Here we go in Costa Rica, a land of towering volcanoes and exotic wildlife. I couldn’t wait for the adventurous hikes in the cloud forest and volcanic landscapes. I must say the tapestry of trails in this Central American paradise is far from ordinary. Most of the hikes in Costa Rica are truly amazing experiences.
What are the best hikes in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is revered for its excellent network of hiking trails, from challenging treks to breathtaking volcanic views. One of the most famous hiking areas in Costa Rica is Arenal National Park, located in the central part of the country.
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and active volcanoes, rising to 1,670 meters (5,476 feet).
The top-rated trails in Costa Rica include Arenal Volcano National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Corcovado National Park, Cerro Chirripo National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Cahuita National Park, and Tapanti National Park.
Hiking tips for Costa Rica.
Hiking trails in Costa Rica cover various degrees of difficulty and lengths. Thus, it is good to do some research before you go.
Manuel Antonio National Park is very family-friendly with relatively easy hikes and amazing wildlife along the way. While experienced adventurers can go for a challenging Cerro Chirripo National Park or Cerro Chato (which is currently closed to tourists).
A local guide is recommended – but it is NOT a must and most of these trails are doable alone. However, for the more challenging or remote hikes, a guide is an option to consider. For example, Cerro Chato becomes very muddy in the rainy season, so having a guide will help you a lot to complete the trail.
The Costa Rican dry season, especially the months between December and April, is considered the best time for hiking due to favorable weather conditions.
Hiking Poas Volcano National Park from San Jose.
Poas Volcano is one of the most spectacular hikes in Costa Rica. It’s located 2700m above sea level, and its acidic crater lake makes it one of the most magnificent volcanic landscapes in this part of the world. Poas Volcano is still active with the last eruption in 2019 and 2017, when visitors were evacuated.
How to get to Paos Volcano?
Poas Volcano is one of the most spectacular hikes in Costa Rica. It’s located 2700m above sea level, and its acidic crater lake makes it one of the most magnificent volcanic landscapes in this part of the world. Poas Volcano is still active with the last eruption in 2019 and 2017, when visitors were evacuated.
It’s only a 2h hour drive from San Jose by public transport and it’s a very easy and pleasant walk toward the crater. However it’s best to secure your entry tickets in advance, due to high number of visitors. Entry ticket fee to Poas National Park is $15 for foreigners and $1.5 for residents. Here is a full guide on how to get there from San Jose, hiking trails in the area and what is the best time to visit (the weather may spoil your plan, the visibility can be very low at times): Everything you need to know on How to get to Poas Volcano from San Jose.
If you want to be more flexible with time while visiting Poas National Park and hang around exploring the area and while visiting Botos Crater Lake, you may consider going with a tour – here are a number of the best Tours & Tickets to Experience Poas Volcano.
Arenal Volcano National Park.
HIKING DIFFICULTY – MEDIUM: Arenal Volcano National Park – 6/10 with moderate difficulty due to its hilly terrain.
We took a guide for this one, but only because we wanted to hear local stories and track some incredible biodiversity. Arenal Volcano National Park offers multiple hiking trails, but active Arenal and the dormant Cerro Chato (currently closed for tourists) are among the most popular hikes in Costa Rica.
- Starting Point: Arenal Observatory Logde & Spa (for Cerro Chato)
- Length: 3-4 km
- Duration: 3-5 hours
Hiking Cerro Chato without a tour guide.
MEDIUM: Cerro Chato Volcano – 7/10 – depending on weather conditions, it can be considered HARD.
The Cerro Chato Volcano hike in Costa Rica is one of the most popular and adventurous trails. The route is quite challenging but the emerald green crater lake is stunning. What’s more, you can swim in it, like most people do onsite (especially locals). Read my full post on Hiking Cerro Chato without a tour guide.
Hiking up to the top of Cerro Chato takes about 2-2.5 hours each way, depending on your fitness level. This suggests that the total hiking time for Cerro Chato can range from 3 to 5 hours for a round trip.
It’s important to note that the duration of the hike can vary depending on factors such as individual fitness levels, weather conditions, and the specific route taken. It’s always a good idea to allow for extra time and be prepared for unexpected circumstances. Additionally, factors like rest breaks, exploration of the surrounding area, and overall hiking pace can also affect the total time spent on the hike.
Cerro Chato crater lake.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Puntarenas province.
MEDIUM: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – 6/10: Offering both easier and moderate trails, this cloud forest walk requires roughly one day to traverse and experience the unique biodiversity in the area.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to about 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity! The trails within this national park turn every hike into an exemplary wildlife journey.
From ‘The Window’ circuit offering panoramic Atlantic views to the more challenging hiking routes leading to the Continental Divide.
Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula.
HARD: Corcovado National Park – 8/10: Offering long treks with a hot, humid climate, and a variety of terrains, this park presents a significant challenge for even experienced hikers.
Corcovado National Park, termed by National Geographic as the ‘most biologically intense place on Earth,’ offers a hiker’s paradise. The national park is a mosaic of ecosystems, encompassing rainforests, mangroves, and beach terrains.
Full-day adventure in Corcovado National Park from Drake Bay most popular tour option.
Cerro Chirripo – the highest peak of Costa Rica.
HARD: Cerro Chirripo National Park – 9/10: Hiking to Costa Rica’s highest peak is a challenging task, requiring intensive preparation and even up to 3 days to complete.
One of the top hikes in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripo – the highest peak in the country.
It’s a challenging, 13-mile-long hike one way, through Chirripó National Park cloud forests.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Puntarenas province.
EASY: Manuel Antonio National Park – 3/10: This park has short, gentle trails, offering many beginner-friendly trails.
After 2 weeks of hiking across Costa Rica, which, after challenging volcano hikes, felt like a walk in the park. At the same time, it was very refreshing to enjoy beautiful beaches and intense wildlife, and rewarding, as this was the first time I saw a giant iguana in front of my face.
Although it’s the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it is the most visited due to its remarkable biodiversity.
Take a break and explore all the Things to do in Costa Rica.
The Weather and The Best Times to Go.
Costa Rica’s climate is tropical year-round.
The dry season runs from December to April and is more suitable for hiking adventures. However, the less busy and cooler temperatures during the rainy season, specifically the ‘shoulder’ periods in May and November, can also provide enjoyable hiking conditions.
Necessary Gear You Should Prepare.
The weather in Costa Rica can vary considerably, so high-quality waterproof gear is advised. A waterproof jacket, hiking boots and high-SPF sunscreen are a must. A reliable backpack to carry food, water, and other essentials is recommended, along with navigation tools and first aid kits for the more challenging hikes.
Advice on Maps, Guides, and Directions.
Although many trails in Costa Rica are well-marked, navigating through rainforests and avoiding dangerous animals becomes much more manageable using a local guide’s expertise.
Safety Precautions and things to avoid.
Respect local wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and staying on designated trails to reduce the impact on the environment.
You might also like to read:
- Adventurous itinerary for Costa Rica
- Hiking trails in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Full guide on hiking Arenal Volcano
- Unforgettable things to do in La Fortuna
- How to travel from San Jose airport to the city center by bus?
- How to get from Costa Rica to Nicaragua by public bus?
- The best hikes in Costa Rica!
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