10 Best National Parks in Central America for Nature and Wildlife
Discover the best national parks in Central America for hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife you won’t want to miss when visiting the region.
Central America National Parks is one of the best places in the world to see tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and rare wildlife — all packed into seven small countries.
Whether you're planning a nature trip to Costa Rica, hiking through Guatemala, or looking for quiet waterfalls in Panama, the region is filled with protected parks where nature is still raw and untouched. Below are the best national parks in Central America for hiking, wildlife, and lush jungles with volcano views.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica — and once you go, you’ll understand why. It’s small, but packed with wildlife and ocean views. You can see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and colorful birds, all within a short walk from the entrance. Some trails even lead you right to white-sand beaches.
The park is located near the town of Quepos, just a few hours from San José. It's super popular, so it’s best to go early in the day before the crowds show up.
Highlights
- White-sand beaches surrounded by rainforest
- Sloths, capuchin monkeys, toucans, and more
- Short, easy trails perfect for beginners
Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Tikal is not just a national park — it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous ancient Mayan cities in the world. Located in the jungle of northern Guatemala, this park is filled with massive temples, pyramids, and wildlife like howler monkeys and toucans.
The best time to visit is early morning, when the ruins are quiet and the mist is still hanging in the trees. You’ll often hear monkeys calling in the distance as you climb ancient stone stairs for views above the forest canopy.
Highlights
- Famous Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle
- One of the best places for birdwatching in Central America
- Towering temples you can climb
Additional Attractions
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
If you want to hike around a volcano, this is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. The park is filled with lava fields, rainforest, and natural hot springs nearby.
There are several well-marked trails that offer great views of the volcano and the lake. The nearby town of La Fortuna has everything you need for a relaxing trip, including spas, restaurants, and waterfalls.
Highlights
- Scenic volcano views and lava trails
- Hot springs and waterfalls nearby
- Great place for hiking and birdwatching
Coiba National Park, Panama
Coiba National Park is one of Panama’s most remote and wild national parks — perfect if you’re into scuba diving, snorkeling, or just want to get off the grid. This park is actually a group of islands, with Coiba Island being the biggest. It used to be a prison island, but now it’s part of a marine reserve that protects hundreds of rare fish and coral species.
Because of its location, you’ll need to take a boat tour to get there, but it’s worth the effort. You might even spot whales, dolphins, or sea turtles on the way.
Highlights
- One of the best scuba diving spots in Central America
- Pristine coral reefs and sea life
- Remote beaches and dense forests
Cerro Verde National Park, El Salvador
Cerro Verde National Park, in western El Salvador, offers some of the best volcano views in the region. It’s home to three major volcanoes — Izalco, Ilamatepec (also known as Santa Ana), and Cerro Verde itself.
The Santa Ana volcano hike is especially popular and leads you up to a bright green crater lake. The trails here are fairly well-maintained and not too difficult, making this a great day trip for nature lovers and casual hikers.
Highlights
- Hike up an active volcano with a crater lake
- Cooler weather and cloud forest trails
- Views of Lake Coatepeque from the top
Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, Nicaragua
Indio Maiz is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Central America and also one of the least visited. Located in southeastern Nicaragua, the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve is full of dense rainforest, rivers, and wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, and manatees.
It’s best accessed by boat from the town of San Juan de Nicaragua. Because it’s so remote, guided tours are the best way to explore this wild part of the country.
Highlights
- Jungle full of rare animals and birds
- Rivers and wetlands great for boat trips
- Less crowded and off the tourist trail
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica
Technically a reserve, not a national park — but Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve deserves a spot on this list. It’s one of the most famous cloud forests in the world. High up in the mountains of Costa Rica, this place feels like another planet, with constant mist, hanging moss, and bright orchids everywhere.
You can walk across hanging bridges through the treetops, spot rare birds like the resplendent quetzal, and even do ziplining if you’re feeling adventurous.
Highlights
- World-famous cloud forest and canopy bridges
- Tons of bird species, including quetzals
- Cool mountain air and lush scenery
Parque Nacional La Tigra, Honduras
Just outside the capital of Tegucigalpa, La Tigra National Park is a hidden gem. It’s Honduras’ first national park and offers peaceful hiking trails, waterfalls, and cloud forest scenery. It’s cooler here thanks to the altitude, and it’s a great place for spotting orchids, butterflies, and tropical birds.
This park is perfect for a half-day trip if you’re visiting the capital and want a quick nature escape.
Highlights
- Peaceful cloud forest and mountain trails
- Good for hiking and birdwatching
- Easy day trip from Tegucigalpa
Darien National Park, Panama
Darien National Park, in eastern Panama, is one of the wildest and most remote places in Central America. It’s home to jaguars, harpy eagles, and indigenous communities. Because of how remote it is, most people visit with a guide, and you won’t find much in the way of facilities or signs.
If you're looking for a truly off-the-grid adventure, this is it. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Remote rainforest and wildlife habitat
- Indigenous culture and traditional villages
- One of the least developed parks in the region
El Imposible National Park, El Salvador
Known for it's steep cliffs, and rugged trails, El Imposible National Park is a dream for serious hikers. The park’s name means “The Impossible,” which came from how hard it was to cross the terrain before trails were built. Now, it’s much more accessible and full of birds, butterflies, and rare plants.
It’s located in the Ahuachapán region and is a favorite weekend spot for Salvadorans looking to get into the mountains.
Highlights
- Challenging hikes and scenic views
- Rare birds and wild orchids
- Remote and peaceful mountain forests
Sara Miller