Braulio Carrillo National Park: just an hour from San Jose
Area | 118,000 acres |
Location | Cental Valley, 20 miles Northeast of San Jose |
Max. Elevation | 9,532' above sea level |
Temperature | Ranges from 35ºF (in the high altitudes) to 901ºF |
Precipitation | 180 inches annual average |
Date of Creation | April, 1978, with several later additions |
Braulio Carrillo National Park has several dormant volcanoes: Cerro Chompipe, Cerro Cacho Negro, Cerros las Tres Marias, and Barva Volcano, which presents several crater lakes: Barva, Danta and Copey.
The park is fundamental for the protection of the water resources of the Sector Norte (Sarapiqui River) hydroelectric project, which supplies water to a large portion of the Central Valley.
Primary cloud forest and rainforest covers the park, which abounds with flora and fauna species in multiple life zones, innumerable rivers and waterfalls. Several scenic hiking trails wind through the different sectors. For a superb experience exploring the Braulio Carrillo National Park, it is highly recommended to have the services of an experienced guide.
All three-ranger stations within Braulio Carrillo National Park are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Restrooms, picnic areas, and facilities are available only at the ranger stations.
