About: This reserve is located in the cloud forest in the La Paz community. It offers hiking trails along the La Paz River, an orchid and hummingbird garden, and guided night walks. It is perfect for the bird lover, especially as it provides the opportunity to observe the Quetzal from the months of February to…
Author: Ultimate Guide
Reserva Biologica Alberto Manuel Brenes
About: Currently this reserve is not open to the general public, but rather is only open for educational and research purposes. It is associated with the University of Costa Rica and hosts organized groups of high school and university students. Hopefully it will soon open its doors and its trails to the general public. Province:…
Posada y Senderos Don Diego
About: This private reserve offers hiking trails that lead to a river with a natural swimming pool and a waterfall. They also have picnic areas, camping areas, and rooms for overnight stays. Pets are allowed. Province: Alajuela Starting from: Downtown Alajuela Time to reach from starting location: 1 hour 26 minutes Time needed for activity:…
Poas Volcano National Park
About: This is an active volcano with a spectacular crater and it is open to the public. It is close to the city and therefore one of the most popular destinations. Since it is an active volcano, the access has changed over the years as new eruptions have occured and the safety of visitors is…
Minas del Aguacate
About: This is a great little hike to a beautiful set of natural pools that flow into each other over small waterfalls. There is also a river you can enjoy. Another highlight of this location is the abandoned mine entrance, which you can walk into (at your own risk). It gets dark fast, so if…
Madre Verde Natural Reserve
About: This is a great, organized reserve that has hiking trails that reach the peak of a hill and have views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can see up to 4 volcanoes to the east: Poas Volcano, Barva Volcano, Irazu Volcano and Turrialba Volcano. You have the chance to…
Los Manantiales
About: This recreational park is a great place for families to enjoy a relaxing day. There is a lot to do here including hiking trails, 2 waterfalls, a large swimming pool, a smaller kiddie pool, waterslides, a natural pool that you can also swim in, a sort of “splash pad” area for kids, playgrounds, a…
Los Chorros
About: This is a great little hike to a waterfall and natural swimming pool that is close to the city. It is a great last minute option if you want something to do that is close by, in nature, and not too difficult. Province: Alajuela Starting from: Downtown Alajuela Time to reach from starting location:…
La Arboleda Trails
About: This is a nice, well-organized place for hiking, as well as mountain biking, right in the city. They have a good set of trails that go up a hill where you can appreciate a beautiful view at the top. They are only open on Saturdays and Sundays. They allow pets. They also have a…
Kindred Spirit Cloud Forest
About: This private reserve is located in the cloud forest and therefore provides a different ecosystem than the other rainforests in Costa Rica. It offers an extensive trail system. You can do a self-guided hike or a guided hike with lunch included. They are also accepting donations to help with the restoration efforts. Larger donations…