The best sighting we had though was a northern tamandua, a type of anteater! Puesto Barva Station is the starting point to climb to the small lake in the crater of the extinct volcn Barva (1 mile 1.6 km). Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the biggest and most diverse national parks in Costa Rica. As you head east from San Jos on the Gupiles Highway the Zurqu tunnel transports you from the modern world into the rainforest and cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park. A word of caution to motorists: cars left along the highway leading into the park have been vandalized on occasion. You'll find two main hiking trails at Zurqui Ranger Station. Barva Volcano presents several crater lakes: Barva, Danta and Copey. Make sure to remove all valuables from the car before your hike. Fun Fact: Braulio Carrillo has the most significant elevation variance of any of the national parks in Costa Rica. 3. With the high rainfall amounts, it is a good idea to come to Braulio Carrillo well prepared as trail conditions can be wet and muddy. 39259-MINAE, published in La Gaceta No. Subsequently, Executive Decrees No. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map, Protecting and conserving for the enjoyment of generations. Note: With the nearby highway, you will notice some noise from trucks and traffic. As Braulio Carrillo is so large and varies in elevation so significantly, the weather also varies considerably. @media (max-width: 772px) { A year later, to prevent unchecked destruction of the forest, Braulio Carrillo National Park was created by Executive Decree No. Misty hillsides are home to shy quetzals and boisterous howler monkeys; Caribbean lowlands hide colorful parrots amid lush vegetation. Some travel restrictions are being lifted in Costa Rica. Much like waves on a beach, the sound of traffic can help drown out your footsteps and let you sneak up on some of these amazing creatures. In contrast to most of the roads in Costa Rica, traffic on highway 32 flows with relatively little congestion due to the passing lanes provided on the uphill side. Basic maps are available. High elevations are marked by primary cloud forest that has grown undisturbed for thousands of years, or stands of ragged and windblown trees. Ranges from 35F (in the high altitudes) to Braulio Carrillo National Park is located northeast of San Jose and encompasses an impressive 47,689 hectares (117,842 acres). The Braulio Carrillo National Park is covered with great density of forest and a botanical diversity. Braulio Carrillo National Park has two sectors for public use: Quebrada Gonzlez and Barva Volcano, which both have visitor facilities. There are many challenging hiking options through Braulio Carrillo. The Guapiles highway, the Zurqui, runs right through the park. Costa Rica Destinations Central Highlands Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica Getting its name from Costa Rica's third president, Dr. Braulio Carrillo, the national park, full of tropical rainforest, spans northeast of the Central Valley. Named after Costa Ricas third Chief of State, Braulio Carrillo, who proposed the construction of the Guapiles highway, the park is one of the countrys least explored and most beautiful. Barva Volcano Sector: Located 16 km north of the city of Barva de Heredia, passing through the communities of San Jos de la Montaa and Sacramento. The scenery changes dramatically over short distances. 65 in 1888, increasing the parks size to 50,000 hectares. You can expect afternoon shower year round, and should always be ready for a downpour. From the short paths to overlooks and waterfalls to a trail that winds 32 miles (60 km) and drops nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) from Barva to La Selva, this park has something for everyone. Fly among and above the rainforest in the most exciting canopy zip-line course in the country. It was just this type of impact that conservationists had in mind when they petitioned the government to protect land surrounding the new highway. The landscape has high mountains covered with forests, canyons, volcanoes, and waterfalls. The park protects several habitats including cloud forest, rainforest, and river habitats. Check out what other travelers are saying about us! The trails are never crowded, but the highway nearly always is. Braulio Carrillo National Park is often overlooked by travelers, but those heading to the Caribbean coast will likely pass right through its bounding forests. This national park is named in honor of Braulio Carrillo, the third head of state who governed Costa Rica from 1837-1842. At the end of the day, just flag down a bus for the return journey. Driest in March and April while afternoon showers are the norm May through November. Rainfall and temperature correspondingly vary greatly. A year later, to prevent unchecked destruction of the forest, Braulio