Wanderlust in the Wild – Discovering Costa Rica’s Best Hiking Trails:

We cannot think of a more epic way to get up close and personal with the jungle of Costa Rica, then by walking directly on the land. Walking through the jungle for hours will have you face to face with animals and creatures you have only dreamed about. With each step, take in the euphoric smells, witness the water dripping down gigantic jungle leaves, listen to the sounds of the wildlife all around you. There is endless opportunity for finding amazing hiking paths to explore, since over 30% of the land in Costa Rica is protected under national parks, preserves and wildlife refuges. This country is a giant geographic wonder, with all types of mountain ranges and rainforests to explore. You also can cruise endless beaches with stunning sunsets until your heart’s content. Walking by foot in the countryside is like nothing else. 

Here are some of the Best Hiking Trails to take in Costa Rica:

Costa Rica contains over 26 national parks, wildlife refuges and private protected parklands that offer incredible experiences to explore the stunning scenery, epic sprawling mountain ranges and coastlines. Start with a beginner coastal walk and once you feel confident, try a more challenging mountain hike. Costa Rica has many diverse hiking trails, suitable for experienced hikers to beginners and for all ages. Many of these trails in Costa Rica will take you to a natural attraction like a volcano or secluded beach. It is all about the journey, however, not just the destination of course. Hike with your family through these never-ending and changing magical landscapes. 

Arenal Volcano Park Hikes:

Known as an iconic landmark of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano, is one of the most popular natural tourist destinations in the entire country. The Arenal Volcano is located safely within the lustrous national park, which is said to expand over 7114 acres of land. You will be offered many types of tours to choose from that will lead you on an unforgettable adventure. Hikes include trips to see where the lava had come from the volcano when it last erupted, or you can venture into the jungle to witness the diverse wildlife. Many decide to stick with a waterfall hike, since temperatures during High Season can get very hot and it is nice to get mist from a waterfall as you walk along the jungle paths. The options are limitless. Hiking hours are usually taken during the day, we like early morning best because temperatures are cooler. 

Nearest to Arenal Volcano, is the town of La Fortuna. Which experienced the volcano erupting and coming alive, last in 1968, where for almost two weeks the volcano came to life with lava and rocks leaving the crater. This eruption proved to be catastrophic and left around 73 people dead. The ashes from this eruption, spread over a 15 km diameter, buried three towns in Debris. This is referred to as one of Arenal Volcano’s largest explosions in recent history, with some smaller activity recorded since then and now super inactive in the last ten years. 

Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike:

The Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike is a must-see in the Arenal area. A wonderful series of trails amidst many heights of hanging bridges. This tour will take you on a 3 km loop around the area. Immerse yourself in the rainforest reserve beneath the famous Arenal Volcano. It is better to go early in the morning when the wildlife is the most active and hiking with a skilled guide, will be most optimal in spotting animals like howler monkeys, different types of birds and wild horses and pigs. You can even see a waterfall toward the end of the trail as your hike comes to a close after around 2 hours time.

Barra Honda National Park:

The Barra Honda National Park is not well-known to many. It is said to be one of the least populated parks in Costa Rica. Barra was created to protect the unique cave dwellings, which there are over 42 of. These caves are amazing to explore, along with the wonderful trails that take you through the entire park.

There are many wise tales and myths circulating around about Cerro Barra Honda because of the roaring sounds of the mass of bats as they flee the caves at night. There are many theories on the sounds…

In Cerro Barra Honda, find out the answers for yourself and explore one of some of the rarest ecosystems on the planet. Go from tropical dry forest to rainforest to mountain range. Seeing a world filled with jungle animal wildlife such as capuchin monkeys, flowering trees, wild deer, many types of racoons, anteaters and much more!

Los Angeles Cloud Forest Hike:

The Los Angeles Cloud Forest is very special, because it is said to be a part of only 2.5% of the world’s last remaining Cloud Forests. A great hotel to stay at is the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel, which offers beginner and intermediate hiking trails. With over 200 different bird species, the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve is made for bird lovers. 

But for the adventurer, sign up for a night hike.  This nocturnal adventure is for the hiker looking to take a more interesting path. Los Angeles Cloud Forest reserve is a top destination for insanely beautiful hiking and night walk guided hikes. These hikes can challenge you physically, but also bring a feeling of inner peace, as you get lost in the magic of the jungle atmosphere. Walk at your own pace, breath in the fresh air and enjoy all the flora and fauna at your fingertips. Pop out your camera phone and remember to snap a few photos to remember this amazing experience. Some creatures you might encounter on your walk are sleepy sloths, a variety of frog species, lots of sightings of ocelots, white-faced monkeys and, maybe even a big cat, if you are paying close attention… 

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike:

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a very special place on this earth and an even more popular tourist destination. Monteverde sits at a high altitude creating moisture and therefore, becoming a rich space for biodiversity of ecosystems and wildlife to flourish. It gets the name Cloud Forest, because you feel like you are walking on a cloud as you explore the park on hanging bridges through the clouds and tall old trees. The park has nine trails covering about 13 km long.  The lush and energetically powerful area is home to over 400 bird species, thousands of insect species as well as some of the most plant species in the world. 

