Rainforest trails
Simple trails in primary forest from the park station. Conditions change, so access and the state of the trails are checked before the visit.
Caribbean slope · Limón / Cartago · Costa Rica
Barbilla National Park
A quiet, little-visited rainforest park on the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca foothills.
- Created in 1982
- About 12,000 ha
- Little visited
- Basic facilities
About the park
Barbilla National Park protects rainforest on the Caribbean foothills of the Talamanca mountains, between Turrialba and the Caribbean lowlands, close to the Cabecar indigenous territory. It is rarely visited, and has rivers, waterfalls and wildlife that is hard to see in more popular parks.
There are few facilities, so the park is for visitors who want a quiet nature experience, and visits are arranged with a local guide and, usually, as part of a stay in the Turrialba area. Please ask us for the current access before planning.
- A quiet rainforest with few visitors
- Rivers and waterfalls
- A natural extension of a stay in Turrialba
- Close to indigenous communities
Wildlife
MonkeysTapir and wild cats, rarely seenToucans and other forest birdsFrogs and butterflies
What to see
Rivers
Rivers and streams with swimming spots in the forest, in the dry season.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. Access and facilities are limited. We confirm them when you book.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Guide
- A local guide is recommended; we arrange it.
- Best time
- The park is wet all year; February to April are less rainy.
- What to bring
- Waterproof boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent and water.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
From Turrialba, on rural roads that are partly gravel. We confirm the route and the access when you ask.
Transfer
Ask us for a private transfer or a visit on request.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to visit?
No. The park is remote and has few facilities, so we arrange it on request with a local guide.
Where do I stay?
Most visitors stay in the Turrialba area; we offer Guayabo Lodge.