Nestled in the stunning Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, Barra Honda National Park is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and biodiversity. This beautiful park is a must-visit for nature lovers, hikers, and families looking to explore the wonders of Costa Rica’s rich ecosystems.

History and Purpose

Barra Honda National Park was created on 1974; with the aim of protecting a system of caverns of calcareous origin. It is the only park in Costa Rica that features a complex of underground caverns, making it a unique geological wonder. While other caverns in the country are popular tourist destinations, Barra Honda stands out for its distinctive formations and ecological significance. It’s also the second oldest land in Costa Rica.

Location

Barra Honda National Park is located approximately 22 kilometers (13.67 miles) northeast of the city of Nicoya and 79 kilometers from Tamarindo Beach (49 miles). The park covers an area of 2,295 hectares and experiences an annual rainfall of 1,970 mm with an average temperature of 28 °C (82.4 °F).

Getting There

To reach Barra Honda National Park from Tamarindo Beach by car, you can use Google Maps, and there are a few ways to get there. Here’s a detailed, Costa Rican-style guide for a scenic journey.

Start on Route 152 from Tamarindo, passing the 27 Abril entrance, and continue on Route 160 towards Santa Cruz. Next, merge onto Route 21 heading to Nicoya, passing the Nicoya entrance along the way.

At the Tempisque intersection, take Route 18 towards La Amistad Bridge for just 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). Look for the Barra Honda bus stop, you’ll see an intersection on your left to take Route 905 towards the park entrance. Keep an eye out for Barra Honda signs to guide you along the dirt road, and don’t be surprised if you lose your internet connection as you approach your destination.

It might be a good idea to download an offline map before your trip. But, here’s also a visual guide for your convenience:

Hiking Trails

Barra Honda National Park boasts several well-marked hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. The trails wind through the park’s lush landscapes, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature. Here are the open current trails to visitors in 2025.

• Sendero La Palma: This 750 meter (0.47 miles) trail located close to the rangers office and park entrance, perfect for a quick flat hike.

• Sendero Matapalo: This 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) trail is a bit more challenging with steep sections. You can drive a 4×4 vehicle to the parking area to start your hike from the next trail instead.

• Sendero Los Laureles: This 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) trail leads to both the children’s cavern and the adults cavern. Enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way. It’s a circular trail, allowing you to return via La Ceiba trail after visiting the cave.

• Sendero La Ceiba: This 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) trail connects the caverns back to the parking lot and Sendero Matapalo towards the park entrance.

Please note that other trails in the park are currently closed to the public.

Stunning Viewpoint

Located just 280 meters (0.17 miles) before reaching the adult cavern, there’s a deviation of 275 meters (902 feet) from the main trail to access another popular attraction, the viewpoint: Mirador Nacaome.

Mirador Nacaome is located at an elevation of 423 meters (1,388 feet) above sea level. This stunning vantage point offers breathtaking views of the charming Nacaome Valley, the expansive Palo Verde National Park, and the majestic mountains that surround the area. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Isla Chira in the distance.

It’s the perfect spot for capturing memorable photos and immersing yourself in the park’s natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply looking to appreciate the stunning landscapes, this viewpoint provides a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with the breathtaking environment of Costa Rica.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and some snacks to enjoy while you take a break from the hike. Take a moment to relax, soak in the serene atmosphere, and create lasting memories at this picturesque location.

Caverns

One of the park’s most distinctive features is its limestone caverns, which were formed millions of years ago by erosion and dissolution, resulting in a complex network of tunnels and chambers. These caverns are not only a geological wonder but also a habitat for various species of bats and other wildlife.

Barra Honda features a network of calcareous caves, with around 19 caverns explored so far, showcasing stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed by the action of water on calcium carbonate. The main chamber features high ceilings and ambient light filtering through natural openings, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

The name «Terciopelo» which translates to «Fer-de-lance» in Spanish, is derived from the Terciopelo snake (Bothrops Asper), a species that locals once believed inhabited the area. However, it is important to clarify that this snake is no longer found in the region today.

Currently, only the Caverna Terciopelo is open to the adult public, as it presents adequate conditions for the descent of inexperienced visitors. This cavern is ideal for adventure tourism.

Children can access the Caverna Cuevita, a smaller cavern specifically for them. This enchanting space allows young explorers to experience the wonders of the underground environment in a safe and engaging way, fostering a sense of adventure and curiosity about nature.

