Juan Castro Blanco National Park: Costa Rica's Water Sanctuary
Discover Costa Rica's 'Water Park': Juan Castro Blanco National Park, a haven for biodiversity, hiking, and pristine natural beauty.
Juan Castro Blanco National Park, also known as the 'Water Park,' is a vital sanctuary of biodiversity and water conservation in Costa Rica's Alajuela Province. It features cloud forests, volcanic hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna, offering a pristine escape for nature lovers.
A brief summary to Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco
- 7MH8+5PG, Valverde Vega, Alajuela Province, CR
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see wildlife and avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a light, waterproof jacket due to the changeable weather.
- A 4WD vehicle is recommended to access some trailheads, especially during the rainy season.
- Check the park's status before your visit, as it may be closed for conservation efforts or maintenance.
- Bring your own camping equipment if you plan to camp, and obtain camping permits at the park entrance.
Getting There
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Car
From San José, take the Inter-American Highway (Route 1) northwest to Naranjo. Continue through Zarcero towards Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos). The park entrance is located east of Ciudad Quesada. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season, as some roads can be muddy. Parking is available near the visitor center. Note that there may be limited or no public transportation options directly to the park entrance.
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Bus
From San José, take a bus to Ciudad Quesada. Transportes San Carlos operates buses from San José to San Juan de Lajas in Ciudad Quesada. From Ciudad Quesada, you can take a taxi to the park entrance, which is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the city. The bus fare from San José to Ciudad Quesada is approximately $4-6 USD, and the journey takes around 3 hours and 52 minutes. A taxi from Ciudad Quesada to the park may cost around $20-30 USD.
Discover more about Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
El Picadero Smokehouse
9.4 km
Savor authentic Costa Rican barbecue at El Picadero Smokehouse in San Rafaelillo, Alajuela. Experience smoky flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Restaurante Las Hortensias
9.7 km
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Catedral San Carlos Borromeo
11.7 km
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WINJO
12.5 km
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Albergue El Socorro
18.8 km
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San Antonio de la Cueva
20.0 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of San Antonio de la Cueva, a captivating landmark in Costa Rica's Alajuela Province.
ATV La Finca
20.7 km
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Espíritu Santo Coffee Tour
21.0 km
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Rancho Huetar
21.4 km
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La Finca Azul
22.1 km
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Catarata poza azul
23.8 km
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Hacienda Pozo Azul
24.5 km
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Sarapiqui Outdoor Center - Costa Rica
24.8 km
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Matiz Restaurante
25.0 km
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Muelle de San Carlos
25.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Parque Nacional Del Agua
0.0 km
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Hostel Water National Park Juan Castro Blanco
4.3 km
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Catarata del Toro
7.2 km
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Blue Falls of Costa Rica
7.3 km
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Finca San Rafael, Bajos del Toro
7.7 km
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Cataratas Finca Dos Ríos
7.8 km
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Catarata vuelta del cañon
8.0 km
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Parador Fotográfico Bajos del Toro Amarillo
8.0 km
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Catarata La Turquesa
8.0 km
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Finca Bajos del toro ABG
8.1 km
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Bajos del Toro
8.1 km
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Tesoro Escondido Waterfall
8.1 km
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Entrada Bajos Del Toro
8.4 km
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Mariposario Alas del Destino Butterfly Garden
11.2 km
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Pozas La Presa
11.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Restaurante El Patio
10.8 km
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El Tucanito Lounge & Restaurant
11.2 km
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Restaurante Coca Loca
11.9 km
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TOAST Café & Tea shop
12.1 km
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Raul Castaño Plaza San Carlos
12.6 km
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Cabinas y Restaurante KA Y KO
13.2 km
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Soda Doña Nena
16.4 km
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Donde Macha bar y restaurante
18.6 km
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Soda Beto´s
18.6 km
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Tico´s Fogón
19.5 km
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Restaurante La Hacienda
22.0 km
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Restaurante Muelle
22.8 km
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El Tronco
25.6 km
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Restaurante Jardín del Río
25.9 km
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Katira Restaurant
26.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Best Brands San Carlos
11.9 km
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Hana's Boutique
12.0 km
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Plaza San Carlos
12.7 km
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Tienda Sandora
12.7 km
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Boutique Famaris
12.7 km
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Plaza El Encuentro
12.9 km
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Torre Fuerte Sublimacion
18.2 km
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Lovely Store
21.2 km
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Usa Store Costa Rica
23.0 km
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Super Muelle San Carlos
25.4 km
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Souveniry Artesanias Leo
25.7 km
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Agricenter
25.7 km
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Nayudel
28.0 km
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Super Los Picas
29.1 km
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AUFRADA STYLE
29.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Grindstone Ranch San Carlos
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Bar Monterrey (Donde Cusco)
11.3 km
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El Vago Ciudad Quesada
12.4 km
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Bar y Restaurante El Rinconcito
17.9 km
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Bar KFL Campana
17.9 km
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La Monarca Bar-Restaurante
20.6 km
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Bar El Establo
21.6 km
Experience the lively ambiance and local flavors at Bar El Establo, the perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment in Platanar de Florencia.
Bar Beto
21.6 km
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Bar Restaurante Mi Rancho
22.2 km
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Taberna Kynos
23.9 km
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Ruma, Bar Y Restaurante
25.1 km
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Los Acostados
25.9 km
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Bar Y Restaurante El Higueron
26.1 km
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Bar Y Rest Botecito
26.6 km
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Terra Disco Bar
31.4 km
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