Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a protected area covering multiple ecological zones across Costa Rica's Caribbean region. The park encompasses lowland rainforests near sea level and transitions into cloud forests as elevation increases, creating distinct habitats stacked vertically.

The park was created in 1978 as part of Costa Rica's conservation movement. It was named after a 19th-century leader who recognized the importance of protecting natural resources.

The park holds meaning for local communities as a place where indigenous groups lived and worked for centuries. Archaeological remains scattered throughout the forest show how people once used these lands for settlement and subsistence.

The park is accessible via the main highway connecting San Jose to the Caribbean coast, with ranger stations providing trail information at entry points. Plan visits during drier months if possible, though the region remains green throughout the year.

The Rio Sucio river flows through the park with distinctive orange coloring caused by mineral deposits from volcanic activity in nearby mountains. This naturally stained waterway stands out to visitors walking through the forested areas.

Inception: 1978

Elevation above the sea: 606 m

GPS coordinates: 10.15990,-83.97442

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:42