There are more than 750 plant species in this transition zone between the dry north and the humid south, one of the most remarkable in the country. In the indigenous Huetar language, its name means the river of lizards. First established as a biological reserve in 1978, it was in 1998 that the area was declared a national park. In the northeast of the reserve, which covers 4,700 hectares, there are marshes that are home to wading birds and reptiles. Carara National Park is world-renowned for its birdwatching. The reserve is particularly important for the lapa roja ( scarlet macaw), which is one of the last habitats in the entire American continent - a species unfortunately in danger of extinction. To see or at least hear its distinctive call, visit in the early afternoon. There are two routes for visitors; the shorter one, unfortunately a bit close to the road, takes about three quarters of an hour through the thick forest. For these two tours, cover yourself well, especially your legs and ankles: the insects are ferocious. You can see this already when you pay the entrance fee. In addition to these two marked trails, other personalized tours can be taken with a guide. The best observation is early in the morning. As for the climate, the temperatures vary between 24 and 34°C depending on the season and the rainfall in the park is about 3,100 mm per year.

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