Braulio Carrillo National Park
A Treasure of Biodiversity in Costa Rica
Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic parks, known for its incredible biodiversity, dense rainforests, and its proximity to the capital, San José. Established in 1978, this park spans about 50,000 hectares and is a key destination for nature lovers, ecotourism enthusiasts, and adventurers who want to explore one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Due to its location in the Central Mountain Range and its connection to other national parks such as Carara and Tortuguero, Braulio Carrillo is a prime example of the importance of biological corridors for the conservation of Costa Rican flora and fauna.
History and Creation of the Park
Braulio Carrillo National Park was created to protect a significant portion of the Tropical Rainforest that covers the mountains of the Central Cordillera. The park was named in honor of Braulio Carrillo, a prominent political leader and president of Costa Rica in the 19th century, known for his vision of development and the construction of important infrastructure projects, such as the Inter-American Highway.
The park’s creation had the primary goal of conserving the area’s ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and for protecting watersheds, especially that of the Sucio River, one of the tributaries of the Sarapiquí River. Braulio Carrillo is also part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a regional effort to connect various protected areas and ensure the migration of plant and animal species.
Location and Accessibility
Braulio Carrillo National Park is located in the northern part of Heredia province, with its main entrance about 25 kilometers north of San José, making it one of the most accessible parks from the capital. The park is easily reached via Braulio Carrillo Highway, which connects San José to the Caribbean regions of Costa Rica.
The park has several entrances, with the main ones being:
Main Entrance: located along the Braulio Carrillo Highway, about 35 minutes from San José, near the Sucio River.
Zurquí Entrance: accessible through the road connecting to Sarapiquí, ideal for visitors coming to the park from the Caribbean.
It is recommended to travel by private car or arrange a guided tour, as the roads can be winding and at times difficult to navigate. There are also public transport options from San José to nearby towns, but private transport is the most comfortable and convenient way to get to the park.
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Braulio Carrillo National Park is a prime example of Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. The terrain is covered by a mix of rainforests and montane forests that change depending on the altitude. Due to the variety of habitats, the park is home to an extraordinary amount of animal and plant species.
Flora
The park is characterized by lush vegetation, dominated by large tree species such as cedar (Cedrela odorata), laurel (Nectandra spp.), and various species of ferns and mosses. As visitors ascend to higher elevations, the forests become wetter and denser, with epiphytic plants such as orchids, bromeliads, and lichens thriving in the humid environment.
At the higher elevations, the park also features montane forests and, in some parts, páramo ecosystems, which are characterized by shrubby vegetation and plants adapted to the cooler temperatures.
Fauna
The wildlife in Braulio Carrillo is astonishingly diverse, with over 500 species of animals recorded in the park. Notable mammals include the ocelot (Leopardus wiedii), puma (Puma concolor), howler monkey (Alouatta palliata), white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus), and the Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), one of the largest mammals in Central America.
The park is also a birdwatching haven, with over 400 bird species residing in the area. Species such as the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), the hawk (Accipiter striatus), and a variety of hummingbirds, wrens, and trogons can be spotted.
Reptiles and amphibians are also abundant in the park, with species like the glass frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni), coral snakes (Micrurus spp.), and the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). The park’s rivers and streams also host a variety of aquatic species, such as tilapia (Oreochromis), and insects like butterflies and dragonflies.
Rivers and Waterways
Braulio Carrillo National Park plays a crucial role in conserving Costa Rica’s water resources, as it is home to several important watersheds. One of the most significant is the Sucio River, which flows through the park and is a tributary of the Sarapiquí River. These rivers are vital to the surrounding communities and the agriculture in the lowland Caribbean regions.
Conservation and Challenges
While Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the most protected areas in Costa Rica, it faces challenges related to deforestation and tourism pressures. The expansion of urban areas and agriculture in the surrounding regions pose threats to the park’s ecosystems, so authorities continue to implement conservation and environmental education projects to mitigate these impacts.
In addition, efforts in reforestation and strengthening biological corridors are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the park’s biodiversity.
Read more about Braulio Carrillo National Park on the SINAC site: Read more
