About: This is one of if not the most popular peak to hike in the Downtown San Jose and metropolitan area in general. Depending on your starting point, it is about 2 kilometers of moderate to difficult terrain up to the peak, but depending on your condition can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Many people…
Tag: downtown san jose
Peace Park
About: This is a great park on the outskirts of the city with trails for walking, running, or cycling. There are 4 small lakes with lots of ducks, paddle boat rentals, a playground, ranchos with grills, and a small restaurant. It is a great place to walk in nature and have a relaxing picnic. There…
Parque del Este
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…
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…