Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
334 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
120
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Μάνος Î
9 contributions
Jan 2021
If you re in San Jose and want a first experience about the forests in Costa Rica , this is a good and easy option.
I visit that park from Quebrada Gonzalez sector. This sector has two trails, is very easy and you ll enjoy it. Dont expect to see many animals but you can walk through the nature.
If you have a car, it will be easy for you but the bus is more challenging. You can take the bus from the Caribbean station to Guapiles ( 1530 colones) and then the only option is to wait outside the park untill one bus come. So, go prepared to wait about 20 - 40 minuites or more.
There are many tours for that park but in my opinion keep your money for another park.
I visit that park from Quebrada Gonzalez sector. This sector has two trails, is very easy and you ll enjoy it. Dont expect to see many animals but you can walk through the nature.
If you have a car, it will be easy for you but the bus is more challenging. You can take the bus from the Caribbean station to Guapiles ( 1530 colones) and then the only option is to wait outside the park untill one bus come. So, go prepared to wait about 20 - 40 minuites or more.
There are many tours for that park but in my opinion keep your money for another park.
Written January 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magenta56
Cheshire,England222 contributions
Jan 2020
The ariel tram was excellent, 1 hour 10 mins sliently floating above the canopy. We have taken canopy tours previously but this was the highest and longest. A guide accompanies you and the carriage is suitable for everybody and has proper seats. We stayed 2 nights in the lodge in the park and enjoyed the early morning and evening walks, our guide Leo was very experienced and knowledgeable.The walk is easy on a made path. We saw tapir, a sloth,a tarantula, snakes and lots of frogs.There are also butterfly, snake and frog exhibits which were good. There is a restaurant where the staff where friendly and helpful. There is zip lining but we didn't try it.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mnzamora
Costa Rica179 contributions
Feb 2022
We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and wanted to visit a different national park in Costa Rica and close to San Jose. We decided to visit Braulio carillo and chose the second entrance of this park which is the easiest and most popular the Zurqui ranger station. It is just 12 miles (20 km) northeast of San Jose along the Guapiles Hwy (32) and we surprised with a mysterious but lovely animal (An anteater) that was hidden in a tree, this was the first time we ever saw an anteater in the wild such a lovely animal.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa95126
Berkeley, CA6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I was generally not a fan of zip lining prior to my visit to this park. But these guys are simply the BEST. The safety precautions are top notch, the lines have brakes that automatically stop you (so folks like me with shoulder issues can do it pain-free), and the guides are super friendly. The park is gorgeous and full of life. On our week long trip this was the highlight!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul M
New Hampshire24 contributions
Feb 2020
Very nice! Rode through the rainforest in a covered gondola. Saw/heard a couple animals but this is more of a botanical adventure. Guide was very informative and friendly. About an hour from San Jose' as I recall and a beautiful drive between the two points.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Surie C
San Jose, Costa Rica6 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
My life partner was killed when a rotten tree fell. We were not advised that we should get out when it rains. Maintenance of the trails should trail should include checking on the health and safety of the trees around the trails. Ranger station didn’t had rescue kit. Ranger didn’t even know how to check her pulse. Worst day of my life. A living nightmare. Please be more aware. Hope it never happens again and this helps. Love You Allison.
Written June 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eric O
Madison WI37 contributions
Braulio Carrillo NP is a huge expanse of park between San Jose and the Carribean coast. Much of it is inaccessible except to the most hardened hikers, climbers and rafters, but there are three points of entry that are much more straightforward for tourists who want the experience of entering a large swath of primary rainforest or cloud forest without either travelling too far or dealing with throngs of other tourists.
In the north, there's puesto Barva, which is near Sacramento. We unfortunately did not have the time to get up there. The scenery and experience would be quite different, as the northern areas of the park are roughly 3000 feet higher in altitude than the central and southern lowlands, offering a completely differnet ecosystem.
