Barra Honda National Park
Located in the Guanacaste Province, Barra Honda National Park is best known for its intricate cave system. Visitors to the park will have the opportunity to witness an abundance of wildlife, both inside and outside the caves, including bats, birds, blindfish, salamanders, and snails.
A visit to the caves begins with either descending down a tall ladder or with a nearly 60 foot rappel down into Terciopelo Cave. The caves house stalactites and stalagmites as well as other mineral deposit formations.
Hiking
In addition to the cave tours and nature hikes, Barra Honda National Park offers visitors an opportunity to climb a 2 mile long trail known as the Los Laureles trail that will lead you to Barra Honda summit - a location that presents breathtaking views over the Gulf of Nicoya and surrounding countryside. Visitors will spot howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sunks, coatis, deer, parakeets, hawks, and iguanas along the trails.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Barra Honda is located 62 miles south of Liberia and 8 miles west of the Rio Tempisque Bridge. The park is open weekdays from 8am - 4 pm and the entrance fee is 10USD. A guide is necessary to enter the caves.
Weather and Packing List
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: The Barra Honda caves are limestone caves which were created when this area was under the sea millions of years ago.