This park has maintenance and the trails are easy to navigate and are wonderful day trip excursions. Tourists can also enjoy the epic vista views from La Ventana overlook pass. If you would like to add more adventure to your trip, try one of the many zip-lining canopy tours in the area. See the forest like a bird — from above the canopies… With such an adventurous attitude, you are sure to have a great experience in Cloud Forest.

Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike:

To get to Bajos del Toro Waterfall, you need to go through the El Silencio Cloud Forest Lodge, on the Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike.

This hike is great for older folk and beginners, because it is short and easy but with amazing views! Only a fifteen minute walk from the lodge is an awe-inspiring canyon and the giant Bajos del Toro Waterfall that is a sight to see! 

The beginning of your trek is quite flat and then you will descend slightly for a few moments as you get to the bottom of the waterfall. Make sure to pack your favorite hiking books! It will make the trip back up easier on your feet...

Carara Biological Reserve Hike:

Costa Rica is known to have many types of geography within it. From beautiful mountain ranges, to epic coastlines to secluded jungle secret spots — there is no lack when it comes to the nature of Costa Rica. 

If you are interested in wildlife, nature and local fauna, then the Carara Biological Reserve is a bucket list item for you. Located just outside of San Jose on the Pacific Coast, this protected land will show you a variety of ecosystems and wildlife. Teeming with abundant mangroves and rainforests and waterways. It is home to some of the last remaining bird species in the world. However, we still love to see all the types of monkeys and sloths this area is home to. They can be found in playing with friends in the trees above your head. 

La Fortuna Waterfall Hike:

La Fortuna, much like its name, is a magical and abundant place to visit. It is for those seeking a scenic and peaceful space. La Fortuna Waterfall is powerful, mystical and otherworldly. It has been slightly commercialized, which makes it easier for all types of visitors to view its beauty.

Enter the park and you will see a few little places to dine or grab snacks or water. Once you reach the La Fortuna lookout, this is where you will get a view of the waterfall from a long distance.  This green jungle foliage looks grand from this perspective, making the waterfall but a little stream in the distance. 

It takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to hike to the base of the waterfall and it is well worth it. A good place for a photo opportunity with your family is when you reach the foot of the falls. The waterfall feels very powerful, spilling 200 feet into a turquoise pool, where you are allowed to take a dip. The jungles surrounding the waterfall are filled with wildlife as you walk the path back up.

Manuel Antonio National Park Hike:

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smaller national parks in Costa Rica. It is not overwhelming and is said to be one of the best national parks in the world. Come visit Manuel Antonio to see all kinds of jungle wildlife amongst lush, green canopies. Bring the entire family to hike together through the rainforest and watch the waves crash from afar. 

There are many trails to choose from to meet your unique needs and that of your family. Manuel Antonio National Park’s main trail is accessible from the park entrance as soon as you arrive. It is pretty flat and is perfect for all ages. 

This is a great option as it takes to the major beaches within the park. 

Don’t forget to bring a good hat, sunscreen and a swimsuit on this hike. 

Rincón de la Vieja National Park Hikes:

Rincon de la Vieja’s wild landscape is inspiring and similar to that of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The park of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is known to be one of the largest volcanoes in Guanacaste Province. It is a hotbed for small volcano activity, has fossilized lava and rock from past eruptions. You can even enjoy natural hot springs or mud baths as well as many different waterfalls.

We suggest that any experienced hikers interested in the geothermal geography, take a look into the Las Pailas Loop Trail. This is also referred to as the Boiling Mud Pots Trail, for obvious reasons. This trail is accessible for beginners and is family friendly. Full day hiking tours can be arranged to Rincon de la Vieja National Park with any of the Local guides.

Nocturnal Jungle Walk:

It may surprise you, but hiking in the jungle at night is an amazing activity to experience. Much of the biodiverse wildlife is missed, simply by only hiking during the day. The tropical rainforests of Costa Rica are home to an incredible array of nocturnal creatures. They only show themselves when you are cozy in bed. Sign up with an experienced guide and take a nighttime jungle walk tour. See and hear wildlife that otherwise never experience. The walk can be arranged from multiple destinations.

Although swimming is not permitted in the waterfall itself, there is a swimming area just downstream. So, be sure to pack your swimsuits. Hiking through Costa Rican is an opportunity that should not be missed. Volcanoes, jungles, mangroves….all of these wonderful things exist in one place. This happens nearly nowhere else in the world. So, don’t miss this unique opportunity. Make your plans soon.