After spending a few weeks in Costa Rica, I can say it captivated me with its amazing wildlife, volcano hikes, and tropical national parks. However, you need to know it is not a cheap destination anymore (I found Nicaragua 100 times more fascinating, unpredictable and cheaper than Costa Rica). I have traveled throughout the country of Costa Rica discovering all its stunning natural wonders, country highlights and magnificent sights, which are a paradise for national parks and hiking trails. Here is a top adventurous itinerary for Costa Rica starting with the stellar active Poas Volcano – which has one of the largest craters in the world (on the photo below).
The best itinerary for Costa Rica.
As your journey will probably start in San Jose – the capital of Costa Rica, you will have a chance to explore local markets and taste traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado or gallo pinto.
A kickstart for adventurous travelers might be visiting the nearby Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo for a hike through rainforests and stunning waterfalls or zip-lining.
1. Hiking Poas Volcano crater lake.
La Fortuna, located 130 kilometers north of San Jose, is a great gateway to several stunning attractions. A public bus or shared shuttle takes around three hours to get from San Jose to La Fortuna. Most adventurous hikers come to La Fortuna to hike Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, or Cerro Chato.
Poas Volcano is one of the biggest attractions in Costa Rica and should be placed on the top of your itinerary for Costa Rica. A clear view of the volcano will leave you breathless! Poas Volcano stands 2700m above sea level, with 350-meter-deep lagoon crater. Poás Volcano National Park is located 31 miles from San Jose northwest direction and it takes only 1,5 to get there from the capital city by a local bus.
READ all the details on how to get to Poas Volcano from San Jose.
The entrance fee to Poas National Park is 15$ and 2$ for Costa Ricans or residents. There is a paved road you can walk on to get to the lookout spot. This is an easy walk leading directly to the crater.
If you continue walking for another 30 minutes through an amazing valley of tropical trees, you will reach beautiful Botos Crater Lake.
It is 3,5 km out-and-back trail from Poás Volcano. This is a very popular area for walking, so you’ll likely see many people trekking and additionally, you’ll be able to spot different animals on the way.
If you prefer to explore the area with an organized full or half-day tour, here are some best options:
2. Arenal Volcano National Park.
Arenal National Park is home to the magnificent Arenal Volcano, easily accessible from La Fortuna. When taking a hike you’ll traverse through suspended bridges, admiring breathtaking views of the canopy and volcano itself.
The Park offers amazing two hiking trails: Las Coladas, (volcano viewpoint) and El Ceibo, leading through the rainforest.
LAS COLADAS TRAIL:
- Distance: Approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: This loop trail takes you through old lava fields, expect to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, frogs, green snakes and monkeys (we saw them ALL!), as well as remarkable views of the volcano.
3. Hiking Arenal Volcano.
Any travel itinerary for Costa Rica should include hiking Arenal Volcano. It’s safe and offers plenty of adventures for extreme hiking, wilderness adventures and wildlife photography.
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, famous for its conical volcano that was once one of the most active in the world. While the volcano has been dormant since 2010, the surrounding area is still stunning and offers various trails suitable for different fitness levels.
This highly booked Tripadvisor full-day tour will take you hiking Arenal Volcano, visiting La Fortuna Waterfall and Hot Springs.
If you want to go more adventurous way try ATV Guided Experience in La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano.
Wrap up your day soaking in the natural hot springs, the perfect way to relax after a day filled with excitement.
4. Hiking Cerro Chato in Arenal National Park.
Hiking Cerro Chato is fabulous but it’s a quite challenging experience! The trail leads through a magnificent jungle scenery where you can spot different wildlife. Chato Volcano is one of the world’s most amazing green crater lakes – and what’s best – you can swim in it.
Cerro Chato is an inactive volcano in the Alajuela district located near the famous La Fortuna town, which is a great gateway for many magnificent hiking trails.
The hike is stunning but can become extreme in wet weather conditions. We decided to take a guide for this hike, however, in a dry weather it is doable alone!
STARTING POINT FOR HIKING CERRO CHATO is Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, from where you can witness an amazing view of Arenal Volcano.
READ: All you need to know before hiking Cerro Chato crater lake in Costa Rica.
Some top attractions in Arenal Volcano National Park | Tripadvisor:
5. Monteverde cloud forest Reserve.
A beautiful Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another option for your itinerary for Costa Rica. A must-do here is the canopy zip-lining tour, which takes you soaring through the treetops.
An amazing option is a guided night hike in the cloud forest, where you’ll discover the nocturnal world of Costa Rica’s wildlife.
6. Surfing in Tamarindo.
If you are looking for great surfing – Tamarindo Beach, located on the west coast of Costa Rica, is a great destination. You may decide to go on a catamaran tour along the coast for stunning sunset.
7. Manuel Antonio National Park.
Manuel Antonio National Park should definitely shine on your itinerary for Costa Rica. It is one of the most exotic national parks I visited in the country and the first place where a giant iguana literally popped out in front of my face!
There are a number of well-marked trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. One of the most popular trails is the Main Trail, which is a scenic route offering magnificent ocean and coastline views. You will definitely spot wildlife along the way.
Other paths lead deeper into the forest, providing opportunities to explore the park’s native flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famous inhabitants, including the playful capuchin monkeys and sloth lounging in the trees.
The best way to explore Manuel Antonio National Park adventurous way is to go on one of the top booked tours with Tripadvisor:
After hiking you can head toward the gorgeous Playa Manuel Antonio. Its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Alternatively, you can head to Playa Espadilla for some water sports like snorkeling or kayaking.
8. Cocodrilos Bridge!
For a thrilling adventure, you should keep Cocodrilos Bridge on your itinerary for Costa Rica.
The Crocodile Bridge is located along a busy road with heavy traffic but gives an unforgettable opportunity to watch American crocodiles in the river that flows below. You will see many people leaning over the handrails of the bridge while watching these incredible creatures.
9. Puntarenas coastal city.
Puntarenas is a lovely coastal city, located near Jaco, Nicoya Peninsula. One of the best activities are scenic boat rides and cruises across the ocean. One of the famous spots is a rock with pelicans securing the place.
Most recommended tours if you are seeking for a perfect day under the shade of the palm trees or under the sun:
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