Plan Your Next Awesome Adventure | Hiking in Costa Rica!
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Where Are The Best Hikes in Costa Rica?
From the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the rugged terrain of Arenal volcano and the sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With more than 30 percent of the country’s land protected by national parks, wildlife refuges, and preserves, hiking in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to get outside! Come with us as we explore the best hikes in Costa Rica – through rainforests, across beaches, and up the sides of the country’s many mountains.
When Is The Best Time for Costa Rica Hiking?
Costa Rica stretches between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. The country’s tropical climate attracts outdoor adventurers keen to explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife. But when is the best time to go hiking in Costa Rica? Keep reading to learn more!
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (December – April) and the wet season (May – November). The best hikes in Costa Rica take place during the dry season, mainly because the trails are in better condition. However, the lush beauty of the wet season means that you will experience the foliage at its peak – if you don’t mind dealing with a bit of mud! No matter the season, Costa Rica’s weather can be highly variable, so it’s always good to carry waterproof gear and check the local forecast before hitting the trails. Dry or wet, Costa Rica hiking offers visitors the opportunity to step into a world of adventure and enjoy the country’s incredible natural landscapes!
The Best Places for Hiking in Costa Rica
One of the best places for Costa Rica hiking is Guanacaste. Guanacaste is a region of northwest Costa Rica that is known for its dry tropical forests, pristine beaches, and national parks. These diverse landscapes offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a variety of different terrains on some of the best hikes in Costa Rica without traveling all over the country to find unique trails. Below we’ve listed four of the most popular hiking locations in this region:
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Hike |
Location |
Top Attractions |
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Rio Celeste Waterfall |
The path to the Rio Celeste waterfall winds through green rainforest, where you can see all types of exotic flora and fauna. Your journey takes you under a dense forest canopy before ending at the cascade of blue water that rushes into a pristine pool below! Offering one of the best hikes in Costa Rica, the Rio Celeste Waterfall trail is well worth your time. |
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Buena Vista Rainforest |
Buena Vista Lodge and Adventure complex |
Book a stay at the Buena Vista Lodge and Adventure Complex, where you can take a guided tour through the neighboring rainforest. Trek across 12 suspension bridges that are surrounded by dense forest canopy, hike to a small waterfall, swim in crystal clear pools, and soak in volcanic hot springs. This all-inclusive resort offers tourists a great location for hiking in Costa Rica, along with a luxurious vacation experience! |
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Rincon de la Vieja Volcano |
Take your Costa Rica hiking experience to the next level as you travel through the untamed and dramatic landscapes of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Take the La Pailas trail to the base of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and enjoy the sights along the way – towering trees, wild orchids, howler monkeys, coatis, and more! For a truly epic experience, seasoned hikers can follow the path to the volcano’s peak, where the lush forest gives way to an almost surreal lunar-like landscape. |
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Tenorio Rainforest |
Tenorio Volcano National Park |
While the Rio Celeste waterfall is one of the biggest attractions in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, there is so much more for visitors to explore! From exotic birds to sloths, howler monkeys, and colorful frogs, a trek through this slice of paradise offers those looking for outdoor adventure a veritable feast for the senses. Consider joining a guided excursion to get the most out of your trek, and to benefit from the knowledge a seasoned guide can offer. |
Top Hiking Spots Outside of Guanacaste
While Guanacaste features many popular hiking destinations, it’s not the only region to go hiking in Costa Rica. Three of our favorite hiking destinations outside Guanacaste are listed below:
- The Monteverde Cloud Forest: Located in the Puntarenas and Alajuela Provinces, the Monteverde Cloud Forest straddles the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range. With more than 26,000 acres to explore, the Cloud Forest is a hiker’s paradise! Cross swinging bridges, navigate suspension walkways, or zipline through the clouds at this amazing destination. Popular trails include: the Sendero Bosque (River Trail), El Camino, the Sendero Pantanoso (Swamp Trail), Sendero El Río (River Trail), Sendero Roble (Oak Trail), and the Suspended Bridge Trail. Visitors can also sign up for guided bird-watching tours during the early morning hours.
- Arenal Volcano Hike: Experience Costa Rica hiking at its best with a trek to the Arenal Volcano. Start your adventure in the quaint town of La Fortuna, in the Alajuela province. Discover lush rainforests, rough lava rock fields, exotic birds in the forest canopy, and incredible wildlife among the trees! Experience the beauty of cascading waterfalls and the serenity of volcanic hot springs as you explore miles and miles of trails around the volcano. The two main trails you want to explore if you visit Arenal are Las Coladas, which offers a volcano viewpoint, and El Ceibo, which travels through the rainforest.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Some of the best hiking in Costa Rica can be found at Manuel Antonia National Park. Immerse yourself in the park’s exotic wildlife and incredible landscapes as you hike through tropical forests and across pristine beaches. The park’s well-maintained trails take you through a variety of landscapes, from dense tropical forests to secluded white sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you will see elusive three-toed sloths, brightly colored poison frogs, deer, and a wide variety of bird species endemic to the area.
Key Tips for Hiking In Costa Rica
Even seasoned hikers should be cautious when hiking in a new country. For example, if you plan on hiking in Costa Rica, we recommend hiring a professional guide like Gondwana Ecotours! Guides can help you maximize your hiking experience by finding the best locations to see wildlife, and sharing information about the history and biodiversity of the region you are exploring!
A guide can also advise you on clothing to wear and gear you might need, as well as address any safety concerns that you might have. While Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, having an experienced guide to help you navigate new trails is always a good idea in a new country. Gondwana Ecoturs’ guides can help keep you safe on your international adventure.
Costa Rica: A Hiker’s Paradise
Costa Rica hiking offers something for everyone – from the most inexperienced of hikers to the daredevil trekkers. Whether you’re looking for a challenging mountain climb or a leisurely stroll along the coast, Costa Rica is for you. So get ready for breathtaking views and up-close encounters with exotic wildlife with Gondwana Ecotours. Happy Hiking!
