Barra Honda National Park

Barra Honda National Park protects a limestone karst hill riddled with caves — the park's caves are among the few in Costa Rica open to organized tours. Of roughly 42 caves recorded in the park, only about 19 have been explored, and just two, Terciopelo and La Cuevita, are open to visitors. Terciopelo is entered via a 17-meter ladder into an entrance chamber and holds several named formations, including the "Sala de Huevos Fritos" ("fried eggs room") and the Sala Órganos with large stalagmites; two further chambers were closed to visitors after the 2012 Nicoya earthquake for safety reasons. Above ground, the park protects tropical dry forest on the hilltop.

By Plane

Daniel Oduber International (LIR) in Liberia, about 100 km southeast (2 hours).

By Train

Costa Rica has no passenger rail service to this area.

By Car / Road

From Nicoya, about 25 km east on paved and gravel roads. From Liberia, about 100 km.

Hiking trails and guided cave tours only.

• Limestone caves — Spectacular underground chambers with formations

• Terciopelo Cave — Main show cave accessible to visitors

• Tropical dry forest — Diverse flora and fauna above ground

• Guided cave tours (moderate fitness required, rappelling involved)

• Hiking on forest trails

• Birdwatching and wildlife observation

Pack food. No restaurants in the park.

Bring plenty of water.

• Budget: A campground and a few rustic ranger-station cabins are available near the park entrance.

• Mid-range: Stay in Nicoya (25 km)

None. Bring all supplies.

• Nicoya — 25 km west, colonial town
• Samara — 50 km northwest
• Nosara — 60 km west