High Season Adventures: Exploring Costa Rica’s National Parks the Smart Way

High season in Costa Rica is a special time. The rains have eased, the skies are clearer, the rivers are calm, and the landscapes are still lush and green early in the season. Days feel longer, trails are more accessible, and it’s the perfect season to plan full-day adventures into nature. This is when Costa Rica really shows off—and when national parks shine their brightest.

Living and working in Guanacaste, especially around the Papagayo region near Liberia, I get asked the same question every year: “Which national parks should we visit, and how do we book them?” The answer isn’t always as simple as people expect.

National Parks Near Guanacaste Worth Visiting

Within two to four hours of Liberia, you’ll find some of Costa Rica’s most impressive protected areas. These parks offer everything from volcanic landscapes and dry tropical forests to rivers, wildlife corridors, and scenic viewpoints. During high season, trails are easier to navigate, wildlife is active in predictable areas, and clear weather makes wildlife sightings more rewarding.

Here are some of the most interesting national parks and protected areas within a reasonable drive from the Papagayo region:

Volcanic & Geothermal Parks

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

This park is one of the defining natural wonders of Guanacaste. Its volcanic terrain includes fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, hot springs, and waterfalls tucked deep into the forest. Trails range from short, easy walks to lengthy hikes. If seeing geothermal features up close sounds exciting, this park delivers. You might spot coatis, howler monkeys, and a variety of birds, too.

This region is also featured in tours like the Active Volcano Tour, where you can enjoy hot springs, mud baths, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes with an experienced guide who knows the best paths and timings.

Rainforest & Wildlife Parks

Braulio Carrillo & Maquenque National Parks

These protected forests are wildlife-rich and less visited than some of Costa Rica’s better-known parks. Expect cloud forest conditions, diverse tree life, and excellent birdwatching. Jaguars, peccaries, and tapirs are known inhabitants here, though they’re shy and more likely spotted with patience and a guide. High season here means fewer muddy trails and more consistent sightings of frogs, birds, insects, and small mammals. Entry sometimes requires pre-booking, so planning ahead is important.

Coastal Forest & Mangrove Parks

Las Baulas National Marine Park

Although sea turtle nesting occurs in specific months (primarily the rainy season), the coastal and mangrove forests around this park host a remarkable mix of wildlife year-round. Trails and boardwalks allow you to quietly observe birdlife, crabs, and river otters. Visiting the estuaries at sunset can be memorable, especially with binoculars in hand.

Volcano & Waterfall Parks

Arenal Volcano National Park

Just over three hours from Papagayo and easily combined with La Fortuna tours, this park surrounds the iconic Arenal Volcano. Trails here wind through old lava fields and rainforest, offering panoramic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. High season means drier, clearer trails and better visibility of wildlife such as toucans, sloths, coatis, and colorful frogs. This region pairs perfectly with tours like the Volcano & Rainforest Tour and the Rainforest Night Walk, where certified guides take you into cloud forests and spring-fed trails that come alive when the sun goes down.

How National Park Booking Works in Costa Rica

This part surprises many visitors: you cannot just show up at most national parks anymore.

Costa Rica now requires reservations through the official SINAC system. When booking on your own, you’ll need to:

• Create an online account

• Select a specific park, date, and entry time

• Enter passport information

• Choose the correct entrance sector

• Pay online in advance

Time slots often sell out during high season, especially for parks with limited capacity or popular morning entry times. If you miss your slot or arrive late, entry is not guaranteed—even if you’ve driven hours to get there.

Some parks also have vehicle limits, designated trail access times, and special rules for hiking or filming—so planning saves stress and disappointment.

Planning a Full Day (Not Just a Park Visit)

A national park visit is rarely just a park visit. You also have to think about:

• Driving time and road conditions

• When to eat lunch and where

• How much walking or hiking is involved

• Heat levels and shade availability

• Whether a park pairs well with another activity nearby

This is where many travelers underestimate the day. What looks close on a map can take longer than expected, and not every park visit pairs well with another excursion unless it’s planned carefully.

How I Help Make High Season Easier

This is where I step in—not to replace independent travelers, but to simplify things for those who want a smooth, well-paced experience.

When you book a national park tour with me, I handle:

• Park reservations and time slots

• Transportation and realistic travel timing

• Certified guides (when required)

• Lunch planning and scenic stops

• Combining parks with waterfalls, volcanoes, cultural stops, or wildlife areas

• Adjusting plans based on weather, crowds, and your energy level

Because I work these routes year-round, I know which parks pair well together, which ones need early starts, and which ones are best enjoyed at a slower pace. I also know when not to stack too much into one day—something that’s just as important for enjoying your time fully.

For example:

• Pairing a morning hike in Rincón de la Vieja with a relaxing afternoon at a coffee farm gives you a natural and cultural experience with some exciting highs and relaxing lows.

• In the La Fortuna area, combining horseback riding with hanging bridges lets you experience both adventure, volcano views, and wildlife in a way that feels balanced and fulfilling.

High Season Is Short—Use It Well

High season offers some of the best conditions Costa Rica has to offer, but it also requires planning. Whether you prefer organizing everything yourself or want a stress-free experience where the details are handled for you, the key is thinking ahead.

If you decide to explore on your own, book early and plan carefully. If you’d rather focus on the experience instead of logistics, I’m always happy to help design a day—or a full itinerary—that makes the most of Costa Rica’s national parks while keeping the pace enjoyable.

National Park Website Information

National Park Bookings

High season is about clarity—clear skies, clear trails, and clear memories. Let’s make sure your time in Costa Rica is exactly that.

Pura Vida,

Freddy