The territory that today corresponds to the canton was part of the Western Huetar Kingdom, where the cacique named Barbak had his settlement, whose name was extended to the region between the Virilla River and the mountains of "Monte de Aguacate", which was called Barva (Valle de Barva).

The mountainous region of the canton, where the lagoon of the Barva volcano is located, is part of the area protected by the Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Barva is also the access point to the Poás Volcano National Park, the most visited in the country.

The historic centre of the city has several adobe houses Colonial style classic architecture.

Barva is one of the cantons where there are traditional masquerades, particularly around the festivities of Saint Bartholomew, on 24 August.