About: This is a sort of urban hike in the middle of the city where an old and abandoned hydroelectric dam is. It follows a long set of stairs, around 405 so not quite 500, that parallels a giant water pipe. There used to be a cable to at least hold on to while you…
Tag: Hikes
Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve
About: This private reserve offers guided tours by reservation only. They focus on public education and reducing human impact on the rainforest. Their tours are tailored to the guests needs and interests, and include a short lecture. There is a cafe. Province: Alajuela Starting from: La Fortuna / Downtown Alajuela / Downtown Heredia / Downtown…
MontaƱa Sagrada Natural Reserve
About: This is a true hidden gem! While it is a little bit out of the way for a pit stop, if you can swing it, it will be worth your while. This private reserve offers hiking trails that lead to the “green lagoon”, a volcanic lagoon that is a brilliant green color. The views…
La Vieja Adventures
About: This tour takes you through a river canyon with walls up to 100 meters high. There are stairs with an optional harness you can wear for safety. The entire route is 3.5 kilometers and reaches the Sapphire Waterfall. There are 3 tour options: the basic tour which includes a guide, the day pass which…
El Cocora Cloud Forest
About: This is the perfect pit stop on the way to La Fortuna from the metropolitan area because it is just about halfway and it has everything you need: a short trail if you need to stretch your legs, a longer trail if you want more of a hike, a butterfly garden, a hummingbird garden…
Cinchona Waterfall Trails
About: These trails are well-maintained but steep as they go down into the canyon to a total of 4 waterfalls, 2 of which you can swim in. The hike is short but challenging, but there are some ropes to help on the steep sections. It is a hike down and back up to get out….
Catarata San Vicente
About: This is a short trail to visit two waterfalls, Catarata San Vicente and Cascada el Jilguero. The trail is well-marked and is easy to moderate difficulty. You can swim in one of the waterfalls, but the water is cold. Province: Alajuela Starting from: La Fortuna / Downtown Alajuela / Downtown Heredia / Downtown San…
Bogarin Trail
About: This is a relatively short and flat set of trail loops (2.5 km total) that is focused on natural or wild sloth sightings. The area is not enclosed and there is no guarantee of seeing sloths. However, there are usually at least a few sloths on property at any given time. You may also…
La Fortuna Hikes
Note: These are hikes that are specifically NOT up the volcano to the base of the old lava flow. If you want a list of hikes that allow you to reach the old lava flow, check out this list. Options for hikes in La Fortuna:
Texas A&M Soltis Center
About: This international branch of Texas A&M University serves as a base for research and education for students abroad. Aside from their institutional programs, they offer 3 tours for day visitors: a natural history and waterfall hike, a night tour, and a birding tour. A meal is included for an additional fee. Province: Alajuela Starting…