Along Highway 32 out of San Jose (to Guapiles) you'll pay a small toll and then you're in the park. There are two stations, one at the Zurqui tunnel, and one further northeast at Quebrada Gonzales. Zurqui has no public sanitary facilities, but has a very nice hiking trail. Gonzales has facilites and three trails. One trail loops into the forest to the south, the other two connect on the north end, and skirt the banks of the Rio Sucio. The Sucio is a bright orange, due to sulfur deposits, and some of the views of the river from the trail are quite striking. The trails are often steep, rocky, and wet, and on one of them it did require wading across a stream. It's also hot and humid, so dress accordingly. The combined trails by the rio sucio are about 3-5km, although will take longer than a comparable walk because of the changes in terrain. The area is also teeming with wildlife, so keep a sharp eye out for various birds, leafcutter ants, and reptiles. It's also a birder's paradise, so bring binoculars.
Parking/use of the park is roughly $6. The park is, however, not heavily-staffed, so don't leave your vehicle at locations other than the ranger stations. There are many breathtaking lookout points along the highway, viewing the Rio Patria and Cerro Cacho Negro - they're great spots for pictures but don't be tempted to wander off down impromptu trails - they're not monitored regularly, not maintained at all, and may make you easy prey for petty crime.
The views are, however, magnificent. Enormous vistas of green, even in the dry season (which, is never really dry). The mornings are often foggy and overcast, however.
At the southern end of the park are some commercial entites offering canopy tours. Not affiliated with the park directly, but close enough as to make no odds, these may be more family-friendly than a slippery hike into the rainforest. Additionally, since it's on the highway from San Jose to the coast, it's at the very least nice scenery and photo ops on a trip to Puerta Vieja or Tortuguero.
Regardless of how you visit, it's really a fantastic experience. It's a rare chunk of ecosystem filled with rare and unsual wildlife and plants, and it's less than 30 minutes from a major city.
In the north, there's puesto Barva, which is near Sacramento. We unfortunately did not have the time to get up there. The scenery and experience would be quite different, as the northern areas of the park are roughly 3000 feet higher in altitude than the central and southern lowlands, offering a completely differnet ecosystem.
Along Highway 32 out of San Jose (to Guapiles) you'll pay a small toll and then you're in the park. There are two stations, one at the Zurqui tunnel, and one further northeast at Quebrada Gonzales. Zurqui has no public sanitary facilities, but has a very nice hiking trail. Gonzales has facilites and three trails. One trail loops into the forest to the south, the other two connect on the north end, and skirt the banks of the Rio Sucio. The Sucio is a bright orange, due to sulfur deposits, and some of the views of the river from the trail are quite striking. The trails are often steep, rocky, and wet, and on one of them it did require wading across a stream. It's also hot and humid, so dress accordingly. The combined trails by the rio sucio are about 3-5km, although will take longer than a comparable walk because of the changes in terrain. The area is also teeming with wildlife, so keep a sharp eye out for various birds, leafcutter ants, and reptiles. It's also a birder's paradise, so bring binoculars.
Parking/use of the park is roughly $6. The park is, however, not heavily-staffed, so don't leave your vehicle at locations other than the ranger stations. There are many breathtaking lookout points along the highway, viewing the Rio Patria and Cerro Cacho Negro - they're great spots for pictures but don't be tempted to wander off down impromptu trails - they're not monitored regularly, not maintained at all, and may make you easy prey for petty crime.
The views are, however, magnificent. Enormous vistas of green, even in the dry season (which, is never really dry). The mornings are often foggy and overcast, however.
At the southern end of the park are some commercial entites offering canopy tours. Not affiliated with the park directly, but close enough as to make no odds, these may be more family-friendly than a slippery hike into the rainforest. Additionally, since it's on the highway from San Jose to the coast, it's at the very least nice scenery and photo ops on a trip to Puerta Vieja or Tortuguero.
Regardless of how you visit, it's really a fantastic experience. It's a rare chunk of ecosystem filled with rare and unsual wildlife and plants, and it's less than 30 minutes from a major city.
