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:…
Tag: costa rica
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…
Huaravito Reserve
About: This reserve focuses on conservation efforts. They offer hiking trails open to the public. Province: Alajuela Starting from: Downtown Alajuela Time to reach from starting location: 1 hour 28 minutes Time needed for activity: 1-2 hours Kid friendly: Yes Wheelchair accessible: No What to wear and bring: Comfortable clothes, walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen,…
Grecia Forest Reserve
About: This reserve is located on the slopes of the Poas Volcano, so it is a good place for hiking at elevation. There are 3 public trails that are relatively short but inclined. There are 2 other private trails that can be accessed with the land owner’s permission. One of them is relatively short and…