Tour Details

For those interested in exploring Barra Honda National Park, park entry fees are as follows:

• Non-residents (tourists and expats): Approximately $14 per person

• Residents: Approximately $3 per person

The park entry fee allows visitors to hike the trails and access the viewpoint —only. To visit the cavern, a separate tour is required and must be purchased separately, as it is mandatory:

• Non-residents (tourists and expats): Approximately $55 per person

• Residents: Approximately $45 per person

Tour Schedule

Available tour times: 8:30 am and 10:30 am.

Duration

The tour begins at the ranger’s office, located at the entrance of the national park, followed by a hike to the cavern. There will be a 10 minute break at the viewpoint to rest, hydrate, enjoy some snacks, and take in the stunning views.

The total duration is approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and the number of participants, with the cave tour itself lasting about one hour inside the cave.

Reservations

Required at least 8 days in advance, with a minimum of 2 people. Get in touch here: Tico Be Like to book your tour and get connected with the right people.

Important Notes

• The Terciopelo Cavern is only accessible to visitors over 12 years old, and the helmet and harness equipment needed to descend into the cavern is provided.

• A separate children’s cavern tour is available for those under 12 years old, and a reservation is also required.

• Overweight individuals may not be able to access the cavern due to physical constraints.

• Visitors with certain medical conditions should avoid entering the cavern.

Flora and Fauna

Barra Honda National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, showcasing a rich variety of flora and fauna.

The park’s diverse ecosystems include scrublands, secondary deciduous forests, and 290 hectares of evergreen forest, home to numerous tree species, each contributing to the unique ecosystem. Here a few favorite ones:

• Pochote (Pachira Quinata): Known for its striking appearance, the Pochote Tree thrives in dry tropical forests. It is currently protected by Costa Rican law due to its valuable, beautiful, and durable wood, which is often used in high-quality furniture.

• Indio Desnudo (Bursera Simaruba): Commonly known as Gumbo-Limbo or Copperwood, this tree is recognized for its smooth, reddish-brown bark that peels away in strips. It is often found in tropical and subtropical regions and is valued for its medicinal properties.

• Arbol de Guanacaste (Enterolobium Cyclocarpum): As Costa Rica’s national tree, the Guanacaste Tree is celebrated for its expansive canopy and is a symbol of the region. Its large, umbrella-like shape provides shade and habitat for various wildlife.

In addition to its impressive flora, Barra Honda National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to encounter:

• Mariposa Morpho Azul (Morpho Peleides): A strikingly beautiful butterfly found in the park, the incredible blue morpho is known for its vibrant blue wings and graceful flight, often seen flitting through the forest.

• Mono Aullador (Alouatta Palliata): Known for their loud calls, howler monkeys are often heard before they are seen, swinging through the treetops.

• Mono Cara Blanca | Mono Capuchino (Cebus Imitator): These playful white-faced monkeys are easily recognizable by their distinctive white faces and are often seen in groups.

• Momoto Cejas Azules (Eumomota Superciliosa): The gorgeous turquoise-browed motmot is known for its vibrant colors and unique tail feathers, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.

• Pizote (Nasua Narica): These curious creatures are often seen foraging on the forest floor, using their long snouts to dig for food. The white-nosed coatis here are quite friendly and often won’t hesitate to get closer.

• Murciélago Vampiro (Desmodus Rotundus): These fruit bats play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal, and they’re easy to spot inside the cavern.

• Cascabel (Crotalus Durissus): A venomous snake that can be found in the park, the rattlesnake is known for its distinctive rattle and warning sound.

• Serpiente Coral (Micrurus Nigrocinctus): Another venomous species, the coral snake is recognized by its bright coloration and should be approached with caution. Be aware that a non-venomous species, often called the False Coral Snake, which closely resembles the coral snake, can also be found here.

• Ocelote (Leopardus Pardalis): This elusive cat is known for its beautiful spotted coat and is primarily nocturnal, making it a rare sight during the day —unfortunately.

Barra Honda National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural environment, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Hours and Services

Barra Honda National Park is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. The caverns can be visited from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The park offers various services, including potable water, guided tours, trails, and a camping area.

Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, a cap or hat, and snacks for the day.

The best time to visit the park depends on your preferences. For a greener hike, the rainy season is ideal. However, to fully enjoy the cavern and viewpoint, I recommend visiting during the dry season. The cavern can be slippery at all times, but it becomes more dangerous when it rains.

Conclusion

Barra Honda National Park is truly a hidden gem in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and biodiversity. Whether you’re hiking through its scenic trails, exploring the fascinating caverns, or simply enjoying the stunning viewpoint, this national park promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, from children to adults.

So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the wonders of Barra Honda National Park. I’m sure you’ll be amazed!

Pura Vida,
Tico Be Like