The 9 most beautiful hikes to do in Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica on your list of next countries to visit? Here are the most beautiful hikes to do in Costa Rica!

With its still active volcanoes, its thousands of hectares of tropical forests and its lost sight of beaches, Costa Rica is a true wild paradise for hikers. It must be said that the country houses 6% of global biodiversity! Hiking in Costa Rica is immersed in a luxuriant and preserved nature, but also going to meet an unusual fauna. Are you planning to explore the country of sustainable happiness in the near future? Do you like to mess in the middle of nature? We deliver our selection of the 9 most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica. ¡ Pura Vida!

Note: access to national parks and natural reserves is generally paid.

1. Parc Rincón de la Vieja – Catarata La Cangreja

Rincon de la Vieja, composed of two volcanoes and more than 30 streams, is full of hiking trails for walkers of all levels. This national park, especially known for its geothermal activity, is divided into two sectors that are Las Pailas and Santa Maria .

One of the most beautiful hikes will take you to the waterfall La Cangreja , a fall of almost 40 meters that flows into a turquoise blue lake (Pailas area). The ideal to cool off before you turn back!

This trail gives you an overview of the various ecosystems of the country, from tropical rainforest to arid savanna. Open your eyes, perhaps you will have the chance to see monkeys, many colorful birds, iguanas or even tattoos.

2. Monteverde nature reserve cloud forest – Bosque Nuboso

The Monteverde Nature Reserve is one of the most precious and known cloud forests in Costa Rica and even the world. It houses a dozen trails, including the picturesque sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail), the sendero Camino , sendero Bosque Eterno and sendero Rio .

You will advance in the heart of a hazy and lush jungle, walk a waterfall, cross marshes, pine forests and access different points of view ( La Ventana ). It is possible to extend or shorten the route along the way by taking the Wilford Guindon suspension bridge or by fork on other trails. This is one of the hikes in Costa Rica that is conducive to the observation of birds, including the famous quetzal, but also the screaming and capuchin monkeys, lazy or agoutis!

3. The suspended bridges of Mistico Arenal

In Arenal National Park, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, there are kilometres of trails to be explored with or without a guide. If you are looking to hike in Costa Rica, the Arenal suspended bridge path is a must. This loop of only 3 km will cross 16 bridges, of which 6 are suspended above the canopy!

Are you travelling with your family? This hike is accessible to all and allows you to observe the nature of a different perspective. Singes, birds, lazy, butterflies and many other species cohabit in this spectacular tropical forest.

4. Ascension of Cerro Chirripo

Exulting at 3820 metres, Cerro Chirripo is the highest summit in Costa Rica. Adventure lovers, this high altitude hike of about 2 days is made for you! The park entrance is in San Gerardo. It is recommended to spend the night before your ascent to the base camp, at the beginning of the trail, and/or sleep at the park shelter before descending.

This hike, which has steep portions, requires an excellent physical condition. After spending the first kilometer, renamed Thermometer , the landscapes of a cloud forest, then of paramo (km 10) will march under your eyes. Crestones refuge is 14.5 km from the park entrance. After five other kilometers, you will be rewarded at the top by a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside, before descending. In clear weather, you can even contemplate both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean!

Please note: the number of visitors allowed per day is limited, it is essential to book your permit 6 months in advance.

5. Corcovado National Park – From Leona to Sirena

Are you wondering what beautiful hikes are in Costa Rica that allow you to admire its exceptional fauna? Direction the wild and remote national park of the Corcovado, on the Osa Peninsula. This park is considered one of the most biologically intense and diversified places on the planet. It contains more than 12 different ecosystems and its rainforest includes jaguars!

From Carate, this hike connects the La Leona stations, the official entrance of the park, and La Sirena along the Pacific coast. She will seduce the most adventurers of you! After joining La Leona (3.5 km in the sand), you will alternate between forests and deserted beaches. A few kilometers from the base of La Sirena, you will have to cross the Rio Sirena, at low tide. The ideal is to spend the night then.

Note: only visitors accompanied by a professional guide are allowed to access the park.

6. Tenorio Volcano National Park – Rio Celeste

We now take you to Tenorio National Park and more precisely along the Rio Celeste. This moderate difficulty hike starts with a walk through the jungle on a well-kept path and stairs. They'll lead you to the beautiful Rio Celeste waterfall and a lagoon. By continuing, you will reach natural hot springs, as well as two rivers that join. The minerals of the Tenorio volcano have entered these rivers, giving Rio Celeste this incredible and fascinating blue!

Note: The trail closes at 2:00.

7. Manuel Antonio – Main Trail

Although short, this is certainly one of the most popular and most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica. And for cause, Manuel Antonio’s small national park, located on the Pacific Coast, consists of a dense tropical forest inhabited by many animals (singes, birds, lazyshes, raccoons...), rocky plains and very beautiful white sand beaches.

This hike is pleasant, well indicated and accessible to all. For those who would like to see more, it is possible to continue further along the Cathedral Point trail of 1.4 km. The key? Breathtaking views!

8. Punta Cahuita

Costa Rica offers majestic and varied scenery to pass hikers, including paradise beaches such as Cahuita. This beach, south of the Caribbean coast, is the perfect mix between forest, sand and ocean. Ocean in which you will certainly enjoy refreshing at the end of the hike!

This trail is relatively easy to walk even though walking in the sand can be tiring. During this hike you will see some of Costa Rica's iconic animals, such as lazy, toucans or monkeys. You can start with the entrance of Puerto Vargas or the entrance of the village of Cahuita, according to the chosen meaning.

Good to know: Entrance to Cahuita Park is free, but a donation is highly appreciated.

9. Volcano Barva

Let's finish our tour of the most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica by a destination that is still little frequented: the Barva volcano, in the Braulio Carillo aka National Park the kingdom of birds . If you are looking to escape the crowd, this more confidential hike should please you!

You will first follow the Cacho Trail of Venado, sometimes muddy. To continue, you will then have to follow the trail the Barva lagoon, at the end of which the lake of the same name will reveal itself to you. You will cross pastures and an impressive tropical forest. To finish this beautiful hike, you can admire the magnificent view from the Vara Blanca lookout at the time of your descent.

Good to know: It is best to hike during the dry season (January to April).

Here is a summary of the many hiking opportunities in Costa Rica. Good stay!