About: This is a true hidden gem! While it is a little bit out of the way for a pit stop, if you can swing it, it will be worth your while. This private reserve offers hiking trails that lead to the “green lagoon”, a volcanic lagoon that is a brilliant green color. The views…
Tag: Hikes
La Vieja Adventures
About: This tour takes you through a river canyon with walls up to 100 meters high. There are stairs with an optional harness you can wear for safety. The entire route is 3.5 kilometers and reaches the Sapphire Waterfall. There are 3 tour options: the basic tour which includes a guide, the day pass which…
El Cocora Cloud Forest
About: This is the perfect pit stop on the way to La Fortuna from the metropolitan area because it is just about halfway and it has everything you need: a short trail if you need to stretch your legs, a longer trail if you want more of a hike, a butterfly garden, a hummingbird garden…
Cinchona Waterfall Trails
About: These trails are well-maintained but steep as they go down into the canyon to a total of 4 waterfalls, 2 of which you can swim in. The hike is short but challenging, but there are some ropes to help on the steep sections. It is a hike down and back up to get out….
Catarata San Vicente
About: This is a short trail to visit two waterfalls, Catarata San Vicente and Cascada el Jilguero. The trail is well-marked and is easy to moderate difficulty. You can swim in one of the waterfalls, but the water is cold. Province: Alajuela Starting from: La Fortuna / Downtown Alajuela / Downtown Heredia / Downtown San…
Bogarin Trail
About: This is a relatively short and flat set of trail loops (2.5 km total) that is focused on natural or wild sloth sightings. The area is not enclosed and there is no guarantee of seeing sloths. However, there are usually at least a few sloths on property at any given time. You may also…
La Fortuna Hikes
Note: These are hikes that are specifically NOT up the volcano to the base of the old lava flow. If you want a list of hikes that allow you to reach the old lava flow, check out this list. Options for hikes in La Fortuna:
Texas A&M Soltis Center
About: This international branch of Texas A&M University serves as a base for research and education for students abroad. Aside from their institutional programs, they offer 3 tours for day visitors: a natural history and waterfall hike, a night tour, and a birding tour. A meal is included for an additional fee. Province: Alajuela Starting…
Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste)
About: One of the farther activities from La Fortuna, if you have a free day, it is worth the trip. There are a lot of other activities to do nearby to make it a full day, or even consider staying a night or more in the area. It is a long hike, first to a…
Sendero Los Tucanes
About: They have a trail that is 3 kilometers long and goes over old lava from the Arenal Volcano. There is a hanging bridge, 2 viewpoints of the volcano, and restrooms. You can do the trail by yourself or as a guided tour. They also offer a tubing tour in the nearby river. Province: Alajuela…