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Let’s kick off this national park hopping adventure in a place that’s hot, high, and sometimes foggy. Northern Costa Rica is home to the most significant volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, stunning waterfalls, and even a national park with caves underground.
It’s the land of fire and steam where you can hike a lava trail in the morning and soak in a natural hot spring by night. What a Tuesday! Here’s everything you need to know about the best national parks in northern Costa Rica. Bonus: why you should stray from your route to stop here, anyway.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best national parks in northern Costa Rica. Bonus: why you should stray from your route to stop here, anyway.
Arenal Volcano National Park – The Icon
Let’s start with the celebrity: Arenal Volcano. Perfect cone, lush jungle, and just the right amount of drama. The trails here wind through old lava fields and secondary forest, offering views of both the volcano and Lake Arenal. Wildlife sightings are common – keep your eyes out for toucans, coatis, and lazy sloths.
This park is easy to moderate in terms of physical effort and is absolutely family-friendly. You can explore it without a guide, but hiring one will almost guarantee you spot animals you would’ve otherwise missed. Many travelers combine the park visit with a soak in one of the nearby hot springs (highly recommended).
Why visit Arenal?
- Easy, scenic trails with volcano and lake views
- Great combo of wildlife + hot springs
- Perfect for beginners and families
Tenorio Volcano National Park – Home of Río Celeste
If you’ve seen photos of a glowing turquoise river in the jungle, that’s Río Celeste, and it flows right through Tenorio Volcano National Park. It’s magic meets chemistry – minerals from the volcano react to create this wild color.
The hike to the waterfall and back is moderate to challenging, especially if it’s rained recently (which, let’s be real, it probably has). It’s family-friendly for active kids and teens, but strollers are a no-go. You don’t need a guide, but the trails are well-marked. That said, a naturalist guide can add depth with info about plants, frogs, and hidden critters.
Bring real shoes. And maybe a backup pair.
Why visit Tenorio?
- The surreal blue of Río Celeste
- Jungle trails with high wildlife potential
- A cool challenge for adventurous families
Rincón de la Vieja National Park – The Wild One
Located in Guanacaste, this volcanic park is full of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, waterfalls, and jungle trails that smell like science class. It’s rugged, it’s hot, and it’s full of adventure.
There are multiple sectors to explore – Las Pailas is the most popular and easiest to access. Trails range from easy loops to full-day summit hikes, with most being moderate. Some are definitely not stroller or flip-flop friendly, but older kids and teens will love it.
No guide is required, but if you want to understand what all that bubbling goo actually is, bringing one is worth it.
Why visit Rincón de la Vieja?
- Volcanic action: mud pots, fumaroles, waterfalls
- Big variety of hikes in one park
- Feels wild but accessible
Santa Rosa National Park – The Historic One
Way up in the northwest, Santa Rosa is part history, part nature reserve. It was the site of a key 1856 battle, and now protects one of the last remaining dry tropical forests in the world.
This park is low-key and under-visited, perfect if you want solitude. Trails are easy to moderate, and the park is family-friendly for those used to a bit of walking. You can explore without a guide, but guided visits give you insight into the historical side of the area.
Also, if you time it right, you might see sea turtles nesting on the remote beaches.
Why visit Santa Rosa?
- Quiet trails through unique dry forest
- Fascinating mix of history and nature
- Excellent for off-the-beaten-path explorers
Guanacaste National Park – The Overlooked Gem
Just across from Santa Rosa, this small park packs a surprising ecological punch. It connects to the larger Guanacaste Conservation Area, forming a biological corridor.
The trails here are generally short and easy, making it a great family option. You don’t need a guide, but birdwatchers might want one to help spot rarer species. It’s a quiet, green space that feels more like a local secret than a tourist spot.
Why visit Guanacaste National Park?
- Calm and peaceful environment
- Short, kid-friendly trails
- Excellent birdwatching potential
Barra Honda National Park – Underground Wonders
Yes, Costa Rica has caves. And they’re amazing. Barra Honda is home to limestone caves full of bats, crystals, and narrow passageways that look straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
Above ground, there are hiking trails and lookout points. But if you want to go into the caves, you must book a guided spelunking tour – and it’s only for visitors age 12 and up. The hike to the caves is moderate, and the descent into the caverns is physically demanding and not for the claustrophobic.
Family-friendly? Sort of – depends on your definition of family fun. Definitely adventurous.
Why visit Barra Honda?
- Spelunking in real limestone caves
- Amazing underground formations
- A different side of Costa Rica’s natural beauty
Juan Castro Blanco National Park – The Cloudy One
Nicknamed “the park of water,” Juan Castro Blanco is a cool, misty escape into cloud forest territory. It’s not as developed as other parks, but that’s part of its charm.
You can visit without a guide, but trail maps are limited, so consider hiring one if you want to go deeper. Trails are moderate and the terrain can be slippery. It’s not stroller-friendly, but older kids who enjoy nature will love it.
Expect waterfalls, birds, and no crowds whatsoever.
Why visit Juan Castro Blanco?
- Off-grid cloud forest vibes
- Tons of fresh water and hidden trails
- Peaceful alternative to crowded parks
Need Help Planning?
At GoExploreWith.me, we help travelers explore Costa Rica’s national parks with local guides, transportation, and custom itineraries.
Whether you’re chasing volcano views or hidden waterfalls, we’ve got your back.
Free eBook: 10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica
Want more spots that few tourists ever see? Our free eBook, “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of,” is packed with places that don’t show up in glossy brochures. We’re talking secret jungle trails, quiet mountain villages, off-the-map beaches, and natural wonders even some locals haven’t explored yet.
If you loved this guide to the north, you’ll love what’s inside the eBook. It’s written for curious travelers who want a little more magic, and a little less crowd.
