A rare jewel in the heart of La Amistad, Barbilla National Park in Costa Rica may not be as busy as some of the other national parks, but that makes it special.

Barbilla is closest to the town of Siquirres which is also the main entry point for visiting the park. There are some 29,500 acres protected by Barbilla. Barbilla straddles the border of the provinces of Cartago and Limon, and contains a large number of endangered species that are thriving in the area. This can be attrbuted to the smaller numbers of people that frequent the area.

Barbilla National Park in Costa Rica is not one of the more easy parks to reach. The road in from Siquirres is about twenty kilometers and unpaved. It would be best to come in by way of a four wheel drive vehicle when visiting Barbilla. It will be especially difficult to enter in the rainy season from May through December as the park is also the protector of the Dantas River Watershed, and may be flooded at times.

There are two indigenous groups that remain in the area of Barbilla. The Cabecar are the second largest remaining indigenous group in Costa Rica, and the Chirripo Indigenous Reserve is found adjacent to the park. Along with indigenous groups, there are a large number of animals living in Barbilla National Park including jaguars, ocelots, Pumas, tapirs, the sun heron and a few different birds of prey that would be perfect subjects for any birding aficionado or enthusiast.

Oak trees, bullywood, tropical fungi, red ucuuba and the coquito tree are among some of the nearly 7,000 different kinds of plants in Barbilla. The trails along the park will make you feel as though you are the only one around, and this very well might be true. The splendor of Barbilla is untouched in many ways that other parks in Costa Rica are not.

You may wish to bring a map, because the likelihood of receiving an adequate GPS signal in the park is not great. Other items that should be considered include sunscreen, hiking boots, hiking gear, bug repellant, binoculars, a camera and snacks. This park is part of the 1982 UNESCO created La Amistad Conservation Area, and has both historical and cultural significance. Be sure to take plenty of pictures while there. The ranger station and park buildings are located in the village of Brisas de Pacuarito, and it would be good to inform a ranger about your intentions to enter the park. Many of the trails in Barbilla National Park.

Location: National Park of Barbilla
Items to bring: map, sunscreen, hiking boots, hiking gear, bug repellant, binoculars, a camera, snacks
Species of fauna: jaguars, ocelots, Pumas, tapirs, the sun heron, a few different birds of prey
Species of flora: oak trees, bullywood, tropical fungi, red ucuuba, the coquito tree
Cities nearby: Siquirres, Brisas de Pacuarita
Ways to get here: 4WD Rental Vehicle, Private tour guide, taxi