Small it may be, but Carara is astoundingly rich. This seminally important national park lies at the meeting point of dry and wet climatic zones, marking the shift form predominantly Mesoamerican to Amazonian influences. Carara protects the last major stand of transitional forest on the isthmus; representative species from both ecosystems abound within its 4,700 ha. A broad river flows to a sweeping mangrove and wetland system that is one of the nation’s largest troves of birdlife.

Numerous archaeological sites have been excavated though none are open to visitors. To minimize human impact, visitation is limited to 60 people at one time, and to a small lowland section of the park. Insects abound, so bring repellent. Carara’s whether is seasonal: March and April are driest.