Carrillo National Park was created by Executive Decree No. Its maximum elevation is 2,906 MASL at the peak of Barva Volcano, and has a low temperature of 3 C and a high of 24 C. Due to the high altitudinal slope throughout the park, precipitation is highly varied, ranging from 2,500 mm on the slopes down to the Central Valley up to 5,734 mm on the Caribbean slope. Region: Central Mountains Closest town: San Jose, Heredia Size in hectares: 47,500 (117,375 acres) Year established: 1978 Elevation in meters: 36 2,900 (118 9,514 feet) Private managed: no Government managed: yes Rangers station: yes Overnight facilities: no Public restrooms: yes Entrance fee: $12pp Days: daily Hours: 08:00 - 16:00 Hiking trails: yes Boat tours: no Average temperature range in Fahrenheit: varies significantly based on elevation, but on average 60 80 Average yearly precipitation in millimeters: 6,000 (236 inches) Habitat: river, rainforest, cloud forest. However you can expect it to rain all year round in Braulio Carrillo, so dress accordingly! Braulio Carrillo National Park is located north of the Central Valley in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, between the Pos and Iraz volcanoes. Two of them, Quebrada Gonzales and Barva, provide sanitary facilities and drinking water for visitors. We checked into a really cute bed and breakfast called Casa Rio Blanco B&Bin the afternoon and had a wonderful dinner, cooked by the friendly owner, Annette, that night. The hiking trails from the main park entrance offer two routes, the Capulin or the Sendero Natural Botarrama. Barva Volcano sector: From San Jose, take Rt. It traverses a valley and climbs a small mountain. It takes about 4 days to get there. The last 4 km to the puesto (ranger station) is Visitors can glide above the canopy layer in one of twenty cable cars or zip through second-growth forest on a canopy tour, enjoying panoramic views and beautiful greenery. Latitude: N 10 14' 25.44"Longitude: W 84 0' 11.16". The primary forest has about 6.000 species of plants, half of Costa Rica's plant species. Even without leaving your car, the views are breathtaking, and one cant help but feel moved to try to conserve areas like this after traveling through. Barva Volcano Costa Rica Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. You can take a trip down the Sarapiqui, sail through the trees in a cloud forest or hike through the underbrush of a tropical rainforest. Camping ($2 + $8 park entrance fee) is highly recommended at the Barva Volcano ranger station, where an early morning start will assure you a timely ascent up the four- to five-hour trail to Barva Volcanos scenic summit. Because of the high diversity found in Braulio Carrillo National Park, it is hard to give an average for any weather condition. It is also adjacent to the La Selva Biological Station, one of the best field stations in the world. Trails are available from all three ranger stations. Braulio Carrillo National Park - Get Info, Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Driving Directions From San Jos, take Calle 3 out of town to where it becomes the Gupiles Highway (32) headed northeast. The park was established in 1978 to protect the rainforest and cloud forest within it from settlement and logging. Whitewater Rafting and Horseback Riding Combo. 2257-5961, Annual Rainfall: 4,500-8000 mmTemperature: Ranges from 59 F in the high altitudes to 90 F. Bird & wildlife watching, hiking, and climbing Barva Volcano are among the parks most popular activities. 2023 Thank you for visiting Pacific Trade Winds, Enter Costa Rica. Braulio Carrillo National Park is administered by the Conservation Area of the Central Mountain Range, because it protects the hydraulic resources that provide water to the entire Central Valley.Dense rainforest, tumbling waterfalls, towering volcanoes and rushing rivers fill the landscape of Costa Rica's second-largest national park, a green pa. Public Bus: Any bus going to Guapiles, Siquirres, or Puerto Viejo will pass the Zurqui Ranger Station where travelers can pay their entrance fee and proceed to the hiking trails. Large feline species include jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and margays. We checked into a really cute bed and breakfast called, Tortuga Island Catamaran: Beach & Snorkel Tour from Jaco, Monte de la Cruz: A Relaxing Locals Park in Heredia, Brisa Elegante: An Upscale Sailing Tour in Manuel Antonio. Dont miss your chance to visit Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park and Playa Cocles! It is part of the Central Conservation Area. Look for the large signs overhead that say Welcome to Braulio Carrillo National Park. After you see the sign, start to look for a smaller sign for the Quebrada Gonzalez sector anda parking lot and ranger station on the right side of the road. Those that are especially prone to insect bites (like Jenn) might want to wear long