Braulio Carrillo National Park
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 . Flowing down from the Central Volcanic Corridor, Braulio Carrillo National Park (Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo) falls between the Poas Volcano to the west and the Irazu Volcano to the east. The protected zone encompasses 108,970 acres (44,100 ha) of rolling hills crammed with dark-green vegetation that teems with wildlife.
Created to help preserve the lush flora and fauna, there is a highway ( Guapiles ) that winds its way through the park. In fact, the park was formed in 1978 largely due to the highway, which makes the park more accessible, thus allowing more visitors to witness some of the most incredible scenery in the country.
Barva Volcano, the highest peak within the park at 9,534 ft (2,906 m), is an inactive volcano that sits high above the rest of the wilderness. Many other peaks within Braulio Carrillo's borders that are popular destinations supplying surprising beauty and a rigorous test of endurance are Cacho Negro, at 7,382 ft (2250 m); Cerro Chompipe, at 7,411 ft (2,259 m) and Cerro Turu, rising to 7,018 ft (2,139 m). Another sight not to be missed is the dramatic San Fernando Waterfall.
Comprised of virgin forest and at least five different life zones, the park is home to 6,000 species of plants. Hiking through the miles of trails of varying elevation will allow you to take in these unique micro habitats. Be on the lookout for quetzals, toucans and eagles, which help to make up the 500 bird species that inhabit the park. Around 150 mammals can be found inside the Braulio Carrillo protected zone such as white-faced monkeys, jaguars, peccaries, coati, deer, tapir and raccoons. Even the largest venomous snake found in Costa Rica, the matabuey, makes a home here, so watch your step!
There are two main park entrances that charge a fee of $7. The easiest and most popular is the Zurqui ranger station, which also has an information center. It is just 12 miles (20 km) northeast of San Jose along the Guapiles Hwy (32). The other main entrance is Puesto Carrillo ranger station, which is also along the highway. With Braulio Carrillo National Park being so centralized, you might notice that many of the 12,000 park visitors a year are just stopping by as they are en route to other destinations. Inside the park, an aerial tram is available, reaching heights up to 170 ft (52 m) as it glides through the forest with as many as four passengers at a time.
Experiences in Braulio Carrillo National Park
Explore hand-picked Braulio Carrillo National Park tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Rain Forest Atlantic Aerial Tram
Rain Forest Atlantic Bird Watching Tour
Rain Forest Atlantic 6 in 1 Tour
Where to stay in Braulio Carrillo National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Braulio Carrillo National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Poas Volcano Lodge
The Poas Volcano Lodge is situated in Costa Rica’s Central Valley outside the capital city of San José. Nestled between the Poás and Barva volcanoes at an elevation of 6,000 ft (1,900 m), this rural area of Costa Rica is stunningly beautiful and still within range of a major population center.
The Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall
The unique and magical Peace lodge is located on the grounds of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Heredia. In possibly one of the finest natural masterpieces, guests can expect to find themselves in a magical world, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and pristine rainforests.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica in Santa Barbara de Heredia. Heredia is considered one of the largest cities and one of the most beautiful provinces in the country just 15 minutes from the San Jose airport. Though Heredia is a considerable sized city offering all the amenities of the capital visitors will find it more low key and elegant and a great hub for exploration.
Hotel Bougainvillea
Hotel Bougainvillea is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Santo Domingo de Heredia, just 15 minutes from downtown San Jose. Heredia is one of Costa Rica's most historical cities, boasting superb colonial architecture amidst vast coffee plantations and lush greenery. San Jose offers great shopping, some wonderful historic districts and all the amenities of a city.
Alma del Pacifico
Alma del Pacifico on Playa Esterillos Este lies between Jaco Beach and Quepos, on the Central Pacific of Costa Rica. The hotel fronts the expansive beach of Playa Esterillos with its gorgeous Pacific waters and warm sunshine making for a stunning tropical vacation. The sun-splashed beach, glistening ocean waves and steep verdant cliffs create an awe-inspiring landscape. Lovely walking paths lead through colorful ornamental, herb and vegetable gardens.
Xandari Resort and Spa
The elegant Xandari Resort and Spa sits in the central valley region of Costa Rica, just 20 minutes from the international airport. The central valley is wrought with volcanoes, lush plantations, and hillsides, and blessed with outstanding weather. San Jose is a short drive away and offers an abundance of international cuisine, shops, open markets and entertainment.
Villa Pacande
Villa Pacande is a bed and breakfast that is nestled among coffee plantations in one of the top coffee-growing regions of Costa Rica. This B&B has made a commitment to sustainability, which has been officially recognized by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism.
Hotel Suerre & Country Club
The Hotel Suerre & Country Club offers a comprehensive set of well-maintained athletic facilities and a modern hotel. An hours drive from San Jose in Guápiles, this Central Highlands resort sits in the lush tropical plains near the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park.
La Quinta Country Inn
La Quinta Country Inn is located in the northeastern portion of Cost Rica, in Sarapiqui, just 60 miles from San Jose. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, private reserves and La Selva Biological station, this area caters to eco-tourists, thrill seekers looking to river raft down the Sarapiqui River, or couples seeking a peaceful stay in paradise. These are also prime grounds for birders. The hotel is recognized by the National Accreditation commission for sustainable tourism.
Chilamate Rain Forest Eco Retreat
Chilamate Rainforest Eco Retreat is an environmentally conscious and family run bed and breakfast in Sarapiqui of the Northern Lowlands region. The retreat, embedded in Chilamate rainforest, is committed to conservation and providing comfortable lodging for guests, who can explore the private jungle.
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve
The Selva Verde Lodge is nestled in the lowland tropical rainforest of Costa Rica, in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, along the Sarapiqui River. The lodge is known as being the pioneer of the eco-tourism movement in Costa Rica. This is a magical haven for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers desiring to experience the rainforest. Located near the lodge is the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where guests will find a number of services and facilities, including bars and restaurants.
Hotel El Bambu
Located at the heart of Puerto Viejo in Sarapiqui, neighbors of the exuberant tropical rain forest, Hotel El Bambu offers comfortable and pleasant accommodations on the North Caribbean Coast. The ideal location of the hotel allows guests to access the Tortuguero National Park and the Sarapiqui River offering a wealth of wildlife and flora, a perfect place for those nature buffs.
Flora & fauna in Braulio Carrillo National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Braulio Carrillo National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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