Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of largest and most diverse National Parks in Costa Rica. Its 47,500 hectares are covered by over 90% primary rainforest with an altitudinal range of almost 3,000 meters.

You are likely to pass through Braulio Carrillo en route to many of the Caribbean forest and coastal areas of Costa Rica, including  the Tortuguero National Park and the Pacuare River.  Consequently, for privately arranged transfers, we try to allow sufficient time to walk in the park, to explore the nature of its forest and admire some stunning verdant mountain views.

The construction of the Guapiles highway which links San Jose to the Caribbean coast enables fast access to the park, but was also the contributing factor to its creation. The highway’s construction worried many conservationists because they were concerned that the link would encourage development in one of Costa Rica’s largest unprotected wildernesses. In 1978 an agreement was reached to create the Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is named after the country’s third President Braulio Carrillo Colina.

The park itself is divided into three main areas: Zurqui, Quebrada Gonzales and Barva. Interesting physical features of the area include its highest peak which is Barva Volcano at 2906m, its ethereal cloud forests and the stunning San Fernando Waterfall cascading 250 feet (76m).

Wildlife

Braulio Carrillo’s diverse habitats including lowland wet forest and highland cloud forest, is complemented by a varied assortment of wildlife. There are at least 400 recorded bird species, 135 mammal species, an abundance of frogs and toads surrounded by a mesmerizing flora of over 6000 plant species. Interesting bird species include the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), bare-necked umbrella birds (Cephalopterus glabricollis) and several scintillating hummingbirds and toucans. Mammal species you are likely to see in the park are White-faced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliate). Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), Jaguar (Panthera onca) and ocelots (Felis pardalis) also live here but are seldom seen.

Getting around

There are a few short trails in the park taking up to 2 ½ hours allowing a quick insight into park. An alternative is the Transect Trail which descends through 2900 meters and takes 4 days from the Barva Volcano to the famous La Selva Research station. In conjunction with the trails are tree canopy walks which are an excellent opportunity to view the park’s birdlife where they are most abundant. Another fascinating and fun way to view the park is by the unique sky tram which glides through the forest up to 52m from the ground.