adventures

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Is entry to Carara included in this tour?

Yes, your entrance ticket is included with your booking.

Are guides provided during the walk?

You’ll be accompanied by an expert local guide throughout the tour.

Can you see scarlet macaws in Carara?

Yes, scarlet macaws are commonly seen here, especially with a guide’s help.

Is this guided walk suitable for all fitness levels?

The walk is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are wheelchairs or service animals allowed?

Yes, Carara allows wheelchairs and service animals on this tour.

How do we spot wildlife during the tour?

Your guide will use a telescope to help you spot birds and animals up close.

Is transportation provided to Carara?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby.