6 Incredible Costa Rica Hiking Destinations

Hiking in Costa Rica perfectly encapsulates the country’s “pura vida” tagline. In a country full of natural splendour and unrivalled views, lush rainforests, wildlife refuges and rugged terrains beckon hiking enthusiasts and leisurely walkers alike. It is a playground for those with an adventurous soul, wanting to connect with nature. With such rich biodiversity, hikes in Costa Rica will take you through jungles, around stunning coastlines and along cascading waterfalls.

In this guide, we'll dive deep into the best hikes in Costa Rica, offering expert insights and essential advice to kickstart your trip.

"Costa Rica offers diverse trails, from volcano hikes like Arenal with stunning views, to rainforest hikes in Monteverde Cloud Forest with lush canopy and wildlife, and of course, there’s the iconic Camino de Costa Rica. Additionally, there are rainforest-to-beach hikes like Manuel Antonio National Park and hikes with beautiful waterfalls to see and swim in. It's a hiker's paradise!”
Odele Seah, South America Travel Specialist

What are the best hiking trails in Costa Rica?

The best hiking trails in Costa Rica depend on what you’re interested in seeing.

For those interested in seeing wildlife, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is an excellent hiking destination, with a variety of trails for every skill level. If you're after a mix of beach and trekking, Corcovado National Park offers incredible biodiversity and magical secluded beaches. For geological wonders, walks in Rincón de la Vieja National Park will take you past active volcanoes, steaming hot springs and more.

Other must-see destinations include Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park and Chirripó National Park.

Where to Hike in Costa Rica

Choose from volcano hikes or rainforest hikes, near beaches or inland, Costa Rica’s trails are varied and diverse. Most are guided, and the trails are sign-posted, which makes it easy to follow them. The hardest thing will be choosing where to start, so here are some of the best hikes in Costa Rica.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Skill level: Trails here are moderately easy.

Best for: Families with children or those travelling with older adults, particularly if you want to see wildlife.

A hotspot for wildlife, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including Howler monkeys, White-faced Capuchin monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and many birds. The reserve is a good place for travellers to experience Costa Rica’s trekking scene, with several hiking trails catering to different interests. Sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail) is one of the main and most popular trails. Taking between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to complete, it is known for its well-maintained paths and diverse flora and fauna, particularly the bird life. You might spot the famous Resplendent Quetzal or Three-wattled Bellbird, as well as toucans, hummingbirds, and colourful tanagers.

A hotspot for wildlife, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including Howler monkeys, White-faced Capuchin monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and many birds. The reserve is a good place for travellers to experience Costa Rica’s trekking scene, with several hiking trails catering to different interests. Sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail) is one of the main and most popular trails. Taking between 1.5 and 2.5 hours to complete, it is known for its well-maintained paths and diverse flora and fauna, particularly the bird life. You might spot the famous Resplendent Quetzal or Three-wattled Bellbird, as well as toucans, hummingbirds, and colourful tanagers.

Where to stay: Base yourself at the Senda Monteverde, a boutique retreat high in the cloud forest. Expect rustic luxury with handcrafted textiles, locally sourced seasonal cuisine, and modern eco-friendly amenities.

Rio Celeste

Skill level: This hike is moderate, it takes about 3 to 4 hours, with some steep parts.

Best for: Younger travellers and couples looking for a showstopping Insta-moment.

Set in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste is one of the most striking places for hiking in Costa Rica thanks to the sight of the river itself. Its vibrant turquoise colour is the result of the merging streams, the Rio Buenavista and the Quebrada Agria. Both contain high levels of certain minerals, which, when mixed in the right proportions, create the intense blue hue that gives the river its name Celeste, meaning celestial or sky-blue in Spanish. The hike takes you to Los Teñideros, where you can witness the exact point where the two rivers meet and the colour transformation occurs, just an hour's hike from the park entrance. It is a spectacular thing to see and an amazing photo opportunity. On route, you’ll pass stunning surroundings; waterfalls, greenery, and other distinctive features created by the volcano.

Where to stay: The idyllic beach hangout, El Mangroove offers a hip feel with its infinity pools, private cabanas, top-notch restaurants and modern wood furnishings.

Rincon del Vieja

Skill level: Trails in this national park range from moderate to challenging.

Best for: Keen hikers and families travelling with teenagers looking for adventure, amazing scenery, and a glimpse of Costa Rican culture.

Walking in Rincon de la Vieja National Park during the dry season will take you past steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and hot springs near the active volcano. The park's volcanic landscape is a rare sight and offers a glimpse into the earth's inner workings, as well as the chance to ease aching hiker’s feet in rejuvenating mud baths and warm springs. There’s plenty for birdwatchers and animal lovers too, as well as adventurous activities (zip-lining, horseback riding, and rock climbing) and hidden waterfalls to discover. We particularly love learning about the customs and traditions of the Guanacaste indigenous people who live in the surrounding area.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers a mix of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Las Pailas is one of the most popular and accessible trails in the park, perfect for a short hike, especially if it’s your first time exploring these beautiful landscapes. It is a 2.5 to 3-hour loop. Sendero Catarata Río Blanco leads to the beautiful Río Blanco Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, while the Santa María Volcano trail is a more challenging 6 to 8-hour walk to reach the summit, where you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.

