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Barra Honda National Park Map Preview

Barra Honda National Park

The cavernous monstrosity of limestone at Barra Honda offers some exiting challenges for the adventurous types. At its deepest, Barra Honda plunges 787 feet (240 m) into the earth. One attraction in particular is the glistening stalagmites and stalactites that fill the Hall of Pearls.

Barra Honda National Park
Barra Honda National Park
Barra Honda National Park
Barra Honda National Park

Mushroom Hall is named for the shape of its flat formations which resemble the outlines of mushrooms. You can also let your mind run wild in the Hall of the Caverns, a place of spiraling and twisting formations, including one that resembles a lion&s head. Tap the rock formations to hear them chime or listen to the bats flutter throughout the interior. At this national park it is nearly impossible not to stand in awe of such an incredible geological wonder.

Remarkably, the park is home to a number of rare species, found only at Barra Honda. Because of its unique subterranean environment, blind salamanders and endemic fish species have evolved as a result of the complete darkness far below ground.

The park is also superb for exploring above ground. Anybody can hike the numerous trails that are found on the 5,670 acre (2,295 ha) plot, a great way to encounter the rich animal life found throughout the scrubby landscape. Here you will find everything from monkeys to scarlet macaws as well as a host of other exotic species that inhabit the park.

If you do decide to explore some of the deeper caves that the park has to offer, it will require the proper mountaineering equipment. Groups are required to phone the National Parks office in advance for approval to descend into the caves.

The park's ranger station is accessible from the Tempisque ferry by driving north through the community of Santa Ana. The road is best traversed in a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the going can be rough. The eastern portion of the park can be accessed via the rural town of Quebrada Honda.

Barra Honda National Park HIGHLIGHTS

Moments to look forward to

22 days | $$$

Epic Coast to Coast Couple’s Journey

Costa Rica was awesome. We do a lot of travelling and this was one our best trips ever.
Epic Coast to Coast Couple’s Journey
Itinerary
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Barra Honda Caves (Spelunking)
Nicoya

Barra Honda Caves (Spelunking)

Armadillo

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Flora & Fauna
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Bananaquit

Bananaquit Image
Flora & Fauna
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Black Ctenosaur

Black Ctenosaur Image
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Coati

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Fiery-billed Aracari and Collared Aracari

Fiery-billed Aracari and Collared Aracari Image
Flora & Fauna
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Fishing Bulldog Bat

Fishing Bulldog Bat Image
Flora & Fauna
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House Gecko

House Gecko Image
Flora & Fauna
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Mantled Howler Monkey

Mantled Howler Monkey Image
Flora & Fauna
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Agouti

Agouti Image
Flora & Fauna
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White-Faced or Capuchin Monkey

White-Faced or Capuchin Monkey Image
Flora & Fauna
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