About: This is a great place to go hiking and spend the day around a lake. They have 5 kilometers of trails, viewpoints, and tables and ranchos for having a picnic around the lake. Unfortunately there is no swimming in the lake, but you may see wildlife on the trails. They are pet friendly. They…
Tag: costa rica
La Marta Wildlife Refuge
About: This nature reserve offers hiking trails of varying difficulty and length, 2 rivers with natural pools you can swim in, a viewpoint, camping areas, and a lodge for overnight stays. They even have a short wheelchair accessible trail. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting location: 1 hour 21 minutes…
La Angelina Mountain Bike Park
About: This private park is popular among mountain bikers, but also has trails specifically for hiking and trail running. It has over 19 kilometers of trails and excellent views of the central valley. They are pet friendly. They occasionally offer beginning mountain bike classes to learn techniques for downhill. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago…
Irazu Volcano National Park, Prusia Sector
About: This is one of two sectors of Irazu Volcano National Park, the other being the crater viewing sector. This sector has extensive trails of varying lengths, however, they are all located on the side of a mountain and therefore are quite inclined. There are viewpoints, picnic areas, restrooms, and running water. There is also…
Hacienda Los Tres Pastorcillos
About: This is a hiking area deep in the mountain area known as “Cerro de la Muerte.” There are several trails and several peaks to conquer, of various difficulty, with views extending from Cerro Chirripo down to the Pacific Coast. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting location: 1 hour 28…
Hacienda La Central
About: This large private property near Turrialba Volcano offers guided hikes to its main attraction, the “Bosque Quemado” or burned forest. They have 3 options: 5 km, 7 km, and 10 km which increase in length and difficulty. The 7 km option also visits an old crater of the volcano. The property also offers horseback…
Guayabo National Monument
About: This historic archeological site preserves an ancient indigenous settlement from the Precolumbian Era. There are trails to walk among the ruins, and you can choose to do it self-guided or with a guide. You may also see wildlife. There is a souvenir and snack shop, as well as tables and bathrooms. Province: Cartago Starting…
Destinos La Lucha
About: This is a large recreational park with 2 entrances quite far apart from one another but that ultimately connect through internal roads. However, some parts of the roads require a 4×4, high clearance SUV. The park offers hiking trails for self-guided or guided hikes, mountain bike trails, a small lake with kayaks and small…
Cerro Cabeza de Vaca
About: This is a long hike to the top of a large hill with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike can be done from several entrances, either from the Prusia sector of Irazu Volcano National Park or from many of the surrounding farms that offer access. Depending where you start, it…
Cañon de Pandora
About: This is a very long hike of about 21 kilometers on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano, where there are about 26 waterfalls. You must go with a guide who is familiar with the route and of course take plenty of food and water. Province: Cartago Starting from: Downtown Cartago Time to reach from starting…