We have chosen for you some of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica, with more than 30% of the land-area protected by national parks, wildlife refuges, and preserves, and from plane terrains along the coast to cloud-forest mountains, Costa Rica hiking provides a range of well-marked trails for the adventurers.
The hiking here is exceptional and for many travelers is the principal reason to visit the country.
Costa Rica is a destination both for those who wish to push themselves and those who desire to take their time.
Guided hikes offer an enjoyable, safe and educational outdoor experience for travelers.
With so many different natural settings, it will be a difficult decision where to hike and experience waterfalls, nature, amazing sunsets, rainforests, jungles, or cloud and dry forests.
Cahuita Snorkeling and Rainforest Hike
Parque Nacional Cahuita has the largest system of coral reefs in Costa Rica, including six species of coral, a wide range of colorful tropical fish and the occasional encounter with a harmless reef shark or sting ray.
The beach has a horseshoe shape, with the entrance of the park at one end and beautiful Punta Cahuita at the other.
You’ll start with a scenic 20-minute boat ride to have two snorkeling sessions. Then you’ll be dropped off at the Punta to enjoy a delicious fruit and snack break at the beach. Next will be a one-hour guided hike through this wonderful coastal forest, where you’ll see monkeys, sloths, birds, poison-dart frogs, iguanas and other interesting creatures.
Itinerary
7:00 am – Pick-up time, depending on location starting in Manzanillo.
7:30 am – Drive to Cahuita with knowledgeable guide
8:00 am – Arrival at the park entrance and safety-briefing.
8:30 am – Snorkeling in two locations.
9:30 am – Fruit and snack break at Punta Cahuita and proceed to hike.
11:00 am – Arrive back at the van, take a small break and drive back.
12:00 pm – Arrive in time to shower before lunch on your own.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen, hat, long sleeve shirt, raincoat
- Camera (ideally waterproof)
- Bottle for water
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- A bit of cash
Included
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Gear
- All entrance fees
- Fruits, snacks and bottled water
Cahuita Hiking | ||||
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Tour | Adults | Child | Departure | Arrival |
Cahuita Hiking & Snorkeling | $55 | $50 | 08:00 | 13:30 |
Punta Uva Kayak & Hiking | $55 | $50 | 08:00 | 14:00 |
Rio Celeste Hike
Description
According to legend, when God completed painting the sky, he washed his brushes in the river that now bears the name Rio Celeste (light-blue river). Enjoy this great place to hike!
This tour can originate in Bijagua or the Arenal area. When you arrive at the park, you’ll start our hike through this gorgeous ecosystem, which offers the opportunity to see a variety of animals and flora.
Along the walk, you will come to the dazzling Rio Celeste waterfall, where the river gains its incredible light blue color.
A seven-kilometer trail will take you through the forest to many interesting places, beginning with the magical Rio Celeste Waterfall and a stretch of the peaceful river that makes a beautiful natural lagoon, followed by the lookout deck of the Tenorio Volcano, which offers incredible views of the volcano and the surrounding mountains.
Next, come two more unbelievable attractions: “Las Ollas” which are fumaroles filled with boiling mud and the “Teñideros” or dyers, which is the place where the river obtains it unique color thanks to a natural chemical reaction.
On the way back, you will continue to walk alongside the riverbank and admire the bubbling waters, the natural hot springs and the fantastic scenery that surround you. The final highlight of your visit to this magical place will be a tasty hot lunch before driving back to your hotel.
Important
Minimum age is eight years-old
Price per child: $89 (eight to nine years)
This tour requires a minimum of two passengers.
Good physical condition is required
Pick-up at hotels that are located far from La Fortuna or the main road to the volcano may have extra charge.
Any cancellation or modification of the reservation made less than 24 hours before departure will be charged at 100%.
