costa rica national parks reserves braulio carrillo costa rica

Braulio Carrillo National Park is the most extensive park within the central region of Costa Rica, and includes the Barva Volcano, Bajo la Hondura and Cacho Negro Peak. Covering approximately 113,415 acres, it is situated just north of San Jose (20 km, or 12 miles), in one of the most rugged and wet areas of the country. Infact, is serves as a key watershed protection area, serving a large percentage of those living in the Central Valley region. Almost the entire region is formed by high mountains densely covered with forests and countless rivers. The park contains two extinct volcanoes-Cacho Negro, highly visible because of its conic shape, and Barva, which has several craters. Barva Lake is circular in shape and some 70 meters in diameter. The Las Marias Peaks, clearly visible from San Jose, are the remains of a calderic structure.

Braulio Carrillo bears the name of the country's third Chief of State, who in 1839 believed it was necessary to open a road that would connect the Bay of Moín with the country's capital of San Jose. The Braulio Carrillo highway between San Jose and Guápiles was opened in 1987. In order to protect the biological areas which surrounded this road, the National Park was established on April 15th, 1987.

Braulio Carrillo's highest point is Barva Volcano, with an altitude of 2906 m (9,535 ft.). Some of the largest craters contain rainfed lakes named Barva, Danta, and Copey with diameters of 70, 500, and 40 meters (230, 1,641, 131 feet).

Containing seven ecological life zones, the parks vegetation consists of a densely packed evergreen forest with a wide variety of flowers; some 6000 plant species. The tallest and most species rich forests are found in the lowest regions; including the Bitterwood, Yemeriwood, Copal, Cedro Maria, and Manu trees. In the middle altitude areas, tree species include the Sweet Cedar, Beefwood, Punch-Berry and Ardillo. In the higher altitudes, around 2,500 m (8,200 ft.) cloud forest species like the Small Cypress, Winter Park, Bullbay and White Oak are quite common.

A wide variety and abundance of animagle is present throughout the park. Approximately 135 mammal species, including 73 species of bats; 5 cats; and three monkey species. Other mammels commonly found are the tapir, paca, sloth, peccary, and white-tailed deer. As to birds, 347 species have been spotted, including the resplendent quetzal, Great Green Macaw, Toucan, Umbrellabird, and numerous species of hummingbirds. Several types of frogs and toads are frequently encountered throughout the park, in addition to infamous bushmaster, the largest poisonous snake in the continent.

Special Considerations
The park has three different entrance points, two of which are located on the San José to Guápiles highway. Two trails exist at the parks first entrance (Zurqui) and are called "Los Niños" and "Los Guarumos". Presently, only the "Los Niños" trail is open to the public and is only approximately 700 meters long; quite a short trail. At the second entrance off the highway is the Quebrada Gonzáles entrance (see map above), at which there are three trails open to the publice, "Las Palmas", "Botarrama" and "El Ceibo". "Las Palmas" is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) and takes about 1:30 minutes. Across the street is the entrance to "El Ceibo" which is a shorter trail and takes about 1 hour to complete. A trail map can be obtained at this office, however, they are in Spanish, none were available in English. The map contains 12 specific points which relate to something on the trail; a guide would be able to explain these points of interest.

Braulio Carrillo National Park is forever immersed in clouds and mist. The parks third entrance is situated alongside Volcán Barva, with the Barva and Copey lakes being the principal attractions. Camping is only permited in the Volcán Barva area. The very cool, wet and raw atmosphere demands proper attire while hiking within the park. Rainwear, hiking boots and a sweater is highly recommended throughout the year. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m seven days a week.

How To Get There
By Car - In order to arrive at either of the two entrance points off the San Jos e - Guapiles highway, take the auto-pista north of San Jose en route to Limon. The first entrance to Braulio Carrillo National Park is only 20 km (12 miles) from San Jose. The entrance is on the right side of the road and is approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the toll booth (200 colones for automobiles). For those interested in entering using the Quebrada Gonzáles entrance, continue along the same road for approximatley 22 km (13.2 miles), or about 2 km (1.3 miles) after crossing Rio Sucio; the entrance is on the right hand side.

By Bus - Transportation to Braulio Carrillo National Park depends on which entrance you intend to use. The most common entrance is along the Guápiles Highway, en route to Guápiles and/or Limon. Shortly after the toll booth, a ranger station resides on the right side on the highway (puesto Carrillo). Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the park. For those who prefer to visit the Barra Volcano, located on the far west side of the park, you must take a scheduled bus from Heredia to Sacramento, via Porrosati. There are several buses which run throughout the day.