Laguna del Barva, Braulio Carrillo

From the car park at the Puesto Volcán Barva ranger station, walk up the park road past the rangers' cabin and onto a track that becomes Sendero Laguna de Barva. The path climbs steadily through oak and cypress forest hung with moss and bromeliads to a viewpoint over the Laguna del Barva, a round lake filling a crater near the top of the volcano at about 2,840 m. Go back down the same trail to the junction, then take Sendero Cacho de Venado, a quieter path through the forest that rejoins the road just above the car park.

It is 5.8 km round with 211 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: forest paths with roots and deep mud for much of the year.

It is cool, wet and misty on most days at over 2,600 m, so bring rain gear, warm layers and boots. Quetzals live in this forest, so walk quietly. Stay on the trails.

The park is open daily from 8am to 3.30pm; non-residents pay US$13.56, and tickets are bought online through SINAC. The Barva sector is reached from Sacramento, north of Heredia, and the last stretch of road is steep and rough. Leave nothing of value in the car.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.