The customer shall it be at the agreed-upon time and place. The driver will wait a maximum of five minutes. In case of no-show, the reservation will be charged to 100%[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner text_color=”” animate=”” animate_delay=”” width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
What to bring:
- Small bag to safeguard personal belongings
- Sunblock
- Hiking attire
- Hiking shoes or sneakers
- During the rainy months (June to November), we recommend bringing a raincoat or poncho
- Comfortable clothing, clothes for change
- Insect repellent
Includes :
- Bilingual nature guide with ICT certification
- Bottled water
- Energy snacks
- Lunch
- Transportation from the hotel with air-conditined vans
- National park entrance fee
- Information materials
- Liability insurance
Rio Celeste Hike | ||||
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Tour | Adults | Child | Departure | Arrival |
From Arenal | $110 | $85 | 07:00 | 16:30 |
From Bijagua | $55 | $50 | 08:00 | 15:00 |
Monteverde Cloud Fores Biological Reserve
Description
Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is among the most famous reserves in the world, known for its biodiversity, conservation, contributions, and scientific researches. This 3,500 hectare of land holds 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, and it is one of the most important private reserves in Costa Rica.
The geographical, topographical and climatic conditions have determined the surprising biodiversity found in the Monteverde Reserve. In this forest you can find four ecological “Live Zones” with different ecosystems for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids, as well as a large variety of plants like mosses, vines and the typical trees of the Cloud Forest.
Important
- Trails are in very good condition with railings on the steps and sometimes slices of tree trunks or concrete bricks creating paths which keep people from walking through mud.
- During the peak season, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is very popular and the park restricts the number of travelers accessing the park at any given time.
- Children under six enter for free.
- Restrooms only at entrance of park
- Free Hummingbird gallery near the entrance
- There are a coffee shop and a gift store at the entrance.
What to bring:
- Hiking shoes or sneakers
- During the rainy months (June to November), we recommend bringing a rain coat or poncho.
- Comfortable clothing
- Insect repellent
Includes :
- English-speaking nature guide. The guides bring scopes and relevant reference books so you can really learn about the forests.
- Transport to and from your hotel
- Entrance fees.
- Transportation from the hotel in air-conditioned vans
- Information materials
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | ||||
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Tour | Adults | Child 6-9 | Open | Closed |
Regular tour | $59 | $42 | 07:00 | 16:00 |
Private Tour | $100 | $100 | 07:00 | 16:00 |
San Pedrillo Station Hike
Description
San Pedrillo Ranger Station: San Pedrillo is Corcovado National Park’s northernmost ranger station, and this tour provides an unparalleled occasion to explore the intense jungle of primary and secondary rainforests nearby.
Your guide will point out many of the assorted local species during an hour and a half hike. You may see howler monkeys and white-faced, white-lipped peccaries, coati, scarlet macaws, dantas and more.
The trails are visibly marked and easy to explore, ascending and descending through the lush rainforest. After the first hike and a break for lunch, you will have the chance to hike to a beautiful waterfall, the ideal opportunity to take some photos and swim under the smaller falls close by.
Sirena Ranger Station: For those who are interested, there are also organized tours to Corcovado’s Sirena Ranger Station.
This ranger station is also placed along the Pacific coast, but further south in the middle of the park.
The boatride to Sirena from Drake takes over an hour, well worth it for those who are interested in exploring the park’s interior, where the most plentiful wildlife dwells.
There are numerous trails surrounding the ranger station, where you’ll observe many species including scarlet macaws, Baird’s Tapir, monkeys, peccaries, iguanas, sloths, cats, lizards, and a wide diversity of plants, amphibians and insects.
What to bring:
- Small bag to safeguard personal belongings
- Sunblock
- Hiking attire
- Bathing suit and towel
- Sandals or flip-flops
- During the rainy months (June to November), we recommend bringing a rain coat or poncho.
Includes :
- Bilingual nature guide
- Bottled water
- Picnic lunch
- Entrance fees to the protected areas
Corcovado National Park – San Pedrillo | ||||
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Tour | Adults | Childs | Departure | Arrival |
From Dominical | $140 | $85 | 07:00 | 15:30 |
From Drake | $100 | $85 | 07:00 | 14:00 |
Diamante Waterfall Hike
Description
Whether you seek high adrenaline-driven adventure or peaceful hiking through pure rainforests, we have what you want. Tree of Life, the tour provider, is the only company offering tours to the top of the spectacular, 600 foot, Diamante Falls.