pants as well. Braulio Carrillo National Park has two sectors for public use: Quebrada Gonzlez and Barva Volcano, which both have visitor facilities. The Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the most extensive national parks in Costa Rica. Straddling four of the seven provinces of Costa Rica guarantees that the park has a varied and impressive array of plants, animals and ecological zones. Many tourists stop by the park on their way to Puerto Viejo in order to hike the trails or glide through the natural flora and fauna in an aerial tram. Inhabitants include more than 500 species of birds including resplendent quetzals, bare-necked umbrella bird, snowcap, brown-billed scythe bill, black-crowned antpitta, golden-browed chlorophonia, flame-throated warblers, long-tailed silky-flycatchers, yellow-eared toucanet, and latticed-tailed trogon. Quebrada Gonzalez sector: From San Jose, take Rt. #tvxIframe { This national park is named in honor of Braulio Carrillo, the third head of state who governed Costa Rica from 1837-1842. Farther to the west, the Barva ranger station is easiest to access by exiting San Jose via Heredia, then continuing north to Birri, Porrosati, Barva and Sacramento on 114. From Limon: Connect with Route 32 going northwest to Guapiles and San Jose. Enjoy alongside your family and friends the spectacular Atlantic rainforest private reserve within the confines of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, by doing different enjoyable activities like: aerial tram, zip-lining, adrena-line, butterfly garden, terrariums, a naturalistic guided walk and a visit to our hanging bridge. Some parts of the park receive up to 6,000 mm or 236 inches of precipitation annually, so be prepared for rain. Make sure to remove all valuables from the car before your hike. It spans at least five different habitat zones and is home to over six thousand different types of plant life. We believe in sustainable tourism, are ICT certified and in perfect standing with the following organizations. Lying in Costa Ricas lush and beautiful Central Valley, this national park is easily accessible from San Jose. Including the greatest altitudinal range of any Costa Rican park. Camping ($2 + $8 park entrance fee) is highly recommended at the Barva Volcano ranger station, where an early morning start will assure you a timely ascent up the four- to five-hour trail to Barva Volcanos scenic summit. Free WiFi access is available in all areas. The highest peak in the park is 9,534 feet. Our Costa Rica packing list has plenty more ideas. The main ranger station is Zurqu, on the right (driving away from San Jos) just north of the tunnel. Enjoy the spectacular Atlantic rainforest within Braulio Carrillo Park, located just 45 minutes from San Jose, alongside your family and friends, by doing activities such as an aerial tram, zip-line, adrena-line, butterflies and terrariums, a guided walk and a hanging bridge tour. Quebrada Gonzlez Sector: Located 42 km northeast of the capital, you can reach the Quebrada Gonzlez Sector of the Braulio Carrillo National Park by taking Highway 32 toward the city of Limn. $$ Check Price Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jos $$$ Check Price Braulio Carrillo National Park Braulio Carrillo is one of the most easily accessible national parks in the region, as there is a highway that runs virtually right through the park. At times, it feels like you are hiking along a steep riverbed. The Braulio Carrillo National Park is covered with great density of forest and a botanical diversity. The hiking trails are the main event in Braulio Carrillo. Fortunately, we had much better luck with mammals. The highest point in the park is the Brava Volcano, which extends 2906 meters above sea level. Visiting Braulio Carrillo National Park Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the biggest and most diverse national parks in Costa Rica. Covering 50,000 hectares, Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica, located in one of the countrys steepest topographical regions. The lowest point in the park is in the Caribbean lowlands of La Selva, at 36 meters. Braulio Carrillo National Park is managed by the government of Costa Rica. Also check out the unofficial park mascot, the tepezcuintle (Lowland paca). It is part of the Central Conservation Area . Unsure of what to do? Rainforest Aerial Tram Tel. Use the drop down menu to select any month of the year for a summary of the typical rainfall and weather patterns. Were Matt & Jenn, a couple who left Boston to pursue a dream of traveling, living, and starting a family in Costa Rica. Primary cloud forest and More than 90% of the park is covered in primary forest.