Braulio Carrillo National Park - NAMUBAK

Braulio Carrillo National Park

BY NAMUBAK

Located north of the Central Valley, Braulio Carrillo National Park It stretches along the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, between the Poás and Irazú volcanoes . This impressive park encompasses the Barva and Cacho Negro volcanoes and extends from Alto de la Palma in Moravia to the La Selva Protected Zone in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. With an area of ​​50,000 hectares, it is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica.

 

Climate of Braulio Carrillo National Park

The park has a varied climate due to its altitude, ranging from 2,906 meters above sea level at Barva Volcano to 2,500 mm of precipitation on the slopes of the Central Valley and 5,734 mm on the Caribbean slope. Temperatures range between 3°C and 24°C, creating a diverse environment rich in flora and fauna.

 

History of Braulio Carrillo National Park

The park was named after Braulio Carrillo , Costa Rica's third head of state. The construction of the San José–Guápiles highway in 1977 led to the creation of the park in 1978 to protect the forest from deforestation. Since then, the park has been expanded several times and now covers 50,000 hectares.

 

Schedules and Rates

  • Business Hours: Every day from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, including holidays.
  • Entrance fees:
    • National visitors and residents over 13 years old: ¢1130
    • National and resident children (2-12 years): ¢565
    • Non-resident visitors over 13 years of age: $13.56
    • Non-resident children (2-12 years): $5.65
    • Camping rights (Barva Volcano Sector): $2

 

Services and Attractions of Braulio Carrillo National Park

 

González Ravine Sector

On the San José – Guápiles highway, this sector offers three trails:

  • Las Palmas Trail: 1.5 km
  • El Ceibo Trail: 1 km
  • Botarrama Trail: 2.5 km

It also features panoramic viewpoints and services such as drinking water, restrooms, lunch areas, and on-site information.

 

Barva Volcano Sector

This sector has four trails:

  • Cacho Venado Trail
  • Barva Lagoon Trail
  • Copey Trail
  • Vara Blanca Lookout Trail

With a total length of 10 km, this section offers various facilities, including drinking water, restrooms, lunch tables, and a camping area.

 

Flora and Fauna of Braulio Carrillo National Park

The park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna:

  • Flora: It includes species such as the mahogany manú, mahogany, oak, mahogany, hawk's hawk, botarrama, ceiba, yos, lorito, and ojoche. On the Barva Volcano, you can find cypress, candelillo, and white oak.
  • Fauna: With 515 species of birds, including the king vulture, bellbird, goldfinch, and quetzal, the mammals include the white-faced, red-faced, and howler monkeys; the tapir, puma, jaguar, wild boar, spectacled bear, mountain goat, and coyote.

 

Recommendations

  • Bring appropriate clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • If you are camping, please arrive before 4:00 pm.
  • Walk only on trails designated for public use.
  • Do not enter while intoxicated or with drugs, pets, or bicycles.

 

How to Get to Braulio Carrillo National Park

 

González Ravine Sector

  • By vehicle: From San José, take Route 32 for 22 kilometers.
  • By bus: From the Caribeños bus terminal in San José.

 

Barva Volcano Sector

  • By vehicle: Highway to Heredia, Barva, San Jose de la Montaña, Paso Llano, Sacramento.
  • By bus: From the Heredia Central Market, with daily departures. You must walk 8 km from where the bus arrives to the entrance gate.
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