Barva Volcano

Barva rises to 2,906 metres north of Heredia and forms the western sector of Braulio Carrillo national park, and unlike the drive-up craters at Poas and Irazu it has to be walked: a trail of around two kilometres climbs from the ranger station at Sacramento through dense cloud forest of oak, tree fern and bromeliad to the main crater, which holds a small dark lagoon ringed by vegetation. Other craters lie off the route. The forest is often in cloud and the trail is persistently muddy. Quetzals, hummingbirds and other cloud forest birds live here, and the sector sees far fewer visitors than the accessible volcanoes.

What you actually see

• The crater lagoon - the small dark lake in the main crater.
• Cloud forest - the oak, fern and bromeliad along the trail.
• The walk in - the two-kilometre climb from the ranger station.
• Cloud forest birds - quetzals and hummingbirds in the canopy.

When to go

December to April in the dry season, when the road and trail are most passable; even then mud is likely. Mornings are clearest before cloud fills the crater. The wet season makes the access road difficult.

Honest expectations

The access road from Sacramento is rough and often needs four-wheel drive. The trail is muddy year round and boots matter. Cloud fills the crater on most days and the lagoon is often invisible. There are no facilities beyond the ranger station.

Nearby

Heredia lies south; Poas volcano is west.