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Want to go hiking in Costa Rica? There’s plenty to choose from! In this blog, we highlight 6 beautiful day hikes that you’ve probably never heard of, yet.
This reserve is located in Manzanillo, on the southern Caribbean coast near the Panama border. You pay a donation as an entrance fee and then hike on beautiful (unpaved) trails along the coast and through the rainforest. Along the way, you’ll pass a cave and several hidden beaches where you can take a refreshing dip before continuing towards Punta Mona.
Difficulty: Easy. However, the high temperature and humidity make it quite challenging.
Getting There: You can walk from Manzanillo or park your car at the entrance. Local parking attendants will watch your car and belongings for a small fee.
What to Bring: Closed hiking shoes, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks.
The hiking trails of Prusia are part of Irazú National Park, known for the highest volcano (3,432 meters) in Costa Rica with five craters. While you can practically drive up to the crater, the Prusia sector offers a different experience. This unique forest has a total of 16 km of trails, divided into eight different paths.
Difficulty: Easy.
How to get there? Navigate to the entrance (1 hour drive from San José) and park in the paid parking lot.
Tickets: Purchase at the Prusia entrance. If you also visit the Crateres sector, you’ll need a separate online ticket.
What to Bring: Closed hiking shoes, windbreaker or rain jacket, hat, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks.
The name of this destination comes from the Bribri Indians and means Mother Earth. The hiking trails of Iyok Ami are in the Cerro de la Muerte, the high mountain range separating the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Choose from various trails through the mystical cloud forest at high altitudes. With some luck, you might spot the Quetzal bird here. The hikes are tough, with some parts requiring climbing and scrambling. The delicious ‘Casado’ (traditional lunch) at the Finca will taste even better afterward.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Getting There: Navigate to the entrance of Iyok Ami hostel, where the trails are also located.
Tickets: 3,000 colones entry fee, including parking. No reservation needed.
What to Bring: Closed hiking shoes, windbreaker or rain jacket, hiking sticks, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks.
This private reserve is also in the Cerro de la Muerte, at the foot of Chirripó. Choose from various trails, ranging from 1 to 8 km and varying in difficulty, through beautiful cloud forests and past waterfalls. You can explore on your own, but you might meet volunteers and students conducting research and education in the forest.
Difficulty: Easy to difficult, depending on the trail.
Getting There: Navigate to Cloudbridge Nature Reserve.
Tickets: A $10 donation per person is requested. No reservation needed.
What to Bring: Closed hiking shoes, windbreaker or rain jacket, hiking sticks, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks.
Near Pejibaye, between Cartago and Turrialba, is the La Marta wildlife reserve. With 17 km of well-marked trails through forests, rivers, and waterfalls, you can spend hours here. There’s something for everyone. Choose a short and easy walk or a challenging hike. You can take a refreshing dip in the river at various spots, so be sure to bring your swimwear.
Difficulty: Easy to difficult, depending on the trail.
Getting There: Navigate to Refugio de Vida Silvestre la Marta.
Tickets: The entrance fee is around 3.000 colones per person.
What to Bring: Closed hiking shoes, swimwear, towel, rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, and a plastic bag for your waste.
Prepare yourself. Research your destination and what you’ll need. Hiking in the humid lowland rainforest is very different from hiking at high altitudes in the mountains. Ensure you have the right clothing, footwear, and other essentials for a pleasant hike.
Enjoy yourself, but don’t get overly confident. Nature and wildlife rule here. Stick to marked paths, avoid touching plants or fruits, and keep a safe distance from animals.
Make It Easy on Yourself! Love hiking and want to explore Costa Rica on foot? Let the travel experts at Edventure Travel create a custom itinerary for you.