Costa Rica’s national parks protect one of the most biologically diverse landscapes on Earth, safeguarding tropical rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and marine ecosystems across the country. Managed by the National System of Conservation Areas, the park system forms the backbone of Costa Rica’s globally recognized conservation efforts. Notable parks include Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its rainforest-lined beaches and abundant wildlife, and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, widely considered one of the most biologically intense places on the planet. Other parks such as Arenal Volcano National Park protect active volcanic landscapes and surrounding forests. Together, Costa Rica’s national parks preserve critical habitat for thousands of species while supporting a thriving ecotourism industry centered on wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploration of the country’s remarkable natural environments.

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