Attractions at Braulio Carrillo National Park Costa Rica

Braulio Carrillo National Park is not currently part of our Caravan Costa Rica tour but it is definitely worth visiting if you get the chance.

What is unique about Braulio Park in Costa Rica is the wide range of elevation. It ranges from just 160 feet above sea level to as high as over 9,500 feet in elevation.

Have you ever imagined yourself as an early explorer discovering a new world of tropical virgin rainforests with luscious emerald green in all its glorious shades? Perhaps it is slightly overcast with a warm mist that is brightened up by rare and beautiful orchids that somehow blend naturally with the fauna and flora of the area.

This is exactly what you will feel as you trek through Braulio Carrillo National Park in Costa Rica. This fauna and flora sanctuary was created in 1978 and is easily accessible from San Jose Costa Rica (the capital), which is just over 12 miles away.

Here are some of the park attractions that you can enjoy.

1. Flora & Fauna

It is the extreme variation in elevation that allows Braulio Carrillo National Park to experience such a wide range of flora and fauna. You’ll find everything from wet tropical lowland rainforests to lush high mountain cloud forests. In fact, Braulio Carrillo Park, which is 90% forested, is credited with having Costa Rica’s highest level of biodiversity.

The different species that have been identified within the park include:

  • 135 types of mammals
  • 218 types of reptiles and amphibians
  • Over 600 types of trees
  • Over 6,000 plant species
  • Over 530 bird types

2. Barva Volcano

The highest point in Braulio Carrillo is named ‘Volcan Barva’, which is home to three volcanic crater lakes, hence the name, Three Marias Hill. This Barva volcano area is certainly a haven for bird lovers with lovely quetzals, majestic eagles, trogons and toucans flying about in great numbers.

3. Aerial Tram Ride

The canopy aerial tram ride in Braulio Carrillo National Park is a very popular tourist attraction. There are twenty open gondolas (cable cars) that provide visiting tourists with a unique perspective of the forest canopy wildlife and vegetation.

The Braulio Carrillo aerial tram ride is a guided canopy tour that glides through both the upper and lower sections of the Costa Rica rainforest canopy. It’s not uncommon to see even the most elusive Costa Rica animals like the three-toed sloth.

The splendor and magnificence of this park sets it aside from the rest of the tourist attractions in Costa Rica.

4. Braulio Carrillo Waterfalls, Wildlife & More

Braulio Carrillo National Park is an excellent representation of old world Middle America where cascading waterfalls, proliferating orchids, and a myriad of wildlife and geological features remain unchanged for literally hundreds of centuries.

This is the area of rare snakes (like the bushmaster snake) plus the ever-elusive ocelot, three-toed sloth, and mysterious jaguar. Those who visit the park leave with a sense of awe and appreciation for this pristine virgin rainforest area.

Visit this Wikipedia page for additional information about Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Discover Costa Rica with Caravan Tours

Please note that Braulio Carrillo National Park is not currently included in Caravan’s all inclusive Costa Rica Tours. Please refer to the Caravan Costa Rica tour itinerary for the most up to date tour information about Caravan’s fully guided vacations to Costa Rica.

See also our Caravan blog post entitled Rainforest Tours of Costa Rica for additional rainforest information.

Visit Caravan’s Costa Rica tours reviews page to read what others have said about Braulio Carrillo National Park and Caravan’s all inclusive, fully guided Costa Rica tours.

You can learn more about the eco systems of Costa Rica on our Wildlife Refuges & Reserves page and our Cloud Forest Biological Reserve page.

Call toll-free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826)

 

 

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