Note: This national park has two sectors, the volcano sector and the peninsula sector. Here we will focus on the volcano sector. Check out this post on the peninsula sector. Your ticket to the park will grant you access to both sectors for the same day. You cannot do one sector one day and the…
Tag: Hikes
Arenal Volcano Ecological Park
About: There are various trail loops going up the volcano to the old lava flow measuring distances from 2 kilometers to 6 kilometers. There is also a small lake where you can kayak, canoe, stand up paddle, swim, and jump off the tarzan swing into the lake. Camping is possible here. Province: Alajuela Starting from:…
Arenal 1968
About: There are two trail loops, one shorter and one longer that goes by a small lagoon. Both go through the old lava flow. They end up at a large viewpoint area with a cafe that sells food and drinks. There are guides available. Province: Alajuela Starting from: La Fortuna Time to reach from starting…
Viento Fresco Waterfall
About: This is a short but steep and technical trail down to 3 waterfalls and then back up to get out. There is a 4th waterfall that is visible but may or may not be accessible. The 3rd waterfall is probably where you want to spend most of your time. Hike all the way down…
La Piedra del Indio Waterfalls
About: This is a hike on private property to 4 waterfalls and the “indian rock.” You can choose to do it self-guided or with a guide. You’ll likely see monkeys and other wildlife. They have a restaurant and bathrooms to change in. They also offer a horseback riding tour. Province: Guanacaste Starting from: La Fortuna…
Monteverde Hikes
Options for hikes in Monteverde:
Woodpecker Educational Tours
About: This private reserve focuses on educational tourism. They offer guided hikes during the day as well as a sunset and night tour. You will see plenty of flora and fauna during both options, and usually a different variety, so it is worth it to even do both. Province: Puntarenas Starting from: Monteverde Time to…
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve
About: This is a hotel that opens its trails and gardens to the public. The trails are moderate difficulty as there is some elevation change. There are several viewpoints along the trails as well as other notable features to observe such as waterfalls and gardens. You can walk the trails by yourself or book a…
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
About: There are 5 different trail loops ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult, covering over 10 km. There are viewpoints, bridges, and an observation tower along the trails. On a clear day you can see several surrounding volcanoes and lakes from the observation tower. There is an orchid garden, a restaurant, and a small…
Monteverde Wildlife Refuge
About: They offer a guided hike through the cloud forest where you will see a variety of flora and fauna, and learn about the wildlife as well as other important facts about Costa Rica. They have over 3 kilometers of trails at their private refuge. Province: Puntarenas Starting from: Monteverde Time to reach from starting…