Written December 21, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alook09
Chicago, IL38 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
We stayed overnight at Braulio Carillo within the National Park in their Rainforest Lodge. I'm not sure many people know that this is an option - you can stay in a bungalow in the middle of the rainforest for a very decent price (about $80/night)! The bungalows are very spacious and VERY nice. Probably the nicest accommodations we saw while in Costa Rica. It is PITCH BLACK at night and very quiet. Only the noise of the nature surrounding you! Staying there was a great experience.
When we arrived at the park we sat down with the staff and they put together a package deal for us. We stayed for two days - two nights in the lodge, had two tram rides with a guide, had a night walk with a guide, had all our meals at the restaurant on site, did white water rafting and zip lining. They gave us a GREAT deal for all of that. The rafting and zip lining was great!
The staff at the park is VERY service-oriented, friendly, and helpful. The food at the restaurant was good too. The park was not overrun by tourists and we had a quiet, relaxing time exploring the rainforest.
Highly recommended!
When we arrived at the park we sat down with the staff and they put together a package deal for us. We stayed for two days - two nights in the lodge, had two tram rides with a guide, had a night walk with a guide, had all our meals at the restaurant on site, did white water rafting and zip lining. They gave us a GREAT deal for all of that. The rafting and zip lining was great!
The staff at the park is VERY service-oriented, friendly, and helpful. The food at the restaurant was good too. The park was not overrun by tourists and we had a quiet, relaxing time exploring the rainforest.
Highly recommended!
Written January 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GT2_Law
Atlanta, Georgia, United States103 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
We went on the aerial tram tour. It offers breath taking views of the rainforest. You truly get to see the diversity of the rainforest from up high and down low while in the tram. This was a wonderful experience. We saw beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds flying by us. (Wear a red shirt and the hummingbirds will think you are a flower, at least, until you move.) We also heard the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys. Our guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. We did not have the opportunity to go on the trails but they looked well marked. We'll have to do that next time. This is a beautiful park. I highly recommend you visit it as a day trip from the San Jose area.
Written June 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trek-Always
Alpharetta, GA2,510 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
We drove all the way through the park going north on highway 32. It is winding, crosses the continental divide, and quite lovely the whole length. We saw sloths, toucans, and many kinds of flora unique to this area.
We took a short hike on an old construction road just beyond Sibu Chocolate (a must see activity) in the cloud forest. On such a hike conditions are often muddy, rocky, and require good shoes and a rain jacket. Walking through dense, primary, tropical forest land is an experience to be treasured. Lots of flora and fauna to be seen up close.
It took about 2.0-2.5 hours from San Jose to drive all the way through the park not including side trips and stops. Worth the time.
If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.
We took a short hike on an old construction road just beyond Sibu Chocolate (a must see activity) in the cloud forest. On such a hike conditions are often muddy, rocky, and require good shoes and a rain jacket. Walking through dense, primary, tropical forest land is an experience to be treasured. Lots of flora and fauna to be seen up close.
It took about 2.0-2.5 hours from San Jose to drive all the way through the park not including side trips and stops. Worth the time.
If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.
Written January 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jadranka P
London, UK703 contributions
In 2 weeks we should be in Costa Rica and on our way to Tortuguero would like to Visit Braulio for tram ride. Can we buy tickets for the tram ride at the Park without doing other activities And if are the rides timed.
Thank you
Charlie D
Atenas, Costa Rica462 contributions
Yes you can do just the tram, that was all I did. Note that it is not actually in the National Park but adjacent in the Rainforest Adventures venue on border of park. The tram opened at 8 AM and was not busy that early, but you have a boat to catch for Tortuguero, so I would call Rainforest Adventures and ask about the time. It is the longest tram in CR and I think takes more than an hour, depending on how many people the are loading, etc.
Jadranka P
London, UK703 contributions
On our drive to Tartuguero we would like to stop and do tram ride without tour as we have only 2 hours available. Does anybody know whether this is possible and whether we can book tickets in advance. Thank you
Charlie D
Atenas, Costa Rica462 contributions
Yes it is possible even without a reservation if not too busy, but 2 hours is pushing it for the longest tram in Costa Rica. Call them and tell your situation. And don't miss your boat to Tortuguero! :-)
Hi, we will be traveling on Mar 26, 2019, and will have all our luggage in the car when we stop. Is it safe to leave our luggage unattended while we visit the park?