After an energizing hike up the mountain and a dip in one of the natural ponds, you will enjoy lunch in an amazing open-air cave located between twin waterfalls suspended high above the Diamante.
Tour Package One takes place on top of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural lands. Home to the howler monkey, exotic birds and wildlife, here you will see some of the most fabulous rainforests and intense river gorges in the country.
Explore the many facets of this natural jewel. It is approximately a challenging two to two and a half hour hike to get into the pristine cloud/rain forest.
On the mountain, there are 10 fantastic falls including Costa Rica’s tallest at 600ft! While at the top you are able to hike to other waterfalls with diving and swimming areas, plus a range of other activities. One objective of this journey is to encourage a sense of teamwork within the group, promote spiritual unity, and enhance your consciousness of the divine harmony in nature.
What to bring:
- Small bag to safeguard personal belongings
- Sunblock
- Hiking attire
- Bathing suit and towel
- Sandals or flip flops
- During the rainy months (June to November), we recommend bringing a rain coat or poncho.
Includes :
- Bilingual nature guide
- Bottled water
- Picnic lunch
Diamante Waterfalls – Dominical | ||||
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Tour | Adults | Groups | Departure | Arrival |
Diamante Trekker’s Special | $95 | $85 | 08:00 | 15:00 |
Diamante Trekker’s Overnight | $160 | $135 | 08:00 | 11:00 |
Chirripo Trek
Chirripo three-day trek Overview
Location: | Chirripo National Park |
Lodging: | One night Lodge, One night Shelter National Park |
Activity: | Trekking | Included: | Bilingual local tour guide, Two nights, meals, entrance fees |
Duration: | Three days and two nights | Departures: | On Request |
Participants: | minimum two persons |
Hiking level: | Challenging |
Tours: | Chirripo Tours | Transportation: | San Jose Airport – San Gerardo de Rivas – roundtrip |
Price per person: | $680.00 US | Porter on request: | $70.00 US (up and downhill) |
Time to go
- Dry season – December to April (Rainfall is possible.)
- Rainy season – May through November (Rainfall from noon on)
Climate
Chirripo
Weather in Chirripó is unpredictable and potentially dangerous, if you are not prepared. Bitterly cold winds can exceed 100 Kph with significant drops in temperature. Rain is always a possibility, especially mid-afternoon. Temperatures usually fall to freezing, or below, during the night.
What to bring:
- Sleeping bag
- High-quality rucksack to carry your gear
- Water bottle
- Personal water filters to refill your water bottle (optional)
- Rain poncho
- Warm clothes (layered, polypropylene) to keep warm in damp and cold mountains
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Cotton shirts – long and short sleeved
- Parka
- Trousers – light weight pants
- Short hiking socks
- Hat(s) with visor for rain and sun protection
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Bulb binoculars
- Footwear – Lightweight hiking boots with traction and ankle support
- Walking sticks are recommended.
- Clothes for the hot springs
Chirripo Treks Information – Hiking Levels :
Hike Los Crestones Base Camp to Chirripó/Cerro Terbi |
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Location: | Trails: | Level: | Distance: |
Los Crestones Base Camp | Meter 3.400, feet 11.500 | ||
Cerro Chirripo | Paramo embedded rocks | Meter 3.820, feet 11.150 | KM 5.0, miles 3.1 |
Cerro Terbi, Los Crestones | Paramo embedded rocks | Meter 3.550, feet 11.650 | KM 3.5, miles 2.1 |
Faithless Mount | Paramo embedded rocks | Meter 3.200, feet 10.500 | KM 3.0, miles 1.8 |
Sunrise hike to the peak 1½ to 2 hours |
- Best time to visit is during dry season. Jan to April, you will find the best weather during February and March.
- Reservations must be made with 6 months in advance
- Max. 6 people per group
- Please contact us for rates and futher information.