La Cangreja National Park National Park

Costa Rican national park protecting cloud forests

La Cangreja National Park in San José Province protects lowland forest and waterfalls west of San José; hikers use marked trails to reach streams, observe wildlife and swim beneath falls.

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La Cangreja National Park at a Glance#

Address: La Cangreja National Park, San José Province, Costa Rica (nearest town: Puriscal)

Website: https://www.sinac.go.cr/

Hours: Daylight hours (no formal ticket booths)

Admission: Park entry may be subject to local fees; check with Costa Rica’s SINAC

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How to Get to La Cangreja National Park#

From San José, drive southwest on the Interamericana (Route 1) and follow signs toward Puriscal; from Puriscal local roads lead to trailheads for La Cangreja (expect a drive of 1-2 hours from Puriscal depending on road conditions). Some tour operators run day trips from San José; hiring a local guide is recommended for the ridge routes.

Tips for Visiting La Cangreja National Park#

  • Start early to avoid heat and clouds on the ridge trails - mornings bring clearer views.
  • Hire a local guide from Puriscal or nearby towns; trails can be steep and confusing in places.
  • Combine with a visit to nearby coffee estates - the drive from San José is scenic and revealing of rural life.

Best Time to Visit La Cangreja National Park#

Dry season (Dec-Apr) for the most reliable hiking conditions and clearer ridge views; rainy season offers richer forest but harder trails.

Dry season
December-April · 20-30°C (lower, cooler at higher elevation)
Best for hiking and ridge views; trails drier and more stable.
Green (rainy) season
May-November · 22-30°C
Lush vegetation and waterfalls at their fullest; expect muddy trails and afternoon storms.

Weather & Climate near La Cangreja National Park#

Climate

La Cangreja National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2619 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 55 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 15° - 26° 21° 19 mm mostly sunny 75% 4.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.5h
February Ideal 16° - 27° 21° 23 mm mostly sunny 69% 4.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.7h
March Ideal 16° - 28° 22° 30 mm mostly sunny 66% 4.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 17° - 28° 22° 84 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
May Good 17° - 27° 22° 314 mm overcast 82% 2.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
June Good 17° - 26° 21° 310 mm overcast 86% 2.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
July Good 17° - 26° 21° 273 mm overcast 86% 3.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.5h
August Good 16° - 26° 21° 386 mm overcast 86% 2.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.3h
September Good 16° - 26° 21° 377 mm overcast 87% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
October Good 16° - 25° 21° 420 mm overcast 89% 2.5 m/s 1.9 very high 11.8h
November Good 16° - 25° 21° 285 mm overcast 87% 2.9 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
December Excellent 16° - 26° 21° 98 mm partly cloudy 83% 3.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h