National Parks of Costa Rica

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Costa Rica's Braulio Carrillo National Park, or Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, is set apart from other parks in Costa Rica by its diverse elevation, which range from near sea level at La Selva to over 2,906 meters at the top of the Barva Volcano. This elevation variance supports one of the most dense diversities of wildlife among Costa Rica's national parks. In Braulio Carrillo, the deep canyons, mighty rivers, and extreme mountains combined with wet weather conditions provide suitable habitat to jaguars, pumas, deer, over 500 bird species, monkeys (howler and capuchin), pacas, peccaries, and many other species which, altogether, constitute five different life zones, from tropical wet to cloud forest.

Named after the 3rd Costa Rican president and national benefactor Brauio Carillo, the park lies in one of the most rugged wilderness areas in the all of the country. The main road dividing the northeast to southwest parts of the park provides beautiful lookout views from the road. The most impressive features of the landscape are the towering volcanic mountains which include three extinct volcanoes. Barba Volcano, the highest (2,906 meters above sea level) is a strato-volcano with two lakes. Cacho Negro Peackat is a cone shaped volcano that rises 2,250 meters above sea level and is visible from the main road. The 3rd volcano, Zurqui Volcano, has many steep cones visible from the left-hand side of the road when entering from San Jose.

The land of Braulio National Park consists of thick evergreen forests that sustain more more than 5,000 different fauna. The lowland forest facing the Caribbean plain contains the largest and most varied of these plant species. This lowland forest is rich with fauna including: the heliconias, bromeliads and a species commonly known as poor man’s umbrella because of its huge leaves.

Quick Facts

Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the most accessible parks to arrive at from San José.

Size: 45,899 hectares
Elevation: ranges from the top of the Barva Volcano (2906m) to less than 50m in the Caribbean lowlands.
Life zones: the park represents five different life zones, a diversity which is attributed to the wide range of elevation which creates many different wildlife habitats.
Temperatures: at higher elevations, temperatures range from 15° to 22° C. Lower elevations in the Atlantic lowlands are warmer, usually from 22° to 30° C.
Rainfall: between 400 and 800 centimeters. Rains typically decrease during the months of March and April.

Attractions

Visitors to Braulio Carrillo National Park have several options, including climbing Barva or volcano Cacho Negro.

Nature lovers will discover that the park is also known as one of the most biologically diverse in Costa Rica, with a very rich canopy habitat. The park is also a great place for bird watchers, who can spot hundreds of species, including toucans, umbrella birds, trogons, guans, eagles, and the national bird of Costa Rica, the quetzal.

Be sure to ride the Aerial Tram, which allows travelers to get a unique view of the canopy and the flora and fauna which are difficult to see on foot trails. The tram ride includes a stop at a visitor's center as well as a small restaurant.

Location

Braulio Carrillo National Park is located approximately 25 kilometers north-east of San José, in the Heredia and San José Provinces of the Central Mountain Rangeand. Regular bus service is offered to and from San José. In addition, many buses stop right in front of the ranger station (a rare treat). Alternatively, travelers may hire a cab from San José for around $30-40 USD. Car rental are also available in San José.

More Info

• Opening hours: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tour operators in San José are available to arrange half and full-day tours.
• Theft in and around the park has been a problem in the past - join a tour or hike with a ranger if you have the opportunity, and be sure to lock up your vehicle if driving.
• It's wise to bring rain gear and comfortable, waterproof hiking boots.
• Cost: $7 USD
• Map of Braulio Carrillo National Park