The park is located in the Central Pacific Conservation Area near the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It was essentially established as a biological reserve but has now been upgraded to a national park. Carara lies about 30 miles west of the Costa Rican capital of San José and about 15 miles north of the beach town of Jacó. The park protects the river basin of the River Tárcoles. With the dense tree cover, it is home to many different species of birds and animals though they can be difficult to see at times. It is well developed and its universal footpath facilitates disabled people with the help of advanced technology.