Braulio Carrillo National Park
Exploring the Braulio Carrillo National Park: one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica
To me, exploring the Braulio Carrillo National Park is an absolute must if you want to fully immerse yourself in nature and breathe in some fresh air. This park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica, nestled between the Póas and Irazú Volcanoes.
Just a short four-hour drive from San José, you will find yourself surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains, and rivers that play a vital role in hydroelectricity production.
Services
We can start our journey by visiting the Quebrada González Sector, which has three trails through the rainforest, where we will find interpretive stations and scenic sightseeing places: Las Palmas with a distance of 0.93 miles (1.5 km); El Ceibo 0.6 miles (1 km) long and 1.55 miles (2.5 km) and Botarrama with 1.5 miles (2.5 km).
Basic services like restrooms, lunch areas, a parking lot and drinking water are available for our convenience.
When we feel more adventurous, we like to head over to the Barva Volcano Sector, where we will find four trails: Cacho Venado, Laguna Barva, Copey and Mirador Vara Blanca, with a total length of 6.2 miles (10 km). These trails offer different types of forest and a camping area in case that you want to stay there. Just bear in mind the recommendation is to arrive before 16:00.
Attractions
What we love about this place is that most of the park is covered by primary forest! Where there are about 6,000 species of plants representing half of all nationwide recorded species.
We were thrilled to spot some of our favorite wildlife during our adventure, including the majestic sparrowhawk, the king of vultures, the melodious bell bird, the vibrant quetzal, the playful white-faced monkeys, and the elusive tapirs. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent puma and the majestic jaguar. The possibilities are endless in this incredible wilderness!
On the other hand, I absolutely love the rush of adrenaline and being immersed in nature, which is why I find the canopy (zip line) experience so exciting! In addition to that, we can explore other amazing attractions like the orchid and butterfly gardens. And let me tell you, the night tour is absolutely fantastic too!
Recommendations
For your first-time visit, my recommendation is to consider taking a tour. We know there is an agency called “Rainforest Adventures” that offers tours sustainably and responsibly with the environment and culture.
The good news is that they also offer a6 in 1 Tour - Full Day Pass, definitely our favorite and most complete package of eco-adventures in Costa Rica.
If you are planning to stay here, our top recommendation for lodging this time is:
Tapirus Lodge
Where we can have the most immersive experience. One of the best places to recharge batteries and feel at one with nature. We find different activities and packages for nature and adventure lovers!
I would say the best time to visit for the driest weather is March and April. However, as you would expect in a rainforest, it will probably rain all year round. This said, I like to come prepared with appropriate clothing, preferably for cold and humid conditions, and closed shoes. Don’t forget your rain and cold protection clothes, insects’ repellent, and always my sunscreen.
Greetings from our Pura Vida country!
