Your Guide to Braulio Carrillo National Park, Costa Rica

There’s so much plant life in Braulio Carrillo National Park that you will feel like Alice is falling down the rabbit hole. More than six thousand species decorate the forest with vibrant orchids, bromeliads, and giant ferns.  

Moss-draped giants tower overhead and invite your inner plant nerd to swoon. Every turn offers a chance to gasp and snap photos.  

Before planning to dive into the lush details, know that this guide is your go-to jungle roadmap, crafted to spark excitement, keep it practical, and lead you through the coolest waterfalls, wildlife, and hidden trails in Braulio Carrillo National Park. 

How to Reach and Explore Braulio Carrillo National Park 

Located just northeast of San José, Braulio Carrillo National Park spans four provinces- Heredia, Cartago, Limón, and San José. The terrain ranges from lowland rainforest to volcanic slopes, packed with rivers, valleys, and dense cloud forest. It’s one of the most geographically diverse national parks in Costa Rica. 

The easiest access is via Route 32 (Guápiles Highway). Once you pass through the Zurquí Tunnel, the jungle begins.  

Entry points include Quebrada González and Barva Volcano sectors, both offering trailheads, ranger stations, and basic amenities. 

Why Braulio Carrillo National Park Is a Biodiversity Powerhouse 

The Amazing Diversity of Flora 

Prepare for plant love at first sight. Braulio Carrillo is home to over 6,000 plant species, representing nearly half of Costa Rica’s botanical diversity. You’ll see: 

• Giant ferns, towering like green umbrellas 
• Bromeliads and epiphytes, clinging to every branch 
• The stunning guardian morada (national orchid), blooming in rich violet 

Even the trees here drip with life. Mosses, lichens, and vines pile on each other in a beautiful, chaotic tangle. 

The Incredible Variety of Fauna 

This park is a wildlife magnet. With over 500 bird species and 150 mammals, every step offers a chance encounter. Look and listen for: 

• Resplendent quetzals, toucans, and umbrella birds 
• Sloths, howler monkeys, capuchins, and tapirs 
• Maybe even a jaguar or puma, if luck’s really on your side 

Frogs croak from the underbrush, reptiles slither silently across trails, and butterflies float like petals through the air. 

The Ecosystems in Supportive  

What makes this park so diverse? Altitude. Ranging from just 36 meters up to 2,906 meters at Barva Volcano, Braulio Carrillo squeezes five distinct life zones into one park:  

• Lowland tropical rainforest 
• Premontane rainforest 
• Cloud forest 
• Montane forest 
• Elfin woodlands 

It’s like visiting multiple ecosystems in a single hike. 

What to See and Do at Braulio Carrillo National Park 

These activities are worth every penny in one of the top national parks in Costa Rica for birdwatching and wildlife encounters. 

Explore the Best Hiking Trails 

Lace up and explore the trails, each revealing a different face of the forest. The Quebrada González Sector is a favorite, with short loops and interpretive signs that make you feel like the forest is whispering its secrets. 

Ride the Rainforest Aerial Tram 

Glide 170 feet (52 meters) above the jungle floor on the Rainforest Aerial Tram, where the canopy becomes your skywalk, and every turn can bring a sense of eco-adventure to your senses. 

Go Birdwatching  

With over 500 bird species, the park is a living aviary. Look for quetzals, keel-billed toucans, bellbirds, and other feathered showstoppers for a perfect birdwatching experience. 

Spot Wildlife  

It’s not just about birds. Watch for sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, tapirs, armadillos, and, if you’re lucky, even a jaguar or puma can show you the wild side of nature. 

Take in the View at Cinchona 

The Cinchona Viewpoint offers sweeping vistas of mist-covered hills and valleys. It’s the spot that makes you pause, breathe, and wonder why you ever checked your email. 

Walk Through Coffee History 

Near Barva Volcano, stumble across the ruins of an old coffee plantation. Mossy stone paths and crumbling walls tell the tale of Costa Rican culture and its caffeinated roots. 

Chase Rivers and Hot Springs 

The dense forest unfolds rivers, hidden falls like the San Fernando Waterfall, and natural hot springs that bubble like secret forest spas. 

Main Attractions to Enjoy at Braulio Carrillo National Park 

These attractions at Braulio Carrillo National Park are must-visit and must to include in your Costa Rica travel itinerary.  

Quebrada González Sector 

Located near Route 32, this sector offers ranger stations, parking, and short trails like El Ceibo (1 km) and Botarrama (2–3 km), ideal for birdwatching and spotting sloths or toucans. 

San Fernando Waterfall 

Visible from a roadside lookout along Route 32, this 230-foot waterfall drops into a lush forest. No hike is required. Just pull over, snap pics, and soak in that rainforest mist. 

Important Information for Visiting Braulio Carrillo National Park  

Braulio Carrillo keeps facilities simple. You’ll find picnic areas, restrooms, drinking water, and parking. Nothing fancy, but just enough to get you trail-ready and nature-approved. 

Guided tours are highly recommended. A good local guide can turn a mossy log into a storybook, point out creatures you’d never spot solo, and help you navigate the rainforest like a pro. Plus, guided nature walks keep things safe, especially in the park’s quieter corners. 

Pack like a Jungle Scout with These Essentials 

• Rain gear– A sunny morning means nothing to a Costa Rican cloud. 
• Sturdy, waterproof footwear– Trails can go from dry to swampy in 10 steps. 
• Insect repellent– Mosquitos here are bold and highly democratic. 
• Plenty of water– Hydration beats heatstroke every time. 
• Snacks– Jungle adventuring is hungry work. 
• Layered clothing– Especially for Barva, where it can feel like sweater weather. 
• Dry bag or Ziplock– Your phone and camera will thank you. 
• Trail map or guide– Not all who wander are lost, but some are lost. 

Bonus tip: Stick to marked trails, no matter how inviting that mystery vine tunnel looks. The weather can change in a blink, and puddles love to pretend they’re not knee-deep. 

Conservation Practices and Their Significance at Braulio Carrillo Park 

Braulio Carrillo National Park helps protect clean water, keep the climate balanced, and support thousands of flora and fauna. It helps capture carbon, fight illegal tree-cutting, and connects wildlife habitats across Central America.  

The park also works with local communities, supports eco-friendly tourism, and gives scientists a natural space to study how forests work. 

Conclusion 

This is your guide to one of the most popular National Parks in Costa Rica. We hope you get everything you needed to plan your vacation hassle-freely.  Braulio Carrillo National Park has wild beauty, thriving biodiversity, and quiet cultural echoes. Whether wandering misty trails, listening for the call of a quetzal, or soaking beside a hidden hot spring, every step here deepens your connection to the natural world. 

And when you’re ready to trade muddy boots for a plush robe? Pair your jungle adventure with elegant comfort at an all-inclusive villa offering the perfect blend of rainforest escape and refined retreat. 

Come curious. Leave connected and pampered.

Frequently Asked Questions