Guide to Braulio Carrillo: Costa Rica’s Verdant Nature Reserve

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a lush and biodiverse haven that stretches across the Central Valley and the Caribbean lowlands. It was named after the 19th-century Costa Rican president Braulio Carrillo. The park is a vital part of the country’s network of protected areas, encompassing stretches of tropical rainforest, cloud forest, and volcanic landscapes.

Its rich ecosystem hosts an incredible array of flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, and countless plant species. The park’s accessibility from San José makes it an ideal destination for day trips or longer eco-adventures. Dense trails wind through rainforests, revealing cascading rivers, waterfalls, and misty cloud forests.

The park is also home to the impressive Barva and Zurquí volcanoes, whose rugged slopes and crater lakes add a dramatic backdrop to the verdant scenery. Here’s our comprehensive guide to Braulio Carrillo National Park;

Overview of Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a remarkable natural reserve located north of Costa Rica’s Central Valley. The park is nestled within the Central Volcanic Mountain Range between the Poás and Irazú volcanoes. This protected area stretches from Alto de la Palma, just north of the canton of Moravia, to the La Selva Protected Zone in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Covering an impressive 47,500 hectares, the park spans elevations ranging from a low of 36 meters to the peak of Barva Volcano at 2,906 meters above sea level. Its landscape is a striking combination of cloud forests, dense rainforests, and winding rivers. Braulio Carrillo is notable not only for its vast stretches of virgin forest but also for the San José-Guapiles highway, which runs through the park.

While highways are rarely considered a natural attraction, in this case, the views from the road offer a dramatic introduction to the forest. The construction of Route 32 in the late 1970s posed a threat to the surrounding forest, prompting the establishment of Braulio Carrillo National Park in 1978 by Executive Decree No. 8357. Primary trails near Route 32 allow hikers to explore the park’s diverse terrain.

Also Read: Best Resorts in Costa Rica.

Wildlife in Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of wildlife. The park is home to more than 500 species of birds, including some of the most striking and rare species in Costa Rica. Visitors may spot resplendent quetzals perched quietly among the treetops, the unusual bare-necked umbrella bird, or the tiny snowcap flitting from flower to flower.

Other notable birds include the brown-billed scythebill, black-crowned antpitta, golden-browed chlorophonia, flame-throated warblers, long-tailed silky-flycatchers, yellow-eared toucanets, and the latticed-tailed trogon. The lower Caribbean slopes offer particularly good opportunities to observe tanagers and hummingbirds in abundance.

The park’s mammal population is equally impressive, with over 150 species roaming its forests. Howler monkeys swing through the canopy alongside white-faced capuchins, while the elusive jaguar prowls the denser areas of the park. Other residents include tapirs, Deppe’s squirrels, white-nosed coatis, northern tamanduas, ocelots, white-tailed deer, pacas, raccoons, and peccaries.

Best Time to Visit Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park can be visited year-round, as its trails are rarely crowded and offer a sense of seclusion. Unlike most roads in Costa Rica, highway 32 benefits from passing lanes on the uphill side, allowing traffic to flow relatively smoothly even during busier periods. Weather in the park is consistently wet, with annual rainfall ranging from 157 to 315 inches.

Always be prepared for sudden downpours and afternoon showers, which are common throughout the year. The park is slightly drier in March and April, making these months the most favorable for outdoor exploration. Temperatures vary dramatically depending on elevation, from average highs of 79 °F on the lower eastern slopes to freezing conditions at the peaks and ridges.

Getting to Braulio Carrillo National Park

Reaching Braulio Carrillo National Park is straightforward whether coming from San José or Limon, thanks to the well-connected Route 32. From San José, you’ll take Calle 3 out of downtown, which transitions into the Guápiles Highway (Route 32) heading northeast toward Guápiles and Limon. The drive passes through a tunnel, and overhead signs clearly mark the entrance with “Welcome to Braulio Carrillo National Park.”

You should watch for a smaller sign indicating the Quebrada Gonzalez sector, where a parking lot and ranger station are located on the right-hand side. The journey from downtown San José typically takes around 50 minutes. For those arriving from Limon, the route follows Route 32 northwest toward Guápiles and San José. You’ll continue through Guápiles until you see the large park signs, then look for the Quebrada Gonzalez sector.

Once there, the parking and a ranger station are just on the left side of the highway. This drive usually takes about two hours. Once in the park, the distance from Braulio Carrillo to La Pavona, the docks for boats to Tortuguero, is about two hours by car. The main ranger station at Zurquí is situated just north of the tunnel when heading away from San José and offers basic maps and guidance.

Another station, Puesto Carrillo, is located about 42 kilometers (25 miles) from San José along Highway 32. Public transportation is also an option, with buses to Guápiles, Siquirres, or Limon able to drop visitors at the ranger stations. However, arranging a return bus can be challenging since the stops are not regularly scheduled.

Other Activities in Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park offers a wealth of experiences for nature enthusiasts. The Quebrada Gonzalez sector features three main trails that provide breathtaking jungle views. Towering trees with massive canopies dominate the landscape, creating a serene and immersive environment for hikers.

The Ceibo Trail includes a lookout point that offers a striking view of the Rio Sucio, a river colored rusty brown by volcanic minerals. From this trail, the Botarrama Trail branches off and stretches 2.5 kilometers, presenting the longest and most challenging route in the park.

Hikers encounter slippery rocks, exposed roots, steep slopes, and occasional drop-offs, making it unsuitable for very young children or those with limited mobility. Along the Botarrama Trail, the Quebrada Botarrama stream must be crossed without a bridge, and depending on recent rainfall, visitors may need to wade through the water.

Park Fees in Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park charges $12 per person.

FAQs

Is Braulio Carrillo National Park worth visiting?

Braulio Carrillo National Park is certainly worth a visit. The park showcases a remarkable range of ecosystems, from misty cloud forests to lush lowland rainforests, providing a rich habitat for abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as the aerial tram, which allows an immersive view of the forest canopy and a true sense of the rainforest’s scale and beauty.

How long to spend in Braulio Carrillo National Park?

The amount of time to spend in Braulio Carrillo depends largely on the activities planned and the pace of the visit. For those looking for a shorter experience, a half-day, or around three to four hours, is sufficient to take a brief hike or observe some wildlife. Those who wish to immerse themselves more fully can dedicate a full day. It’s enough time to explore longer trails like those at the Quebrada Gonzalez station.

Conclusion

Braulio Carrillo National Park offers a deep connection with Costa Rica’s natural heritage and a glimpse into the country’s commitment to conservation. Whether walking its trails or observing wildlife in its natural habitat, the park provides an unforgettable experience for every visitor.