Surrounded by the wild beauty and serenity of the area, it is hard to imagine that this breath-taking experience wouldn’t be possible without the intervention of commercial development. Even harder to imagine that commercial developers and conservationists were able to work together to create a scenario where both the environment and the economy were able to win back in 1978, long before it was “cool” to try to save the planet.

Located in the central volcanic corridor (between San Jose and Puerto Limon), Braulio Carrillo National Park (named after the 3rd Costa Rican Chief of State who initiated the Highway initiative) spans more than 100,000 acres of protected, pristine land. Once inaccessible, this area “unearthed” as the infrastructure struggled to build convenient highway access that could strengthen the national economy and accessibility. Initially infuriated at the thought, conservationists were won over by the fact that aside from the intrusion of the Guapiles Highway (which virtually bisects the park), the surrounding areas would be protected and preserved, offering a safe haven for countless species of flora and fauna.

Unlike a number of the other more popular Costa Rican parks, which can be quite crowded and seem anything BUT serene, Braulio Carrillo remains one of the nation’s better kept “secrets”. With a small staff and fewer tourists, this gem of a destination is its own slice of paradise for any serious eco-tourist.

From peak to base, the park drops an incredible 1.86 miles in elevation, supporting a diverse ecosystem and a host of unique habitats. To date, more than 6000 different species of plant life, 530 species of birds and 135 different species of mammals have been catalogued within the Park’s boundaries. Every where you turn, you’re assaulted by the untamed magnificence of it all, the fierce freedom and a primitive beauty that few will ever experience.

Creatures you might encounter in your explorations include: strawberry poison arrow frogs, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, tapirs, paca, ocelots, gold finches, hummingbirds, tanagers and even the elusive quetzals. While encounters are rare, jaguars, puma, coyotes and two of the most venomous snakes in the world (the fer-de-lance and the Bushmaster) also call the Park home and can add their own element of excitement and adventure to your visit. And even if you journeyed the length and breadth of the park without spotting a single animal, the trees, bushes, plants and flowers would still be enough to satisfy even the most avid of “tree huggers”.

Also worth investigating is the Rio Sucio (translated “Dirty River”), an orange, discolored stream that runs through the Park and earned its name and signature color from the vast sulfur deposits throughout the Irazu Volcanic area.

Because the Braulio Carrillo is so far off the beaten path, there are few facilities and NO accommodations available. Two restroom areas can be found at the Quebrada Gonzales and Barva ranger stations, as well as drinking water – but other than that, you’re quite literally on your own. Because the Park is low on staff, be sure that you park your vehicle(s) within eyesight of a ranger station, and be careful as you explore the paths and trails. This seclusion and serenity doesn’t come without risks, and aside from the risk of venomous snakes, there are also petty criminals and thieves to contend with. If you’re planning a trip to the Park, plan on coming with a group, and be wary of strangers.

However, if you culminate your visit with a canopy exploration from one of the commercial outfits on the south side of Braulio Carrillo, or with a visit to the Park’s privately owned Aerial Tram and Canopy Tours, where you can explore the wonders with a birds-eye-view, you’ll quickly understand why the rewards are WELL worth the risks!

Park admission costs roughly $6US, but the memories and photographs you’ll walk away with will be priceless…