About: This is a really great hidden gem that even a lot of locals seemingly don’t know about. It can get more crowded on weekends and holidays, but if you visit during the week you will likely have the place mostly to yourself. It is an expansive park with many different areas. There are hiking…
Tag: Hikes
Parque de la Paz
About: This large park crosses a major highway and is therefore not the quietest nor the most relaxing park. However, it is a popular spot with locals for exercising and relaxing outdoors with family. It is an alternative to La Sabana Park closer to the Southeast side of the city. It offers trails for walking…
MontaƱas de Cariblanco
About: This private reserve offers a trail that goes through forest and coffee plantation, as well as next to a river, to reach a waterfall. There are also natural pools that you can swim in. It is an out-and-back trail of about 2 kilometers each way. There is elevation gain and beautiful views since it…
Locos por el Bosque
About: This is a place that offers intermediate to advanced hiking trails. They also regularly organize tours to different locations. Province: San Jose Starting from: Downtown San Jose Time to reach from starting location: 54 minutes Time needed for activity: 3+ hours Kid friendly: No Wheelchair accessible: No What to wear and bring: Comfortable, warm…
La Sabana Park
About: This is sort of the Central Park of New York equivalent to San Jose. It is a large park with trails for walking, running, and cycling, soccer fields, the National Stadium, a museum, a track, tennis courts, a lap pool, baseball fields, the National Gymnasium, volleyball courts and more. It is popular for exercising,…
La Cangreja National Park
About: This national park offers a main trail along the Rio Negro that is an in-and-out trail of 6 kilometers one way. There is a secondary trail that branches off from the main trail called the Plinia Trail. Attractions include a main waterfall, the Encanto Waterfall, as well as smaller cascades and natural pools along…
Hacienda La Chimba
About: This is a coffee plantation in the mountains of Santa Ana with trails for hiking and photo opportunities. The trails can be done as a self-guided tour with 3 different distance options: 3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 9 kilometers. Since the plantation is in the mountains, there is a lot of ascent and descent,…
Hacienda El Rodeo
About: This hotel offers a day pass that includes breakfast, lunch, coffee, and use of their pools and outdoor areas including grassy areas for playing soccer and running around. They have trails for hiking and mountain biking. There is also a farm with animals that you can visit. They also offer horseback riding tours at…
Finca Siempre Verde
About: This private farm offers hiking and horseback riding tours on their property as well as at nearby attractions such as Cangreja National Park, Juco Waterfall, and El Salto del Indio Waterfall. They also offer night walks, birdwatching tours, and nature photography tours. Province: San Jose Starting from: Downtown San Jose Time to reach from…
Finca Las 6 Maravillas
About: This expansive farm features 6 “wonders”: the Stone Bridge, the Guatuso Cross, the Giant Rock, the Tiger Cave, the Waterfall, and the Jabillo pools. It is quite a feat to reach all 6 in one day, as they are not all on the same loop, and the distances are great. It is about 4…