César Augusto
Escazu, Costa Rica125 contributions
Hi, In my opinion it is safe. I think that you won't have any problem. Have a nice trip.
florenceberlioz
Lyon, France
Où se trouve l entrée du parc quand on vient de san José par la route 32 ?
Yamilla_64
Province of San Jose, Costa Rica7 contributions
Hola, puede tomar en San Jose el Autobus que va a Guapiles
mpresarios Guapileños, +506 2222-2727 / +506 2222-0610)
Le indica al chofer que requiere bajarse en el parque
Tambien puede llamar a estas lines de autobus
(Rapiditos Heredianos, +506 2233-8392 / Busetas Heredianas, +506 2261-7171 / Transportes Unidos La 400, +506 2222-8986) y de ahà tomar otro autobús con la ruta Heredia – Sacramento – Volcán Barva
LukaTravel
Monterrey, Mexico4 contributions
hola, cuanto te costo el recorrido en el teleférico y la entrada al parque? hay algún lugar cerca para almorzar sabroso¡¡?
mlmichelini
Montevideo, Uruguay36 contributions
En cuanto al costo lo pagamos a una agencia de viajes con otros tours y el costo estaba incluido en el , asi que no te lo puedo informar. Dentro del Parque hay un restaurante de tenedor libre que se come bien y rico
rcano33
Leon, Mexico
Costo de entrada , tiempo de recorrido, que incluye y como llegar. Gracias por el apoyo
jonarocio
Sabadell, Spain77 contributions
Gracias Beatriz S. es la segunda vez que vamos a costa Rica y lo básico lo hemos visto, por eso querÃamos algo diferente relativamente cerca de San José.
jonarocio
Sabadell, Spain77 contributions
Merece la pena Braulio Carrillo por su fauna? Se ven muchos animales? la entrada es mejor por el volcán barva o por quebrada González? y si me pueden indicar algún parque Nacional cerca de San José donde se vea más fauna que en Braulio Carrillo se lo agradezco. gracias
Beatriz S
3 contributions
Hola, me parece que el Braulio Carrillo tiene muchos animales, yo he visto muchos pájaros, una serpiente y cantidad de insectos. Los animales más grandes son muy difÃciles de ver, como las Dantas o los felinos. Nosotros entramos al parque por Quebrada Gonzalez. Hay parque a ambos lados de la carretera y el guardaparques indica que hay algunas diferencias en fauna dependiendo del lado de la calle.
Desconozco sobre la comparación en fauna con otros parques.
RobertaRosatiii
Costa Rica3 contributions
Cuanto tiempo toma llegar ahà desde San José? Cada cuanto pasan los buses? Se puede ir en un dÃa y volver?
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo (San Jose) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
- We recommend booking Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo:
- Rainforest Adventures in Costa Rica Aerial Tram Tour Braulio Carrillo (From $70.00)
- Aerial Tram in Braulio Carrillo National Park From San José (From $135.00)
- guided activities (From $30.00)
- Whitewater Rafting and Horseback Riding Combo. Private Tour (From $265.00)
- Zipline Canopy & Whitewater Rafting Tour. Private Tour from San Jose (From $265.00)
- Hotels near Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo:
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Casa 69
- (0.11 mi) Costa Rica Backpackers
- (0.14 mi) Costa Rica Guesthouse
- (0.15 mi) Hotel Casa Leon
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Fleur de Lys
- Restaurants near Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo:
- (0.00 mi) Soda Donde Du
- (0.03 mi) Cantina SCCA
- (0.15 mi) Restaurante Nuestra Tierra
- (0.07 mi) Hierbabuena
- (0.10 mi) Buffalo Joe Guadalupe
- Attractions near Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo:
- (0.09 mi) Chieton Moren
- (0.15 mi) Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
- (0.20 mi) Green Stone Adventures - One Day Tours
- (0.15 mi) National Museum Of Costa Rica
- (0.32 mi) Costa Rica Expeditions