National Parks of Costa Rica

Barra Honda National Park

Costa Rica's Barra Honda National Park is home to 42 different caves, half of which have been fully explored. The park stands amidst Costa Rica's beautiful tropical zone where the Nicoya Peninsula joins the mainland.

Ranging from just a couple meters to nearly 250 meters deep, the caverns of Barra Honda National park are sure to impress. The deepest cavern in the park, the Santa Ana, drops nearly 250 meters below the surface. Although most caves are closed to the public for safety reasons, there is much to explore in the Barra Honda National Park. The Terciopelo cavern will challenge the most seasoned spelunkers with its steep vertical descent, and inspire visitors with its awesome formations. Spelunkers will need climbing gear and advance permission from the park service in order to enter.

In addition to caving, Barra Honda is a well suited to wildlife discovery. Literally hundreds of bird species call the park home, as well as howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, armadillos and anteaters.

Barra Honda National Park is also home to Barra Honda Peak, which rises more than a 450 meters above sea level (around 300 meters above the surrounding plains). Well-maintained hiking trails offer scenic vistas of the Pacific ocean and surrounding plains.

Quick Facts

Weather: hot and dry during the dry season of January-April, warm and humid during the rainy season of May-December.
Size: roughly 2,297 hectacres (5,005 acres) or 23 square kilometers
Elevation: ranges from sea level to 440 meters
Habitat: Tropical lowland dry forest, pasture, limestone caves

Attractions

The main attraction at Barra Honda National Park is the intricate network of pristine limestone caverns. The caves are home to abundant wildlife, including bats, birds, blindfish, salamanders, and snails. On a daily basis, local guides take visitors to the Terciopelo Cave. Spelunkers are required to wear harnesses for safety. For less than $30 USD, visitors can rent equipment and join the tour. However, park admission ($7 USD) is not included.

In addition, visitors can climb Barra Honda peak from the northwest by following the 3 kilometer Los Laureles trail. At the summit, you'll be thoroughly impressed with the spectacular views of the Tempisque valley and the Gulf of Nicoya. Wildlife in the area includes howler monkeys, coatis, deer, many bird species, and iguanas. Hikers are required to be accompanied by local guides.

Location

The Barra Honda National Park is located approximately 20 km north-east of the city of Nicoya, in the region of Guanacaste. The park lies in the Barra Honda area of Tempisque Basin, where the Nicoya Peninsula meets mainland Costa Rica.

Lodging

The main ranger station offers four rustic cabins with bunks for six to eight people. Outside the park, Nicoya is the nearest lodging alternative with several options. There is also a camping area near the ranger station for visitors who bring their own tents.

Amenities

The Barra Honda Ranger Station is open from 8am to dusk, and offers maps, restrooms and potable water.

Climbing gear is available from the park rangers.

A local tourism association offers park guides and runs a restaurant and lodge near the park's entrance. For food and/or lodging during the weekend, it is advised to make reservations in advance.

When to go

The caves remain closed to visitors during the wet season due to flooding hazards. For spelunkers, the dry season is best.

More info

• Park entrance fee: $7 USD
• Hours: The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until dusk
• Advance reservations are required for spelunking.
• Map of Barra Honda National Park