The Barra Honda Caverns are one of Costa Rica’s most famous caves because of its pure limestone foundation. These caves which are cut through by water are located in the Barra Honda National Park in the Nicoya Peninsula. Home to 42 different caves and ranging from two meters to 250 meters deep, these caves are extensive, vast and truly mesmerizing.

So if you’re interested in exploring what lies beneath these deep and wondrous caves, then the Barra Honda Caverns await you.

Fast Facts

Weather: The months of January to April are hot and dry. The remaining ones deem humid and rainy.

Size: The entire cavern area is around 2,297 hectares.

Habitat: Apart from caves, the Barra Honda Caverns also consist of pastures and dry forests.

Main Attractions

The calcareous formations along with the cave grapes, pearls, roses, soda straws, stalagmites and stalactites are the main attractions in Barra Honda Caverns. The 42 caves which are all in fairly good condition have vertical entrances which is why it’s advisable to bring climbing gear as well. If you’re not confident enough, there are guides present to help you out.

Surrounding and inside these networks of limestone caves are diverse wildlife and vast vegetation. Cave bats, birds, capuchin monkeys, lizards, deer, salamanders, blindfish among many others can be found lurking out and about the Barra Honda Caverns.

Costa Rica’s Barra Honda Caverns

The Barra Honda Caverns boast of outstanding formations and varying depths. The different caves found in this park are perfect for climbers and explorers of all levels. It will all depend on how far and deep you’d like to go.

1. Nicoya Cave- This cavern is 98 feet deep and is home to Pre-Columbian artifacts and human remains.

2. Santa Ana Cave- The deepest of all caves found in the Barra Honda Cavern, the Santa Ana Cave is 790 feet and is overflowing with multitudes of limestone formations.

3. Terciopelo Cave- Taking its name from the snake species found in the bottom of the cave when it was first discovered, this 200-ft deep cave is one of the most accessible ones in the park.

4. La Trampa (The Trap)- This is where harnesses come in handy. You could only explore this cavern when you’re securely strapped because of its 100-ft. vertical entrance which will then lead you to 360-ft deep cave.

5. Pozo Hediondo- Commonly known as the “Stink Pot” or the Bat Cave, this houses very large colonies of bats. If you’re still around come sunset, you could witness a mass exit of these bats thirty minutes after the sun is down.

Be ready to be transported in a whole new different world and learn a lot more about the natural beauty of these caves as you go deeper and deeper. Naturally designed with pristine limestone formations existing with flourishing flora and fauna, the Barra Honda Caverns is indeed a must-see in Costa Rica.