Carara National Park, on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, is one of the easiest places anywhere to see wild scarlet macaws, which fly noisily between the forest and the Tarcoles river mouth. Dawn and dusk are best, when the flaming red, blue and yellow birds cross overhead in pairs on the drive between San Jose and the beaches. They are resident year-round, with clear dry-season mornings from December to April the most reliable.
Carara National Park, on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, is one of the easiest places anywhere to see wild scarlet macaws, which fly noisily between the forest and the Tarcoles river mouth. Dawn and dusk are best, when the flaming red, blue and yellow birds cross overhead in pairs on the drive between San Jose and the beaches. They are resident year-round, with clear dry-season mornings from December to April the most reliable.
Up to 82% sighting chance in Carara National Park (Tarcoles), Costa Rica. Best months: January, February, December.
The scarlet macaw, a large red, blue and yellow macaw, seen flying between the forest and the Tarcoles river mouth.
Dawn and dusk, when the macaws commute between roosts and feeding areas; dry-season mornings, December to April, are clearest.
Yes, macaws are often seen flying over the Tarcoles bridge and coast road for free, though the park trails offer the best forest birding.
Carara National Park entry runs around 10 to 12 USD per adult (2026 prices).
