The 44,000-hectare Braulio Carillo National Park was named for the Costa Rican president who promoted the cultivation of coffee in this Central American country. The park was established in 1978 in hopes of protecting an important watershed region from deforestation due to the addition of a major highway through the area.

 

Located in the center of the country, Braulio Carillo has the largest range of altitude of any national park in Costa Rica. At one point, in La Selva, the park is only 36 meters above sea level. At its highest peak atop Volcan Barva, it reaches more than 2,900 meters above sea level. That means temperature can vary greatly throughout the park as will rainfall.

 

Because of its diverse terrain, Braulio Carillo encompasses five different ecological zones, ranging from cloud forest to tropical rainforest. Hundreds of species of butterflies are found throughout the park and an abundance of birds can be viewed here as well, including toucans, parrots, umbrella birds, eagles, and quetzals. About 140 species of mammals are present in Braulio Carillo, including howler and capuchin monkeys as well as larger cats like the jaguar and puma.

 

More than 600 identified species of trees make this an interesting place to explore Costa Rican flora. Due to deforestation that made way for roads and banana plantations, many of the species found at Braulio Carillo have disappeared in other parts of the country. Look for the park’s “mascot” tree, the tepezquintle; the much-revered palmito tree; or the sombrilla del pobre (poor man's umbrella), recognized by its huge leaves.

 

Braulio Carillo National Park boasts a number of excellent trails. Some lead past magnificent waterfalls while others head to rivers and lookout points. A lengthy trail that takes visitors to the summit of the Barva Volcano will take several days to hike and is best suited for experienced trekkers. No facilities of any kind are available along the way. Raingear and warm clothes are recommended and hiking is best accomplished with a park ranger in tow as those not familiar with the land can get lost in the fog.