Audio Guide of Barra Honda Caves

The National Park is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but to descend into the caverns you must arrive before 1:00 p.m. It is mandatory to book in advance to arrange the guide and safety equipment; you can find more details on the official SINAC website.

Park admission is around $12 USD for foreigners and 1,000 colones for Costa Rican nationals, but this does not include the cave tour. The guide service and equipment rental are an additional cost (about $30 USD), paid directly to the local guides' association.

The full adventure usually lasts between 3 and 4 hours. This includes the hike through the dry forest to the entrance, the safety briefing, the descent and cave exploration (usually Terciopelo Cave), and the return to the visitor area.

They are unique in Costa Rica because they are not volcanic; instead, they were formed by erosion in uplifted coral reefs millions of years ago. In addition to their impressive stalagmites and stalactites, pre-Columbian remains and ancient human bones have been found inside.

The dry season, from December to April, is without a doubt the best time for descending into the caverns. During the rainy season, access can become slippery and dangerous, and sometimes entry to the deeper areas is closed for safety reasons.

No, descending into the caverns requires good physical condition, since it involves going down a vertical ladder of about 17 meters and crawling in certain sections. It is not suitable for people with vertigo, claustrophobia, or mobility issues, and the minimum age is usually 10 or 12 years old.

After your adventure, you can visit the historic colonial Church of San Blas in downtown Nicoya. You are also on the way to the beautiful beaches of the peninsula, such as Sámara or Nosara, perfect for relaxing after the hike.

Bring comfortable clothing, long pants to avoid scratches, closed-toe trekking shoes (essential), and at least 2 liters of water. The heat in the dry forest is intense, so it is best to do the tour in the morning and bring insect repellent.