The 9 most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica

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

With its active volcanoes, thousands of hectares of tropical forest and endless beaches, Costa Rica is a true wilderness paradise for hikers. In fact, the country is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity! Hiking in Costa Rica means immersing yourself in a lush, unspoilt natural environment, and encountering extraordinary wildlife. Are you planning to explore the land of sustainable happiness in the near future? Do you enjoy hiking in the great outdoors? Here’s our selection of the 9 most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica. ¡ Pura Vida!

Please note: access to national parks and nature reserves is generally subject to a fee.

1. Rincón de la Vieja Park – Catarata La Cangreja

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Wollertz

Rincon de la Vieja, made up of two volcanoes and over 30 rivers, is packed with hiking trails for walkers of all levels. This national park, renowned for its geothermal activity, is divided into two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa Maria.

One of the most beautiful hikes takes you to the La Cangreja waterfall, an almost 40-metre drop into a turquoise-blue lake (Pailas sector). The ideal place to cool off before heading back!

This trail gives you a glimpse of the country’s diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to arid savannah. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, colorful birds, iguanas and even armadillos.

2. Monteverde cloud forest nature reserve – Bosque Nuboso

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Simon Dannhauer

The Monteverde Nature Reserve is one of the most precious and well-known cloud forests in Costa Rica, if not the world. It is home to a dozen trails, including the picturesque sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail), sendero Camino, sendero Bosque Eterno and sendero Rio.

You’ll make your way through lush, misty jungle, past a waterfall, through marshes and pine forests, and to a number of viewpoints(La Ventana). It is possible to lengthen or shorten the itinerary along the way by taking the Wilford Guindon suspension bridge or by branching off onto other trails. This is one of the best hikes in Costa Rica for birdwatching, including the famous quetzal, but also howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths and agoutis!

3. Mistico Arenal suspension bridges

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Galyna Andrushko

Arenal National Park, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, offers miles of trails to hike with or without a guide. If you’re looking to hike in Costa Rica, the Arenal Suspension Bridge Trail is a must. This loop of just 3 km will take you across 16 bridges, 6 of which are suspended above the canopy!

Travelling with the family? This hike is accessible to all, and allows you to observe nature from a completely different perspective. Monkeys, birds, sloths, butterflies and many other species live together in this spectacular rainforest.

4. Climbing Cerro Chirripo

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At 3820 metres, Cerro Chirripo is Costa Rica’s highest peak. If you’re looking for adventure, this 2-day high-altitude hike is for you! The park entrance is in San Gerardo. We recommend that you spend the night before your ascent at the base camp at the start of the trail, and/or sleep at the park refuge before descending.

This hike, with its steep sections, requires excellent physical condition. After the first kilometer, renamed the Thermometer, the scenery of cloud forest and paramo (km 10) unfolds before your eyes. Crestones Hut is 14.5 km from the park entrance. After another five kilometers, you’ll be rewarded at the summit with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside, before heading back down. On a clear day, you can even see both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean!

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

5. Corcovado National Park – From Leona to Sirena

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / LOUIS-MICHEL DESERT

Wondering what Costa Rica has to offer in the way of exceptional wildlife? Then head for the wild and remote Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. This park is considered one of the most biologically intense and diverse places on the planet. It contains over 12 different ecosystems, and its rainforest is home to jaguars!

Departing from Carate, this hike links La Leona, the park’s official entrance, and La Sirena stations along the Pacific coast. It will appeal to the most adventurous among you! After reaching La Leona (3.5 km in the sand), you’ll alternate between forests and deserted beaches. A few kilometers from the base of La Sirena, you’ll have to cross the Rio Sirena at low tide. The ideal place to spend the night afterwards.

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

6. Tenorio Volcano National Park – Rio Celeste

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Galyna Andrushko

We now take you to Tenorio National Park, along the Rio Celeste. This moderately-difficult hike begins with a stroll through the jungle on a well-maintained path and stairs. These lead to the superb Rio Celeste waterfall and a lagoon. Continuing on, you’ll reach natural hot springs, as well as two rivers that join. Minerals from the Tenorio volcano have entered these rivers, giving the Rio Celeste its incredible, fascinating blue!

Please note: the trail closes at 2pm.

7. Manuel Antonio – main trail

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Matyas Rehak

Although short, it’s certainly one of the most popular and beautiful hikes in Costa Rica. And for good reason: the small Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast, is made up of dense tropical forest inhabited by numerous animals (monkeys, birds, sloths, raccoons…), rocky plains and beautiful white sand beaches.

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

8. Punta Cahuita

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Michal Sarauer

Costa Rica offers majestic and varied scenery for visiting hikers, including heavenly beaches such as Cahuita. This beach, in the south of the Caribbean coast, is the perfect blend of forest, sand and ocean. An ocean in which you’re sure to enjoy a refreshing dip at the end of your hike!

This trail is relatively easy to hike, although walking in the sand can be tiring. On this hike, you’ll come across some of Costa Rica’s most emblematic animals, including sloths, toucans and monkeys. You can start at the entrance to Puerto Vargas or the village of Cahuita, depending on which direction you choose.

Good to know: admission to Cahuita Park is free, but a donation is greatly appreciated.

9. Barva volcano

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Gianfranco Vivi

Let’s round off our tour of the most beautiful hikes in Costa Rica with a lesser-visited destination: the Barva volcano, in the Braulio Carillo National Park, aka the kingdom of birds. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, this more confidential hike should please you!

First, you’ll follow the sometimes muddy Cacho de Venado trail. To continue, you’ll have to take the Barva lagoon trail, at the end of which the lake of the same name reveals itself to you. You’ll pass through pastures and an impressive rainforest. To round off your hike in style, you can admire the magnificent view from the Vara Blanca lookout as you descend.

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

Here’s a summary of the many hiking possibilities in Costa Rica. Enjoy your stay!