About: This is a wildlife refuge with a rich history of the previous owner, Dr. Alexander Skutch, who was among the founders of the Tropical Science Center in Costa Rica, and dedicated his life to the study of botany and later ornithology. He wrote many books, which are now well kept in a museum at…
Author: Ultimate Guide
Quebradas Biological Center
About: This biological center focuses on tourism, education, community, and volunteer opportunities. They have hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, wildlife, and a lake with paddle boats. They have lodging for overnight stays. Province: San Jose Starting from: San Isidro de El General Time to reach from starting location: 20 minutes Time needed for activity: 3+ hours…
Mirador y Senderos Los Badilla
About: This is a private property that has a 5 kilometer hiking trail to a peak with a cross. At the property there is also several photo opportunities and viewpoints. Province: San Jose Starting from: San Isidro de El General Time to reach from starting location: 10 minutes Time needed for activity: 3-4 hours Kid…
Los Gigantes Sendero
About: This private family farm has a 6 kilometer (each way out-and-back) hiking trail for day use. It is a steep hike up to the peak, where there is a restaurant you can have lunch at and enjoy the views. There is a river with natural pools near the trailhead that you can relax in…
La Chiripa
About: This is a place with hiking trails, a waterfall, natural pools, mountain views, and rock formations. They have a cabin for overnight stays. Province: San Jose Starting from: San Isidro de El General Time to reach from starting location: 1 hour Time needed for activity: 3+ hours Kid friendly: Yes Wheelchair accessible: No What…
La Amistad International Park, Tres Colinas Sector
About: This is one of 3 sectors with entrance to La Amistad International Park, a park shared with Panama. The other 2 sectors are Altamira de Biolley and Santa Maria de Pittier. This sector has only one trail that is extremely long and takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days to complete. It must be…
La Amistad International Park, Santa Maria de Pittier Sector
About: This is one of 3 sectors with entrance to La Amistad International Park, a park shared with Panama. The other 2 sectors are Altamira de Biolley and Tres Colinas. This sector has 3 trails, La Cascada de Pittier, which is short, Rio Canasta, which is medium, and Cerro Pittier, which is long and requires…
La Amistad International Park, Altamira de Biolley Sector
About: This is one of 3 sectors with entrance to La Amistad International Park, a park shared with Panama. The other 2 sectors are Santa Maria de Pittier and Tres Colinas. This sector has 2 trails, Gigantes del Bosque which is shorter, and Valle del Silencio, which is longer, requires a local guide, and requires…
Cloudbridge Natural Reserve
About: This is a private reserve that has several well-marked hiking trails for day visitors. The trails range in distance from less than half a kilometer to 8 kilometers. There is a waterfall on one of the trails. They also offer guided tours on the trails with advance reservation. Food is not sold on property,…
Chirripo National Park
About: This is an amazing national park with several hikes, peaks, and points of interest, most notably Cerro Chirripo, which is the highest peak in Costa Rica. It requires a permit to visit, and reservations usually book out months in advance. There are 2 towns you may begin your hike from, San Gerardo de Rivas…