[2]. The park is separated into three main sectors Zurqu, Quebrada Gonzales, and Barva. If you prefer a warmer route, stick to the lowlands on the east side of the park. Reptiles in residence include two of the most venomous snakes in the world: the fer-de-lance and the bushmaster, the largest venomous snake on the continent. Do not take any rocks or plants with you when you leave. On the way up you ride a few meters off the ground in the understory and lower canopy, on the return trip the ride is through the treetops as much as fifty meters (170 feet) off the ground. January 16, 2014 by Monirul. With rugged high mountains, lush primeval forests, two extinct volcanoes, beautiful waterfalls, meandering rivers and a stunning cloud forest, this park is a nature lovers delight. We recommend hiking boots if you do any trails other than the very easy Ceibo trail. The highway is the reason that this area was protected (see established). Overwhelmed on Where to go in Costa Rica? 8357 on April 15, 1978, and ratified by Law No. Day trips from San Jose can be arranged with the park. A highlight of any visit to the area is the privately-owned Rainforest Aerial Tram, located in the heart of the rainforest near the eastern side of the park. Less commonly seen are tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, pacas, coyote and white-tailed deer. In 1977, construction began on the current San Jos-Guapiles highway. Braulio Carrillo National Park is home to three ranger stations, which offer picnic facilities, camping and knowledgeable rangers: If you enjoy hiking, Braulio Carrillo National Park is an ideal place to visit. 157 to 315 inches (4,000 to 8,000 mm) of rainfall annually. Braulio Carrillo National Park is located in the Central Mountains of Costa Rica, northeast of San Jose. Misty hillsides are home to shy quetzals and boisterous howler monkeys; Caribbean lowlands hide colorful parrots amid lush vegetation. Braulio Carrillo National Park is names after the third president of Costa Rica, who was active in the conservation movement and helped develop Costa Rica into a coffee production powerhouse. The Capulin is a little over an hour hike and can be steep at some points. Over 6,000 plant species, including the caoba, oak, gavilan and ceiba, can be found in the primary forest. Its bisected by one of the busiest highways in Costa Rica, but if you walk a hundred yards to either side you are enveloped in another time. Geography [ edit] The park is located on the volcanic Cordillera Central (Central mountain range) between San Jos city and Puerto Limn on the Caribbean. In the lower areas, daytime temperatures are often in the mid-80s and nighttime temps in the 70s. hydroelectric project, which supplies water to a large portion of the The Carrillo station is also on the highway, 26 miles from San Jose. height: 410px; A park of considerable importance, the Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo (as it is officially known) protects many of the streams that flow through the Central Valley as they originate from here. Braulio Carrillo National Park expands over 110,000 acres. Whenever you go to this park you will find that the vast majority of people are just passing through. The park contains many notable geological features, such as the Barva Volcano; and several dormant volcanoes including Cerro Chompipe, Cerro Cacho Negro, and Cerros las Tres Marias. Dense rainforest, tumbling waterfalls, towering volcanoes and rushing rivers fill the landscape of Costa Rica's second-largest national park, a green paradise just 30 minutes from busy San Jose. Top Six Extra Things to Pack on Your Next Trip Abroad, Ten Things to do on the beach in Manuel Antonio, High speeds, high waves, high in the air over Manuel Antonio, In-shore fishing off the coast of Manuel Antonio, Protecting the kinkajous in Manuel Antonio, The Top 5 Reasons I love living in Tamarindo, Naturalized Costa Rican Citizenship by Marriage, The Zurqui Ranger Station, 14 miles north of San Jose along the Guapiles Highway, Carrillo (Quebrada Gonzalez) Ranger Station, also accessible via the Guapiles Highway, Barva Volcano Ranger Station, best reached by traveling through San Jose de La Montana, north of Heredia. The closest city is San Jose, though there are several towns around the perimeter of the park. La Selva is located in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and hosts hundreds of scientists to conduct tropical rainforest research and promote preservation and conservation. Others in the park include the Hondura River, Patria River, and the mineral-colored Scio River. More than five hundred species of migratory and resident birds have been sighted in the park, among them gold finches, hummingbirds, scarlet-rumpled tanagers, and resplendent quetzals. Braulio Carrillo National Park contains 84% of primary forest and altitude-wise it ranges from 36m (118ft) at La Selva to 2906m (9535ft) at the summit of the Barva Volcano, the greatest altitudinal range of any Costa Rican national park. In 2015, Executive Decree No. 8.2. The best time to visit the Braulio