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 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 of Braulio Carillo National Park
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 6,000 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 we sometimes see in the park are White-faced Capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and Black Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliate). Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), Jaguar (Panthera onca) and ocelots (Felis pardalis) also live here but are seldom seen.
Exploring the Braulio Carillo National Park & la Selva Research Station
The best way to explore the area is in forests adjoining the park, at the famous La Selva Research Station. Here we arrange privately guided walks.
For forests immersion in the Braulio Carillo park itself, we can take you on an innovative cable car through the forest. This provides some wonderful vista of trees and mountains. For more vista besides, we can take you on a series of exhilarating zip lines through the forest here too.
