The massive Barva Volcano
The Barva Volcano measures about 62 square miles and is located at the edge of Costa Rica’s Central Valley. According to scientists this dormant volcano was active 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. Eruptions were reported around 1760 but later visits to the summit did not provide evidence of eruptions during historical time. Costa Rica car rental
This volcano is located inside the Braulio Carrillo National Park it is its highest point. Its altitude is about 9,700 feet above sea level. Barva has a dozen different eruptive spots in the summit and some parasitic cones in the flanks of the mountain.
Its three principal summits can be seen from the Central Valley. They are known as Las Tres Marías (The Three Marys). The most popular lagoon is called Barva Lagoon and it was the main crater of what is now the dormant volcano. This lagoon has a diameter of 230 feet and is 28 feet deep. The water temperature averages 52° F. The only lagoon that is open to the public is the Copey Lagoon which is located about two miles away from Barva Lagoon.
The four most important trails that wind through Braulio Carrillo National Park’s Barva Sector are Stag Horn Path (Sendero Cacho Venado), Barva Lagoon Path, Copey Lagoon Trail and Vara Blanca Lookout Path.
The park opens at 7:00 a.m. and if you arrive early you will be able to hike through them all. Usually hikes begin on the Stag Horn Path, which takes about 1.5 hours to hike; it takes one hour to hike the Barva Lagoon Path; two hours to hike the Copey Lagoon Trail and one hour to hike the Vara Blanca Lookout Path. If you do this early you can avoid foggy conditions at the lagoons.
Besides being a great place to hike, the Barva Volcano offers first-class wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Even though the altitude makes the area less friendly for animals, according to scientists there are 23 mammal species, 75 bird species, nine arachnid species and a wide variety of reptile and amphibian species. Visitors can watch animals, reptiles and birds such as the resplendent quetzal, golden-browed chlorophonia, flame-throated warbler, hummingbirds, lizards, salamanders, snakes, toads, frogs, deer, monkeys, pumas, jaguars, ocelots, and paca. Car rental Costa Rica
There is a ranger station located at the Barva Sector, north of Sacramento. They provide information about the park and its camping facilities. The only place were camping is permitted is in the Barva Sector. If you have camping plans, keep in mind that the temperatures can fall below freezing. Be sure to bring your rain gear and hiking boots.
By car the Barva Sector can be accessed via Heredia, traveling north through the towns of Barva, San Jose de la Montana, Paso Llano and, finally, Sacramento.
The Barva Sector is about 2 miles away from Sacramento, however they road is very rocky. Consequently it is a good idea to travel in a 4WD vehicle.
Come to the Barva Volcano and admire its amazing and unique beauty and diversity.