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.
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 itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Barra Honda National Park itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Epic Coast to Coast Couple’s Journey
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Experiences in Barra Honda National Park
Explore hand-picked Barra Honda National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Barra Honda Caves (Spelunking)
Where to stay in Barra Honda National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Barra Honda National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Punta Islita Hotel
The Punta Islita Hotel is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, on the Pacific coast. The beach of Punta Islita is less than a mile long and lies in a cove that also includes a beach named playa Corozalito, where you may be able to spot some Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles nesting. This secluded paradise, with blazing sunsets and warm ocean breezes, will leave an everlasting impression in your memory.
Hotel Leyenda
Hotel Leyenda is located two kilometers from Carrillo Beach on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Carrillo Beach lays 35 minutes away from Nicoya, the cultural and business capital of Guanacaste Province, where local craftsmanship presents some exquisite shopping opportunities. A short walk down the beach from the larger town of Samára, Carrillo Beach is separated from its neighbor by the narrow isthmus, Punto Indio. Though the two beaches are only four kilometers apart, Carrillo is considerably smaller and quieter then Samára. Famous for its superb coral reef and serene white sand beaches, Carrillo Beach is framed by the mountains of the Guanacaste province.
Hotel Sol Samara
Hotel Sol Samara lies along the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore in the lovely coastal hamlet of Samara. Samara is both beautiful and low-key, offering visitors a wonderful place to relax while enjoying one of Costa Rica's best beaches.
Villas Kalimba
Villas Kalimba sits on the gorgeous beach of Samara on the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The bay here will enchant you with its white sand, gentle water, coconut palms, and a picturesque wooded island. Samara has a natural coral reef and is one of the safest beaches in all of Costa Rica. Spend your days swimming, fishing, riding the waves or just soaking up the tropical paradise we call Samara.
Hotel Villas Playa Samara
The gorgeous North Pacific region of Costa Rica is home to the Hotel Villas Playa Samara, at Samara Beach. In these lush, verdant, natural tropical surroundings, and on the white sand beach, you will be thrilled with the antics of the howler monkeys, the graceful soaring of tropical birds in flight and a colorful tapestry of flowers and fruits at your fingertips. Besides the lovely beach, the town offers a variety of restaurants, cafe's and shops.
Hotel Giada
Hotel Giada is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, at Samara Beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag recognition of a clean beach with clean water and is considered one of the nicest beaches in the country. The cozy beach village of Samara is home to great restaurants, shops and bars.
Samara Pacific Lodge
Samara Pacific Lodge is tucked away on the Pacific coast, in the easy going beach town of Samara. The charming beach in Samara is bordered by a protective coral reef, making the waters perfect for swimming and the beach ideal for long leisurely walks. The reef also keeps the waves tame, making this one of the country&s best beaches for learning how to surf. The village of Samara offers a variety of shops, bars and restaurants as well as local artisans selling jewelry on the sidewalks.
Flora & fauna in Barra Honda National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Barra Honda National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
