Carara: Guided Nature Walk & Scarlet Macaw Spotting Ticket

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

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.