Barra Honda National Park
Barra Honda National Park EXPLORATION
Explore the Mystical Caves and Diverse Wildlife
Barra Honda National Park is renowned for its numerous aboveground and underground water sources, which provide potable water to surrounding communities. The park’s primary attraction is its stunning caves, which have captivated visitors since 1983.
TOUR DETAILS
Participants: Maximum 10 per group
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE
Ready to explore the mystical caves and diverse wildlife of Barra Honda National Park?
Contact us at bookings@blackcarcr.com or +506 84960978 to reserve your spot.
The Caves
With over 70 million years of history, the caves are a mythical scene that draws visitors back time and time again. There are 46 registered cavern systems, but only two are open to tourists: Terciopelo and La Cuevita. The others remain closed for safety reasons, such as depth and bat populations.
Main Attractions
The caverns are the primary draw of Barra Honda National Park, offering two distinct experiences:
Terciopelo Cavern
- Recommended for: Children over 10 years of age.
- Includes: Certified guide and speleology equipment.
- Adventure: Starts with a 30-minute hike, followed by a descent of about 50 feet using a secure, metallic ladder while wearing spelunking equipment (rope, harness, helmet, flashlight, carabiners). Inside, you’ll find rooms adorned with limestone formations with unique names and shapes.
- Duration: The excursion within the cavern lasts around one hour.
- Scenic View: Offers an impressive view of the Nicoya Gulf, Chira Island, and the Tempisque Valley. There is also a resting point with benches.
Cuevita Cavern
- Recommended for: Children under 10 years of age.
- Equipment: No special equipment required.
- Guide: Must hire a tour guide.
- Experience: Observe formations similar to those in the Terciopelo cavern, but on a smaller scale.
- Duration: The excursion lasts around 30 minutes.
- Additional Walks: Predefined paths include a short, circular 2,625 ft (800 m) hiking path or a longer 3.7 mi (6 km) walk to and from the lookout point, offering a panoramic view and diverse forest stages and ecosystems.
Wildlife Observation
The park is home to a fascinating variety of wildlife. Although challenging to observe, a total of 80 bird species have been identified, including scarlet macaws, magpie jays, house wren, tinamou, sparrow hawks, and trogons. The caverns also host a large population of bats of various species. Other observable species include howler and capuchin monkeys, squirrels, coatis, raccoons, coyotes, anteaters, and armadillos.
WHY CHOOSE OUR CAMINATA JUNGLA?
- Educational Experience: Learn about the unique ecosystem and the importance of conservation.
- Close to Nature: Experience the tranquility and beauty of the jungle and mangrove.
- Small Group Size: Enjoy a personalized tour with a maximum of 10 participants.