Carrillo National Park is in March and April, when there is less rain. }. Its maximum elevation is 2,906 MASL at the peak of Barva Volcano, and has a low temperature of 3 C and a high of 24 C. Due to the high altitudinal slope throughout the park, precipitation is highly varied, ranging from 2,500 mm on the slopes down to the Central Valley up to 5,734 mm on the Caribbean slope. The park was established in 1978 to protect the rainforest and cloud forest within it from settlement and logging. El Ceibo Trail is across the highway from the parking lot (be careful when crossing the busy road) and starts at a well-marked wooden gate. The station is two miles northeast of Sacramento on a dirt trail. The other trail, Sendero Natural Botarrama, is not as rigorous as the Capulin, and is recommended for hikers of a novice level. Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of. Braulio Carrillo National Park is very close to San Jose, making it a great day trip. #tvxIframe { height: 205px; /* height: 250px; */ } This is an open gondola that takes you on a two level tour of the rainforest canopy. Route 32 is the main highway leading to the Caribbean coast from San Jose and its construction in the 1970s actually led to the creation of the park. Get up to 30% off Hotels & Resorts worldwide compared to other major booking sites like Expedia and Priceline with our exclusive pricing 1996-2023 costarica.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Limn. Map Directions Satellite Photo Map Wikivoyage Wikipedia Photo: Nulldevice, GFDL. You'll find two main hiking trails at Zurqui Ranger Station. Over 150 species of mammals including howler and white faced capuchin monkeys, tapirs, Deppes squirrel, white-nosed coati, northern tamandua, jaguars, white-tailed deer, ocelots, pacas, raccoons, and peccaries also invite you to explore their home in Costa Rica. 334 Reviews #7 of 100 things to do in San Jose Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, More North Of San Jose 19 km, San Jose 10104, Costa Rica Save Rainforest Adventures in Costa Rica Aerial Tram Tour Braulio Carrillo 37 Book in advance from $70.30 per adult Check availability View full product details 266kimberleys Miami, Florida 140 111 Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica with 50.000 hectares and is located in one of the areas with the steepest topography of the country. Braulio Carrillo National Park is a national park in Heredia Province and San Jos Province, in central Costa Rica. It traverses a valley and climbs a small mountain. More than five hundred species of migratory and resident birds have been sighted in the park, among them gold finches, hummingbirds, scarlet-rumpled tanagers, and resplendent quetzals. Braulio Carrillo National Park Costa Rica Mexico and Central America Hotels Expedia.com Plan your trip Lodging near Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica Stay close to nature from $42 Check-in Check-out Guests Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. The park is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, and over 500 species of birds. Quebrada Gonzlez Sector: Located 42 km northeast of the capital, you can reach the Quebrada Gonzlez Sector of the Braulio Carrillo National Park by taking Highway 32 toward the city of Limn. Visitors should be prepared for the occasional bout of cold weather. Dont worry, this can actually work in your favor when spotting wildlife. 17003 MAG (1986), 20358 MIRENEM (1991) and 22620 MIRENEM (1995), expanded the national park to a total of 47,586 hectares. You are only a few minutes from a major metropolitan area and if you leave your purse on the seat or your camera in the trunk it will quite likely be stolen, and you will be paying the car rental agency $US 350 for a new windshield or trunk latch. For a more detailed packing list for your entire trip, check out this post, Since we were driving to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica all the way from the southern Pacific coast, an overnight stop near Braulio Carrillo National Park was the perfect way to break up the long day. Three main ranger stations serve the park. Most visitors to the park come to see pristine rainforest and cloud forest within a short drive of San Jose. The third sector, Barva Volcano, is reached by driving Examples of birds found include the solitary eagle, the bare-necked umbrellabird, as well as several species of hummingbirds. In these two extremes, Barva Volcano sits proud and mighty, Cacho Negro Volcano watches over the valley, and the Dirty River (Rio Sucio) meets with the clear Hondura River. Take the Guapiles highway and drive right through the park, hike some trails lush with flora and fauna and take a ride in the ride in aerial tram before heading back to the city. This trail is fairly flat and well maintained with gravel paths and small bridges that cross several creeks.