Main attractions: Quebrada González Sector This sector is 1640 ft. above sea level and has a very wet climate, which make it ideal for observing and studying plant species, mammals, and particularly bird species in their natural habitat. The sector provides local guides. There are three trails: Las Palmas, El Ceibo and Botarrama, which are short in length, ranging from 3280 ft. to 9842ft. There are also lookout points. Among its waterways, stands out the Sucio River, whose waters drag volcanic minerals along the way and give it its murky color. Sendero Laguna Volcán Barva Fotografía: Juan K REGULACIONES / REGULATIONS Parques y Biodiversidad Parks and Biodiversity Braulio Carrillo National Park The Braulio Carrillo National Park was established on April 15th, 1978. It is the most extensive area in central Costa Rica with 117,842 acres and is managed by the Central Volcano Range Conservation Area administration. The park name, Braulio Carrillo, is in honor of the third Chief of State to govern Costa Rica from 1837 to 1842. Its location is important for the protection of aquifers, numerous springs and wide, crystal-clear rivers, steep landscapes lining the high mountains, as well as lush flora and spectacular fauna. The National Park’s magnificent flora and fauna is protected by thick evergreen forests and lush vegetation mainly made up of primary forests, where some 6000 species of plants and large trees exist, like Manu, mahogany, oak, crabwood, hawk tree, red yemeri, ceiba, and breadnut (ojoche). The park also has a large variety of fauna. There are some 515 bird species that inhabit the area, among them being king vultures, bare-throated bellbird, goldfinch, and quetzal. Some of the mammal species that exist here are white-faced, red, and howler monkeys, tapir, pumas, jaguars, white-lipped peccary, anteaters, red brocket, and coyotes. CENTRAL VOLCANO RANGE CONSERVATION AREA BIOSPHERE RESERVE Los parques nacionales se crearon con el fin de proteger nuestros recursos naturales y culturales; por lo tanto, no es permitido extraer animales, plantas, rocas ni otros materiales del lugar. National Parks were created to protect our natural and cultural resources. Therefore, visitors are not allowed to take out animals, plants, rocks, or any other element from the area. Si necesita ayuda o información, los guardaparques están en la mejor disposición de colaborar. If you need help or information, park rangers are in the best position to help out. Evitemos la contaminación y los incendios forestales. No se permite fumar. In order to avoid contamination and forest fires, smoking is not allowed. Por su seguridad, manténgase dentro de los senderos diseñados, en las áreas de uso público. For your safety, do not stray from the designated trails or other public areas. Colaboremos con el aseo del parque nacional: deposite la basura en los respectivos basureros (vidrio-lata, plástico, orgánicos). Help keeping the National Park clean. Deposit trash in their respective receptacles (glass-cans, plastic, organic material). Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo This Land belongs to all the Costa Ricans, some have already died, others are still living …but the majority have yet to be born. Anonymous Sendero Sector Volcán Barva Fotografía: Juan K. Barva Volcano Sector This sector has various lagoons of volcanic origin, the most attractive being the Barva Lagoon, which measures some 230 ft. in diameter and an average temperature of 52 degrees. There is also access to the Copey Lagoon, which is some 130 ft. in diameter with an average water temperature similar to that of Barva. There are four trails: Cacho de Venado, which branches out to the Vara Blanca lookout point, the Barva Volcano Lagoon, and the Copey Lagoon, varying in distances ranging from 3,000 ft. to 11,500 ft. long with lookout points and signage. Here you can observe the cloud forest, oak forests, and the majestic quetzal. There are also camping areas. Transporte en autobús / Bus Transportation Sector Volcán Barva • San José - Heredia: Calle 4 Ave 5-7. • Tel: 2222-8986. Salida/Dep: 5:00 a 23:00 • Regreso/Return: 4:20 a 20:30. c/ 5 min.• Duración/Lenght: 30 min. Heredia - San José de la Montaña/Paso Llano • Salida/Departure: L-S (M-S): 6:25, 11:45 y 15:55 • Regreso/Return: 7:30, 13:00, 17:00 • Salida/Departure: D (S): 6:30, 11:00, 16:00 • Regreso/Return: 7:30, 12:30, 17:00 Una vez en Paso Llano, el visitante debe caminar unos 9 km hasta llegar a la Administración del Sector Volcán Barva. Once at Paso Llano, visitors must walk about 5 miles to the Adminsitration Office at the Barva Volcano Sector. Sector Quebrada González. San José-Guápiles: Calle Central, Ave. 13. • Empresarios Guapileños. • Tel. 2222-0610 ó 2758-0618 • Departure: 5:30 a 19:00 (S-D) / Sat-Sun • Return: 5:00 a 20:00 • Lenght: 42 km aprox. INTERESTING FACTS: • Area: 47586 ha • Altitude: Desde 36 a 2906 msnm • Average Temperature: 2ºC - 24ºC • Average Rainfall: 2660 mm – 5734 mm