Braulio Carrillo National Park
Heredia
Braulio Carrillo National Park is a large protected area spanning Heredia, Cartago, Limón, and San José provinces in central Costa Rica. Established in 1978, the park preserves a vast expanse of primary rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems along the volcanic Cordillera Central mountain range. It features notable geological landmarks including the Barva Volcano and several dormant volcanoes like Cerro Chompipe and Cerros las Tres Marias. The park’s diverse altitude range, reaching up to 3,000 meters, supports extraordinary biodiversity with over 600 tree species, more than 530 bird species, and 135 mammal species recorded. Its habitats include the Talamancan montane forests and the Isthmian–Atlantic moist forests, contributing to its ecological significance. Visitors can explore hiking trails ranging from short panoramic routes to challenging multi-day treks, although the park is less developed and less frequented than other Costa Rican parks. Ranger stations at Quebrada Gonzales and Barva provide essential visitor amenities such as drinking water and sanitary facilities. Braulio Carrillo National Park offers a wild, immersive nature experience with opportunities to encounter rare species like the elusive Pristimantis altae frog and the venomous bushmaster snake.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Braulio Carrillo National Park is during the dry season to avoid challenging trail conditions. Due to the park's limited maintenance and rugged terrain, visitors should prepare adequately with proper hiking gear and sufficient supplies. Purchasing tickets or permits in advance through official channels is recommended to ensure entry. Ranger stations at Quebrada Gonzales and Barva offer basic amenities, but visitors should be self-sufficient. Guided tours can enhance safety and wildlife spotting. Be aware that some trails are steep and can be strenuous, so plan hikes according to your fitness level.
Faits intéressants
- •The park covers approximately 108,970 acres, making it one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica.
- •It contains three crater lakes in the Barva sector: Barva, Danta, and Copey.
- •The park's altitude varies by about 3,000 meters, creating diverse ecological zones from cloud forest to tropical rainforest.
- •More than 90% of the park is covered by primary forest, a rarity in Central America.
- •It is home to over 530 bird species, including the solitary eagle and the bare-necked umbrellabird.
- •The venomous bushmaster snake, one of the largest vipers in the Americas, inhabits the park.
- •The Limon Highway, a major road connecting the capital to the Caribbean, bisects the park.
Histoire
Braulio Carrillo National Park was established in 1978 as a conservation effort following the construction of the Limon Highway, which bisects the park and connects San José with the Caribbean port of Puerto Limón.
The park was named after Braulio Carrillo, a former Costa Rican president who played a key role in early agricultural development and built the first road linking the capital to the Caribbean coast.
Over the decades, the park has preserved vast tracts of primary forest and volcanic landscapes, protecting critical watersheds and biodiversity.
Its creation marked a significant milestone in Costa Rica’s environmental conservation history, balancing infrastructure development with ecosystem protection.
Guide du lieu
Barva VolcanoHolocene
An active volcanic cone within the park featuring three crater lakes, known for its geological significance and scenic beauty.
Hiking Trails
Various trails ranging from short panoramic routes like Los Botarramas and El Ciebo to a challenging multi-day trek from Puesto Barva to La Selva Protected Zone.
Ranger Stations - Quebrada Gonzales and Barva
These stations provide essential visitor services including sanitary facilities and drinking water, serving as key access points to the park.
Contact
Téléphone: 2522 6500