Quebrada González and Zurquí
The sectors beside the highway, with marked trails through rainforest and cloud forest. They are the easiest to reach from San José for a half-day or a day walk.
Heredia · Central Valley and Sarapiquí · Costa Rica
Braulio Carrillo National Park
A vast rainforest from the cloud-forest ridges near San José down to the Sarapiquí lowlands.
- Created in 1978
- About 47,000 ha
- From about 35 m to 2,900 m
- Sectors with different access
About the park
Braulio Carrillo is one of the largest and wettest national parks in Costa Rica. It runs from the highlands just north of San José to the Caribbean lowlands of Sarapiquí, and the Braulio Carrillo highway crosses its south-eastern part, so that the park is the green wall you see on the road to the Caribbean.
Its forest changes with the altitude, from cloud forest on the ridges to lowland rainforest, and shelters a great number of plants, birds and mammals. Trails of different lengths start from the ranger stations and make it an easy day for visitors staying in the capital or in Sarapiquí.
- One of the largest rainforests in the country
- From cloud forest to lowland jungle
- Short trails near San José
- Close to the Sarapiquí lowlands
Wildlife
ToucansResplendent quetzal, in the high forestMonkeysTapir and wild cats, rarely seenHummingbirdsMany butterflies and frogs
Sectors
Barva
The high sector on the slopes of Barva Volcano, with cloud forest and a crater lake reached by a trail.
Sarapiquí side
The lowland edge of the park, reached from Sarapiquí, where the forest merges with rivers and reserves such as Tirimbina.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. The hours and the access of each sector differ. 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.
- Reservation
- Some sectors need a reservation. We handle it.
- Best time
- The park is wet: it rains almost every day of the year, and the dry months of February to April are the best.
- What to bring
- A rain jacket, waterproof boots, a warm layer for the ridges, 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
The Quebrada González and Zurquí sectors are about 30 to 45 minutes from San José on the highway to the Caribbean. The Sarapiquí side is about 1 hour 30 minutes away.
Transfer
We arrange private transfers and tours from San José and Sarapiquí. Ask us for a quote.
Tours in and around the park
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous to walk in the park?
The marked trails are safe. Do not leave them, and follow the rules at the station. Our tours include a guide.
Which sector should I choose?
For an easy walk near San José, Quebrada González or Zurquí; for the lowlands, a stay in Sarapiquí.
Is it always raining?
It is one of the wettest parks in the country, so bring a rain jacket in every season.
Where can I stay near the Sarapiquí side?
We offer Ara Ambigua Lodge and Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge.