Barva Volcano
The highest point in Braulio Carrillo National Park with 9500 ft. Holding more than 12 small towns named after saints, Barva Volcano lower slopes are full of coffee fields. Exotic pines and native cedar are in the upper slops where the air is usually cool near the summit.
The only place in Braulio Carrillo National Park where the camping is allowed is in the summit of Barva Volcano, great place to see the quetzal, a pretty rare bird in Central America. Because Barva Volcano summit is hard to get to this volcano receive tourists from Poas Volcano and Irazu Volcano.
After two to four hours hiking you get to the main crater, within about 440 meter of diameter is, with Poas Volcano, one of the most amazing volcanoes in Central America. On its sides you can find sombrillas de pobre (poor man's umbrellas), a typical plant in the highlands of Heredia. Near the crater you can find the lake of the volcano, to get there bring some extra clothes, boots, rain gear and a warm shirt. Most experienced hikers have been lost in Braulio Carrillo National Park, so if you are hiking please stay on the trail to avoid getting lost.
To access Barva Volcano start in North Heredia, in Sacramento. We recommend a 4WD vehicle because in Sacramento the roads turns to dirt roads after a while, getting worst at Barva ranger station. From the ranger station the rocky road announces the entrance to the Barva Volcano. Walk, at dry season only, through the cloud forest to the lake for 90 minutes to 3 hours. The recommendation for this zone is to take the walk because in the way to the lake your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of amazing landscapes, sunsets and the Barva Volcano.