The 4,700-hectare Carara Biological Reserve occupies a unique position at the transition zone between tropical moist forest and tropical wet forest in the Pacific lowlands. Though most of the vegetation in the reserve remains evergreen and is characteristic of the wet forest life zone, there are a number of species that lose their leaves during the dry season, showing their affinity to the drier climate found north of the reserve.

Carara's main attraction for most visitors is its wildlife, and star billing goes to the scarlet macaw. These large, raucous members of the parrot family add a bright splash of primary colors to the overall green of the rain forest, although at times it is amazing how difficult they can be to see in a leafy tree. It is estimated that about 150 of these blatant birds feed and nest in the reserve. When not brooding eggs or young, they roost in mangroves several kilometers away.

In addition to this and other colorful tropical species, the forest is home to many somber-hued bird species that often travel together in mixed flocks that are a true delight (and challenge!) to birdwatchers. Of the many kinds of birds that can be found in such flocks, a few of the more common ones are the Black-hooded Antshrike, Dot-winged Antwren, Long-billed Gnatwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird, and Lesser Greenlet.

Although the reserve is too small to provide sufficient territory to the larger cats, it does maintain populations of Margay, Ocelot, and Jaguarundi. Collared Peccaries, Central American Agoutis, Banded Anteaters, and White-nosed Coatis may be spotted as they go about their daily routines

Reptiles and amphibians are well-represented in Carara, though most species are either cryptic or nocturnal and therefore not readily seen. Of the frogs, one species that is fairly common and active during the day is the Harlequin Poison-dart Frog, a handsome creature that is charcoal black with fluorescent green markings. On sunny mornings, whiptail lizards are frequently encountered along the forest trails basking in flecks of light that reach down through the canopy to the ground.

A truly memorable spectacle is standing by the Tarcoles River bridge before sunset and watching the Scarlet Macaws fly out to roost (literally flying into the sunset). Shortly after dawn, the birds make the return flight back to the reserve. While at the bridge, scan the river banks for American Crocodiles. These grotesque-looking reptiles are very abundant along this stretch of the river and the biggest ones can measure nearly 4 meters.

Getting there: From San José, take the PanAmerican Highway west to the Atenas exit, and follow the old highway through the mountains to the town of Orotina where you rejoin a more modern highway. Take the Jacó turnoff and follow this coastal highway south until you come to the bridge over the Tarcoles River. The reserve begins at the river, but the administration building is another three kilometers farther down the highway.

By car, it is less than two hours from San José to the reserve headquarters. Public buses going to Jacó or Quepos/Manuel Antonio will let you off at the reserve.

Climate: Hot and humid, even during most of the dry season which lasts from January through April. The forest transpires sufficient moisture to cause sporadic showers to fall occasionally in the dry months helping the vegetation to stay evergreen. At the height of the rainy season (August to October), portions of the reserve near the river and other smaller streams often become inundated from the heavy rains.

History: The existence of this marvelous example of tropical wet forest in the midst of an area that has otherwise been seriously altered by the effects of deforestation is owed to the fact that before being included in the national park system, Carara was part of a huge cattle ranch known as "El Coyolar." The ranch was so extensive that there apparently was never a need to cut the forest in this hilly "back 40."

When the ranch was taken over by the Costa Rican Land Reform Agency in the mid-1970's and parceled off in small farms, fortunately someone with foresight realized the ecological value of the forested sector and the area was declared a biological reserve to be administered by the young park service.

Ten years after its creation, Carara was still relatively unknown and seldom visited even though a paved highway passed right in front of it. However, as tourism has grown tremendously in the country, Carara is now one of the five most visited sites in the entire national park system.