Carara National Park
A lush transition rainforest sanctuary renowned for vibrant scarlet macaws and rich wildlife trails.
Plan TarcolesBy MupDay - the planner that does the research for you.Directions from stop to stop included - all free.
Plan a free trip to TarcolesUpdated: 2026-10-18
Tarcoles is a wild and captivating Costa Rican destination famous for its massive American crocodile population along the river. It offers nature lovers and birdwatchers an unforgettable immersion into lush rainforests and scenic Pacific coastal landscapes.
Things to do in Tarcoles include Carara National Park, Tarcoles River Mouth, Playa Blanca. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.
A lush transition rainforest sanctuary renowned for vibrant scarlet macaws and rich wildlife trails.
Plan TarcolesThe Tarcoles River Mouth is a dramatic coastal meeting point where massive river currents merge with the open Pacific Ocean. This wild and untamed wetland area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, most notably huge American crocodiles basking on the mudflats and diverse flocks of coastal birds.
Plan TarcolesOne of the Central Pacific coast's prettiest white-sand beaches with sparkling clear water.
Plan TarcolesWant all of these sorted into days?
MupDay splits them by proximity and real opening hours, with no zig-zag - directions from stop to stop included. All free.
Build an itinerary for TarcolesA dark-sand coastal beach great for sunset strolls and watching local artisanal fishing boats.
Plan TarcolesHere is what 3 days in Tarcoles look like when the planner builds them - arriving at noon on the first day and flying home at noon on the last. Stops are grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, and the same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.
The route assumes the first day starts at noon, after you land, and the last ends at noon, before your flight. It is an example: with your dates the planner builds a route around your landing and your flight home, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.
Carara National Park, Tarcoles River Mouth, Playa Blanca, Playa Herradura, Quebrada Ganado Village, Tarcoles Bridge and 9 more. Carara National Park: A lush transition rainforest sanctuary renowned for vibrant scarlet macaws and rich wildlife trails.
Day 1: Quebrada Ganado Village, Bijagual Waterfall, Carara National Park, Tarcoles Bridge. Day 2: Playa Blanca, Punta Leona Beach, Playa Mantas, Playa Agujas. Day 3: Playa Azul, Tarcoles River Mouth.
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