Park or nature areaOutline guide

Barra Honda National Park

National park in western Costa Rica

Photo: Lutz Maertens, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Barra Honda National Park is in the northern Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste province, Costa Rica. The park protects a densely forested mountain but is most famous for its extensive underground world of limestone caverns, formed by water erosion over millions of years. Most of the caverns remain unexplored.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep2 places

Casita Barra Honda
Family-run small lodge featuring a restaurant with home-cooked Costa Rican cuisine. Camping area available as well. Must call in advance to inquire about availability of food or lodging since it is seriously off the beaten path.
Address
Santa Ana
Phone
+506 8937 2611
Villa Nico y Anita
Hostel with cabins and spacious, clean rooms with hot showers. Swimming pool and hammocks available, no extra charge for all the monkeys entertaining you from the perch up in the trees.
Address
El Plave
Phone
+506 83263294

Getting there and around

Getting there

Getting into Barra Honda is probably going to require a 4WD truck, though you could probably do it with a motorcycle too. The roads are extremely bad with dirt surfaces and potholes larger than Botswana.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport

Liberia · International · LIR

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Read before you go to Barra Honda National Park

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandThe park became part of the Costa Rica national parks system in 1974. It was created primarily to protect the mountain's cave system.

Get inGetting into Barra Honda is probably going to require a 4WD truck, though you could probably do it with a motorcycle too. The roads are extremely bad with dirt surfaces and potholes larger than Botswana.

Fees and permitsThe park entrance and ranger station is open daily from 8AM to dusk. At the entrance, you will find potable water and restrooms.

SeeAmazing geologic formations in the underground caverns:

Buy, eat, drink and sleepThere are no stores in the park. Bring anything you need. You can get food and drink in the village of Santa Ana, about 1 km from the park entrance.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Barra Honda National Park" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Barra Honda National Park", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Lutz Maertens, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

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