Overview
A full day underground and above it. Hike up through the dry forest of Barra Honda National Park, then descend a vertical ladder into limestone caverns carved over thousands of years — stalactites, stalagmites and chambers shaped into strange figures. Back on the surface, the hilltop lookout opens over the Gulf of Nicoya, with coatis, agoutis, anteaters and monkeys along the trail.
- 7:30 am
Pickup in Tamarindo
Your guide collects you from your hotel for the drive south into the Nicoya Peninsula.
- 9:30 am
Barra Honda National Park
Safety briefing at the ranger station, then helmets, harnesses and headlamps are fitted.
- 10:00 am
Hike up through the dry forest
A steady uphill trail through tropical dry forest — watch for howler monkeys, coatis and agoutis on the way.
- 11:30 am
Descent into the Terciopelo cave
Clip in and climb down the vertical ladder into the caverns. Your guide leads you through chambers of stalactites, stalagmites and columns formed drop by drop over millennia.
- 1:00 pm
Gulf of Nicoya lookout
Back in daylight, a short walk to the hilltop viewpoint over the gulf and the Tempisque lowlands.
- 2:00 pm
Lunch stop
A well-earned lunch at a local restaurant on the way back (not included).
- 4:30 pm
Back in Tamarindo
Dropped back at your hotel door.
What's included
- Round-trip transport from your Tamarindo hotel
- Bilingual guide for the full day
- Barra Honda National Park entrance and cave permit
- Caving equipment: helmet, harness and headlamp
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch (a stop is made at a local restaurant — bring cash)
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip (they will get dusty)
- Shorts or light long pants and a t-shirt
- Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera and binoculars
- A small backpack for water — hands stay free on the ladder
- Cash for lunch and tips
- You need moderate fitness: the trail is uphill for about an hour and a half, and the cave entrance is a vertical ladder.
- Not recommended if you are uncomfortable with heights or enclosed spaces.
- The park sets a minimum age for the cave descent — tell us your children's ages when booking and we will confirm.
- Children under 12 receive a 20% discount; under 3 travel free.
- Cancellations 24+ hours before departure carry a 50% fee. Inside 24 hours there is no refund.