Barra Honda National Park was created on august 20th 1.974, published September 3 rd by Law #5.558 in the Official Journal # 165. This park has an extension of 2.295 ha, that represents thousands of years of geological history and as a result, formed a wide system of caves. The caves are independent from each other and contain formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

This Park is now covered by scrublands (approximately 330 ha., with ages between 3 and 10 years), secondary deciduous forest (about 1.405 ha, 10 years the oldest one) and 290 ha. Of evergreen forest.
Here it is possible to observe a variety of fauna, especially birds like tufted magpie (Colocita formosa ), the collajera dove (Columba fascinata) and the white-tailed dove (Leptotila verreauxi). Also, there are coatimundies, raccoons, agouties, white-tailed deers and anteaters.

It is also possible to notice an increase in the animal population, during the last years, due to the programs of Fire Control and Protection.

General data

Visiting hours

From 8:00 am until 4:00 pm for normal visits, and from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm in order to visit the caves (to descend)

Location

Barra Honda National Park is located in the province of Guanacaste in Tempisque Conservation Area, specifically in the canton of Nicoya, 22 Km northeast from the city of Nicoya.

Average annual precipitation: 1970 millimeters.

Average temperature: 28° centigrades

Life Zones: Dry Tropical Forest, transition to Rain Forest.

Main Attraction

There is a net of calcareous caves which have been explored up to 50 % by scientists and speleologists.
They have explored about 19 caves which present great attraction and subterranean beauty, with capricious forms created by the action of water on the calcium carbonate.
Actually, only the Terciopelo cave is open for public use, because it is the only one that presents appropriated conditions for non experienced visitors. This cave is ideal for adventure tourism.

Other Attractions:

Barra Honda National Park holds a Dry Tropical Forest, which you can enjoy, specially in the dry season.
In addition, there are spectacular places ( look outs ) with marvellous scenes, and beautiful waterfalls, that make this Park a surprising place.

Services and Facilities

• Camping area
• Equipment for speleology
• Guide service
• Lodging
• Food
• Parking lot
• Tourist information
• Drinkable water
• Public telephone, 3 Km away
• Radiocommunication