Costa Rica Hello Again: Braulio Carrillo National Park
–My Costa Rican Adventure
Day 6 in my series Costa Rica Hello Again found us at the Braulio Carrillo National Park. It’s 12 miles (20km) northeast of San José. It is a massive, sprawling conservation area. One of Costa Rica’s largest protected areas, spanning from the Poás Volcano to the Irázu Volcano. There are two public areas, the Quebrada González and Vulcán Brava. I believe we went to the Quebrada Gonzalez area.
The park was named for Braulio Carrillo Colina, who was the third head of state of Costa Rica. He governed from 1835-1837 and again in 1838-1842. He promoted coffee cultivation and connecting the Central Valley to the Caribbean coast, which facilitated the export of coffee. The park was created in 1978 to protect the surrounding forest from deforestation.
On our way there, we saw a couple of cool things, well one was UBER cool! First we stopped for gas and what do they sell at the gas station? PINEAPPLES. Fresh, beautiful pineapples! the last thing you’d think you’d see at a gas station of all places! After we left, I announced that I wanted to see monkeys.
Our guide and friend Frank Herrera spotted them in the trees…
On the road to the park I announced that I wanted to see monkeys. And see monkeys we did! Soo sooo sooooo cool!
First I saw two and then I saw three!
Once We Got There
We parked and headed to the reception station. There, we had to sign a waiver, which I wasn’t too thrilled about. Then it started to drizzle a bit. The clouds were not kind and looked like they had much more in mind.
After filling out the waivers we had to wait for a shuttle to take us to another area which was a bit of a distance away. That was the first hint of how sprawling the place is–nothing but forest on either side of the road.
We finally arrived at a larger reception area, there, we could see the place to pick up the tram. I had hoped to do some hiking first, but the clouds let loose so we fled inside.
Ok so now what? There was a dining room and we saw they were prepping a buffet lunch, so what does one do when they smell food and their plans are getting rained on? They sit down to eat!
While waiting for the buffet to open, I caught sight of a toucan in a tree. I hadn’t seen one this close and was happy to be able to play with my new camera. Also during this time, I endured the usual teasing from Sly and Frank.
So cool to spot a toucan while waiting for the food.
Me and my silly man Sly. He makes me laugh soooooo much!
The food was really good, the typical Costa Rican fare of beans, rice, plantains and salad. Then it was time to do a bit of souvenir shopping, there were some cute handmade crafts as well as CHOCOLATE.
On to The Tram
Then we got a break. The rain let up so we headed for the tram. We had to wait a bit so we observed what was around us…
Standing in the rain among the cacao after having a bite to eat.
Frank, our wonderful guide and friend with Sly admiring the cacao.
Finally time to get into the tram…but much to my chagrin, the worker put me in the front. (as you will see in the video below…) I was NOT happy. Initially, the ride was bit unsettling–I love riding on trams but there’s always an adjustment period when I have a minor freakout. Then it becomes magnificent once I settle down. In this case, there were bouts of freakout then ah-filled moments to… becoming plain ol’ hilarious because toward the end, the heavens OPENED.
Waaaaaaay up in the tram!
In between bouts of freaking out I was taking pics of the breath-taking scenes.
And yet still, when I had a moment, well y’all know, a gal has GOT to pose!
The Park’s Beauty in the Rain
So yeah, the heavens opened while being wayyyy the heck up in the air and continued for the rest of our time in the park. But before we left, there were some interesting and beautiful sights:..
Red eyed frog at the frog exhibit.
Beeee=yoo=ti=ful flower known as the Shrubby White Vine.
Heliconia. I am absolutely enchanted with these plants!
This blue morpho butterfly was the only one I saw not closed up. My friend was on display just for me! They’re my favorite butterfly!
Butterflies need sunshine so these guys were all closed up in the butterfly area.
Walking Palm Tree. Another plant I am fascinated by.
The End of The Road
As we waited for Frank to pick up the car, I was standing next to a Walking Stick!
After that excitement, it was time to eat again so I requested my favorite place, Q’rico which Frank easily obliged–it was on the way home!
Chowin’ down on my favorite dish in m my favorite place. Pargo Rojo with salad and the wonderfully good patacones (tostones) at Q’rico!
Stay tuned for Part Vll!
If you enjoyed this and want to start from the beginning of this series, click here
Links
Bio Thermales Hot Springs +506-8862-0926 (English & Spanish)
Frank Herrera Frank Tours CR Aguas Zarcas Whatsapp: +506-8377-6663 (he is fluent in English!)
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