Page 87 - CARIBE TOURIST GUIDE

Barbilla National Park
The area is almost entirely covered by lowland tropical rainforest with species such as the fruta dorada (Virola sebifera) and the coquillo palm (Astrocaryum alatum). There is also premontane rainforest in the park.
It is advisable to access the park in four-wheel drive vehicles. Whether traveling alone or in groups, it is advisable to be accompanied by a local guide. You must carry everything you need for your camp and carry out your own garbage. Carrying firearms is not allowed, nor is removing plants or animals from the park.
The park is composed mainly of primary tropical rainforest that is typical of the region, at elevations of 200-1600 meters above sea level. There is also premontane rainforest with abundant vegetation due to the climate.
Some of the most striking species are the roble encino, the fruta dorada and the amarillón.
It has a great biological diversity due to its physiographic and climatic characteristics (3,500 to 4,500 mm annual rainfall), conditions that enable large number of species of flora and fauna to live there, many of which are rare or endangered. Noteworthy examples include puma, jaguar, ocelot, tapir, great tinamou, birds of prey and guans. Rare species such as the tayra, the water dog, the sunbittern and the white-faced nunbird can also be observed inside the park.
It is home to 60 species of butterflies and about 200 species of birds.
Its intermediate altitude is conducive to a high diversity of flora. The vegetation in the park is highly diverse, with about 5,000 species of vascular plants and 1,000 to 2,000 species of non-vascular and lower plants. There are isolated patches of oaks amidst the tropical rainforest vegetation.
Trails
To make your way into the park, you can take several trails that will take over two hours on steep slopes, mostly suitable for experienced hikers.
The park does not have a guide service. However, local guides are available and will take you through the viewpoint area to fully appreciate the park. Presentations are also available, but these must be scheduled in advance.
Although a system of trails runs through the park, most of them are quite rough and it is advisable to hire a local guide for your hike.
Hours
Everyday from 8 am to 4 pm
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