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Braulio Carrillo Overview

Braulio Carrillo National Park, known as Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo in Spanish, is one of Costa Rica’s most expansive and ecologically diverse protected areas.

Located in the central part of the country, it covers approximately 185 square miles (478 square kilometers) and stretches across the provinces of San José, Heredia, and Limón. The park is situated just a short distance from the capital, San José, making it one of the most accessible national parks in the country.

Its rugged terrain is dominated by towering mountains, deep canyons, and swift rivers, forming part of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. The park is named after Braulio Carrillo, a former president of Costa Rica who played a key role in developing infrastructure and promoting conservation efforts.

The park’s landscape is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, ranging from around 118 feet (36 meters) in the Caribbean lowlands to nearly 9,500 feet (2,900 meters) at the summit of Barva Volcano. These altitude variations create multiple microclimates, resulting in an extraordinary diversity of vegetation.

Lush primary rainforests dominate the lower elevations, while cloud forests cover the higher regions. Dense foliage, towering trees, and a wealth of epiphytes such as orchids, bromeliads, and mosses thrive in the park’s humid conditions. The terrain is further enhanced by cascading waterfalls, such as San Fernando and Las Gemelas, which provide breathtaking scenic views amid the jungle setting.

Braulio Carrillo National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, with over 500 bird species and a rich array of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to the park due to its status as a haven for avian biodiversity.

The resplendent quetzal, known for its brilliant green and red plumage, is one of the park’s most sought-after sightings. Other notable bird species include toucans, trogons, tanagers, and the elusive umbrellabird. Among the mammals, visitors may encounter howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and spider monkeys swinging through the trees.

Larger mammals such as jaguars, pumas, and ocelots roam the park’s more secluded areas, although sightings of these elusive predators are rare. Other common species include peccaries, agoutis, and armadillos, which thrive in the park’s dense undergrowth.

One of the park’s most popular features is its well-preserved network of trails, which allow visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems up close. The Barva Volcano sector offers hiking trails that lead to scenic crater lakes and panoramic views, while the Quebrada González sector provides access to well-maintained paths through thick rainforest.

The aerial tram in the park’s adjacent private reserve offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy, giving visitors a chance to observe wildlife and lush vegetation from above. Due to its high levels of rainfall, the park is also home to numerous rivers, making it an important water source for the surrounding regions.

Conservation efforts in Braulio Carrillo National Park have been largely successful, thanks to its protected status and location within the larger Cordillera Volcánica Central Biosphere Reserve. However, challenges such as illegal hunting, deforestation on the park’s edges, and climate change continue to threaten the delicate balance of its ecosystems.

The park’s management, overseen by the Costa Rican National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), has implemented measures to protect its rich biodiversity, including monitoring wildlife populations and promoting sustainable tourism.

These efforts have helped preserve one of Costa Rica’s most pristine natural areas, making Braulio Carrillo National Park a vital refuge for countless species and an invaluable destination for nature enthusiasts.

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Park Map

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Braulio Carrillo National Park Highlights

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Braulio Carrillo National Park, located in Costa Rica, is known for its dense rainforests, rugged terrain, and rich biodiversity. This park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its lush, tropical environment. Below are some of the more popular species found within the park.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The elusive jaguar is the largest wild cat in the Americas and a top predator in the park. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem balance by controlling prey populations. Jaguars in Braulio Carrillo are rarely seen due to their secretive nature, but their presence is confirmed through camera traps and tracks.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
Smaller than the jaguar but equally fascinating, the ocelot is a nocturnal wild cat known for its beautiful, spotted coat. These solitary hunters prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and they are often found in the park’s dense undergrowth.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
One of the most iconic species in the park, the Baird’s tapir is the largest land mammal in Central America. It is a herbivore that feeds on leaves, fruits, and vegetation, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal throughout the forest.

White-Faced Capuchin Monkey (Cebus capucinus)
These intelligent and highly social monkeys are commonly seen in the park, moving through the canopy in search of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and complex social behaviors.

Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)
Known for their deep, echoing howls that can be heard from miles away, mantled howler monkeys are an essential part of Braulio Carrillo’s ecosystem. They primarily feed on leaves and fruits and live in large social groups.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This wild pig-like mammal travels in small herds and forages on fruits, roots, and small invertebrates. Peccaries play an essential role in the forest ecosystem by dispersing seeds and creating pathways through dense vegetation.

Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper)
One of the most feared reptiles in the park, the fer-de-lance is a highly venomous pit viper. It is an ambush predator, using its excellent camouflage to blend into the leaf litter while waiting for small mammals, birds, and amphibians to pass by.

Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)
This small, brightly colored snake is famous for its striking appearance and distinctive “eyelash” scales above its eyes. It is an arboreal species, often found coiled on tree branches, preying on birds, lizards, and small mammals.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)
One of the most iconic amphibians of Costa Rica, this vibrant frog is known for its bright green body, red eyes, and blue-striped sides. It is nocturnal and uses its striking colors as a defense mechanism to startle predators.

Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
Also called the “Jesus Christ lizard” due to its ability to run on water, the green basilisk is a fascinating reptile found near streams and rivers. It is an agile climber and a skilled predator, feeding on insects, small fish, and other vertebrates.

Birds

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting an incredible diversity of avian species. The park’s varied elevation and dense forest canopy create the perfect habitat for many rare and colorful birds. Below are some of the most popular birds found in the park.

Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno)
Considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world, the resplendent quetzal is famous for its shimmering green and red plumage and long tail feathers. It is often found in cloud forests, feeding on wild avocados and other fruits.

Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
With its vibrant, oversized beak and striking yellow, green, and red coloration, the keel-billed toucan is one of the most recognizable birds in the park. It primarily feeds on fruits but will also eat small reptiles and insects.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
A smaller relative of the toucan, the collared aracari is a social bird that travels in groups. Its colorful plumage and distinctive long bill make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
This powerful raptor is a top predator in the park’s ecosystem. It hunts medium-sized mammals and birds, using its sharp talons and keen eyesight to capture prey.

White-Crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis)
A common parrot species in the park, this bird is known for its playful behavior and distinctive white forehead. It feeds on seeds, nuts, and fruits and is often seen flying in small flocks.

Black-Faced Solitaire (Myadestes melanops)
This small, secretive songbird is known for its hauntingly beautiful, flute-like song. It thrives in the dense undergrowth of the cloud forests, feeding on berries and small insects.

Slaty-Tailed Trogon (Trogon massena)
A striking bird with deep green, blue, and red plumage, the slaty-tailed trogon is often found perched motionless in the forest canopy, waiting to snatch insects or small fruits.

Broad-Billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum)
Recognizable by its unique racket-shaped tail and bright green and blue coloration, this motmot is often seen perching quietly in the understory, flicking its tail rhythmically.

Great Tinamou (Tinamus major)
A ground-dwelling bird, the great tinamou is shy and well-camouflaged. Its eerie, whistling call can be heard echoing through the forest, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus)
This beautiful bird, with its purple-blue back and yellow belly, is another member of the trogon family. It inhabits the middle layers of the forest and feeds on insects and small fruits.

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a true biodiversity hotspot, offering a haven for both terrestrial and avian wildlife. Whether exploring the trails in search of elusive mammals or scanning the treetops for colorful birds, visitors are sure to be amazed by the incredible array of species that call this park home.

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