Braulio Carrillo National Park

Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

A vast, rugged rainforest park draping steep mountains between the Central Valley and the Caribbean lowlands. Its misty trails, deep canyons and dense cloud forest shelter abundant wildlife, and the aerial tram nearby glides through the treetops.

Things to do

• Hike Sendero Botella — This popular trail near the Quebrada Gonzalez ranger station winds through dense primary rainforest with dramatic ravines and abundant birdlife.
• Rainforest Aerial Tram — Glide silently through the forest canopy on the Rainforest Adventures gondola just outside the park's eastern edge for treetop wildlife views.
• Quebrada Gonzalez ranger station — Start your visit at this main entry point on the Guapiles Highway, which has trailheads, maps, and restroom facilities.
• Volcan Barva sector trek — Climb through misty cloud forest to the serene Barva Lagoon in the park's higher, cooler western section accessed near Sacramento.
• Sendero Las Palmas — Follow this longer loop through towering palms and cascading streams to spot toucans, poison dart frogs, and howler monkeys.
• Birdwatching at dawn — Arrive early to catch resplendent quetzals, umbrellabirds, and countless hummingbirds active in the humid morning air.
• Waterfall and canyon viewpoints — Pause at overlooks along the trails to admire deep canyons carved by the Rio Sucio and its striking orange, mineral-stained waters.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and meat sold at sodas along the Guapiles Highway near the park.
• Gallo pinto — Costa Rica's classic breakfast of rice and beans fried with cilantro and Salsa Lizano, often served with eggs and coffee.
• Agua dulce — A warming hot drink made from melted tapa dulce (unrefined cane sugar), perfect after a chilly, misty hike.
• Fresh tropical fruit — Grab pineapple, papaya, or granadilla from roadside stands in the fertile lowlands surrounding the park.
• Tamales — Corn masa filled with pork and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, a beloved treat at rural family sodas.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring rain gear — This is one of Costa Rica's wettest parks, so waterproof layers and sturdy shoes are essential year-round.
• Don't leave valuables in cars — Trailhead parking areas near the highway have seen break-ins, so keep belongings with you or hire a guarded lot.
• Greet with pura vida — This national phrase means hello, goodbye, and all is well, and using it warmly connects you with locals.
• Hire a local guide — Guides from nearby communities spot camouflaged wildlife you'd miss and share deep knowledge of the ecosystem.

Nearby

• Barva Volcano — 17 km
• San José de la Montaña — 20 km
• Barva — 22 km
• Irazú Volcano National Park (Cartago) — 23 km