Braulio Carrillo National Park National Park

Address: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Heredia Province, Costa Rica

Website: https://www.sinac.go.cr/

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a large protected area in Heredia Province, Costa Rica, named after former president Braulio Carrillo. It protects extensive lowland and montane rainforest on the Caribbean-facing slopes of the central mountain range.

The park contains dense primary forest, steep river valleys and cloud-forest habitats, and is important for biodiversity and watershed protection. Road Route 32 passes through parts of the park, giving roadside views of rainforest and access points for shorter walks and lookout stops. Wildlife sightings include birds, mammals and abundant epiphytes, though most visitors see the park during short stops rather than long treks.

The area was set aside by the Costa Rican government to protect watersheds and native forest; it expanded over time through additional land protection measures. It is named for Braulio Carrillo Colina, a 19th-century Costa Rican leader associated with early national consolidation efforts.

The park sits on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica’s central mountain range, spanning rugged terrain in Heredia Province and adjoining provinces. It lies northeast of the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José along the road that connects the capital to the Caribbean coast.

• Access: The park is traversed by Costa Rica’s Route 32, which provides road access across parts of the reserve and views of its lowland rainforest.
• Vegetation changes: Elevation ranges from lowland rainforest to higher montane forests, producing rapid changes in vegetation over short distances.

By road: Braulio Carrillo National Park lies along the San José-Limón corridor and is directly accessible from Route 32 (the Autopista Braulio Carrillo) east out of San José. Several park access points and pullouts are reached from Route 32 between San José and Guápiles.

Public transport: buses running between San José and Limón travel Route 32 and can be used to reach trailheads or park access points; check local bus stops for the nearest drop-off and expect a short walk from the highway to marked park trails.

• Use the road corridor along Route 32 for short stops and viewpoints - it gives easy access to several lowland rainforest pullouts without long hikes and is often the first wildlife chance for visitors.
• If you want deeper forest experience, arrange guided hikes or visits through local guides or nearby research stations (for example La Selva is a recognized biological station nearby) - guides know current trail conditions and wildlife hotspots.
• Visit early in the morning to maximize bird and mammal activity and to avoid highway traffic; mid-morning along Route 32 is when buses and larger vehicles increase.