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Barra Honda National Park of 23 km2 / 8.88 sq. miles on the Nicoya Peninsula was created in 1971. It is located west of the Tempisque estuary and is overgrown with tropical dry forest. Although most of the park has been cut over in the past, wildlife is fairly abundant and increasing with protection.
The national park was founded to protect its famous cave systems which are one of the biggest in Costa Rica. A good trail system takes the visitors to the caves, where unusual limestone formations offer spectacular views. Barra Honda Peak has a vast system of independent caves, nearly 42, of which only 19 have been explored. Most visited is the “Terciopelo” cave of 60 m (197 feet) which has 5 different rooms.
These caverns are renowned for their pristine condition and conservation efforts have helped to retain all the geo-biological features of the area. Vertical entrances to the caves with rope ladders require special equipment and trained professionals provided by the park management. It is forbidden to enter the caves without a guide.
Opens daily from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., only during the dry season.
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