Where to stay: End your day in ultimate luxury at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort sitting on the Culebra Bay. With two secluded beaches and surrounded by a tropical forest, it’s the ideal hideout after a day of exploring Costa Rica’s hiking.

Corcovado National Park

Skill level: Routes here range from easy to challenging.

Best for: This area has something for everyone, from hiking aficionados to families with young children. Its diverse landscape is perfect if you are short on time and want to combine your Costa Rica trekking trip with stunning beaches, rainforests and impressive wildlife.

One of the most biodiverse places in the world, hiking in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Its remote location on the Osa Peninsula brings with it a real sense of adventure and, because of the dense rainforest, you need to hike with a guide. There are various trails in the park, some take you to secluded beaches where turtles nest their eggs, and others lead you through lush rainforests, mangroves, cloud forests, freshwater lagoons, and the nearby Tarcoles River. The easiest is the San Pedrillo Station research station trail, which takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and is good for families with children or older adults. It is relatively short and mostly flat, passing beautiful rainforest scenery, and a section that leads to the beach.

Those looking for a full day’s hiking in Costa Rica should opt for the Sirena Station, which is 17 to 20km one-way, the round trip can take around 8-10 hours and sees you navigating dense rainforest, crossing streams, and walking on uneven and muddy terrain deep into the heart of the park, far away from any towns or settlements. The remote nature of the trail increases the chances of seeing the likes of jaguars, pumas, various monkey species and even the endangered Baird’s tapir.

Where to stay: Start the adventure with a ride to El Remanso Lodge, situated deep within the rainforest on 185 acres of private reserve, and officially part of the Osa Peninsula National Refuge. With an impressive ecological ethos, expect a true sense of escapism and exploration with a stay here.

Cahuita National Park

Skill level: There are two routes, one easy and one moderate.

Best for: This hike offers something a bit different, by going through coral reefs. It’s great for those who want to get out and explore nature without too much exertion.

Trekking in Cahuita National Park takes you through a mix of lush rainforest and sandy beaches. Known for its coral reefs, the park offers an unusual combination of hiking and snorkelling on its underwater Coral Garden trail. As you walk in shallow waters, pop your head down into the ocean to see coral reefs, fish, rays, and even reef sharks below. Back on land, there are howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and several bird species to look out for.

The coastal trail takes about 3 to 5 hours, whereas the inland trail, which runs parallel, takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Cahuita was established with the help of local communities to protect the coastal ecosystems and traditional livelihoods. It doesn't allow any buildings or infrastructure along the hiking trails, adding to the park's untouched atmosphere. Easy and accessible trails make this park one of the best Costa Rica trekking areas for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

Where to stay: A charming colonial-style boutique hotel set on the coast, Aguas Claras is an adult-only escape near the town of Puerto Viejo. Experience yoga and meditation set amongst the jungle gardens, see local artwork covering the walls and dine in the sea breeze with the open-air restaurant.

Arenal Volcano Hikes

Skill level: A range of easy to challenging trails are available within the national park that surrounds Arenal Volcano.

Best for: These hikes are best for all levels of fitness and experience, especially if you’re looking for incredible views of the volcano.

The parks surrounding the mighty Arenal Volcano National Park have several different hiking routes. Those wanting to get close to the main attraction can follow a well-marked trail that takes you through the forest to the base of the volcano, offering spectacular views of it and the surrounding landscape. Hiking Arenal Volcano takes about 2 to 3 hours, but if you’re looking for something more challenging while trekking in Costa Rica, Cerro Chato is a dormant volcano next to Arenal and can be reached through a steep, muddy (in parts) rainforest route, taking 4 to 6 hours. At the summit, you are rewarded with the stunning emerald-green crater lake.

Meanwhile, families with young children might prefer the trails that wind past the Arenal Observatory Lodge, giving views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. They are relatively easy and provide opportunities for wildlife spotting too. Or take a jaunt across the suspended bridges over the top of the canopy instead.

Where to stay: Never lose sight of the Arenal volcano with a stay at Nayara Gardens. Each room comes with a private garden, jacuzzi and outdoor shower for an incredible jungle retreat.

Costa Rica Hiking Tours

For those seeking a guided hiking experience, we offer numerous Costa Rica tour options. Whether you are a solo traveller or prefer group expeditions, we offer tailor-made tours that cater to your preferences.

No matter what you decide, Scott Dunn can curate a Costa Rica walking holiday that’s a safe and enriching experience, offering in-depth knowledge about the region's ecology and wildlife.

“When guests opt for hikes, we go the extra mile by arranging a private guide for an unforgettable one-day tour lasting around 3 hours. For the adventurous souls seeking a challenge, we even have an option for one of the harder hikes available – the exhilarating Poas Volcano hike."
Odele Seah, South America Travel Specialist