Costa Rica is an absolute paradise for hikers. One day you can be hiking across a suspension bridge in the cloud forest while the next you can be marveling at a volcano. I promise, you will not be disappointed. Here are the very best hikes in Costa Rica!
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Hiking Trails in Costa Rica that NEED to be on Your Bucket List
Grab your backpack and hiking boots and get ready to be blown away. These Costa Rica hikes deserve a spot on your bucket list! Let’s go!
1. Cerro Chirripó
- Distance: 12.5 miles (18.5 km) Point to point
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Cost: $18 for park entrance (additional guide fees if hired)
Cerro Chirripó is Costa Rica’s highest peak, standing at 12,533 feet (3,820 meters). This challenging hike is a bucket-list adventure for serious hikers, offering incredible views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts from the summit.
The trail winds through diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, paramo, and tundra. Due to the high altitude, hikers may experience cooler temperatures and should be prepared for a steep, strenuous climb. Most hikers complete this trek over two days, staying overnight at a base camp near the summit (you need to book this far in advance).
Again, this is a HARD hike. Do not plan this one if you aren’t used to hiking or looking for a quick day hike (there’s plenty of those on this list!) However, if you are up for the challenge, be sure to secure an advanced permit!
2. Arenal 1968 Volcano Trail
- Distance: 2.9 miles (4 km) loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $15 for park entrance
The Arenal 1968 Volcano Trail offers an up-close view of one of Costa Rica’s most famous volcanoes, Arenal. The hike takes you through a landscape shaped by the 1968 eruption, with paths winding through lava fields, lush forests, and open grasslands.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, and the surrounding countryside. This hike is relatively short and accessible, making it a great option for those with limited time or looking for a moderate challenge.
It’s a must during your time in La Fortuna!
See more things to do in La Fortuna here!
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km) of trails
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Cost: $25 for park entrance
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic hiking destinations. The reserve’s trails are well-maintained and offer a range of difficulty levels, making it accessible to hikers of all abilities.
As you walk through the misty, verdant forest, you’ll encounter hanging bridges, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, quetzals, and more. The cloud forest’s cool, damp environment creates a unique atmosphere, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
4. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) loop (Las Pailas and La Cangreja Waterfall)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Cost: $15 for park entrance
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a geothermal wonderland located in the Guanacaste province. The Las Pailas trail takes you through a fascinating landscape of bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs, offering a unique hiking experience.
For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the trail to La Cangreja Waterfall is well worth the effort. The waterfall cascades into a beautiful blue pool (unfortunately swimming is not longer allowed). Along the way, you’ll pass through tropical dry forests, home to a variety of wildlife, including white-faced capuchin monkeys and coatis.
Important! There is an entry fee to the park and you need to start the trail before 12 pm during dry season (Dec-April). During rainy season, the trail does occasionally close.
5. Corcovado National Park
- Distance: 12 miles (19 km) one way (Sirena Station to La Leona)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Cost: $15 for park entrance (guide required, additional fees apply)
Corcovado National Park is often referred to as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Located on the Osa Peninsula, this park offers one of the most adventurous hikes in Costa Rica.
The trek from Sirena Station to La Leona takes you through pristine rainforests, deserted beaches, and river crossings. The park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and all four species of Costa Rican monkeys.
Due to the remote location and challenging conditions, a guide is required for this hike.
6. Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste)
- Distance: 1.8 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $12 for park entrance
The Rio Celeste hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park is famous for the stunningly turquoise river and waterfall that gives the trail its name. You’ve probably seen this breathtaking waterfall all over the ‘gram and Tik Tok.
The trail winds through lush rainforest and leads to the breathtaking Rio Celeste Waterfall, where the river’s color is so vibrant it looks almost surreal. Along the way, you’ll also pass by hot springs and boiling mud pots. This moderate hike can get muddy, especially after rain, so be prepared with sturdy shoes.
And although you’ll be dying to jump into the sparkling blue water, swimming is prohibited. There are many other Costa Rica waterfalls perfect for a swim though!
7. Cahuita National Park
- Distance: 5.2 miles (9 km) out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Donation-based entrance fee
Cahuita National Park, located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, offers a scenic and relatively easy hike along a pristine coastline. The trail follows the shoreline, passing through white sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, and mangroves.
Along the way, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds. The trail also offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling in the park’s coral reefs, where you can see a variety of marine life.
It’s a must stop if you find yourself in Puerto Viejo during your Costa Rica adventure!
8. La Fortuna Waterfall
- Distance: 1 miles (2.5 km) out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cost: $18 for park entrance
The La Fortuna Waterfall hike is short but steep, taking you down a well-maintained path to one of Costa Rica’s most famous waterfalls.
Located near the town of La Fortuna, the waterfall plunges 230 feet (70 meters) into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by lush rainforest.
The descent to the waterfall involves navigating several hundred steps, but the effort is rewarded with the opportunity to swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls.
9. El Tigre Waterfalls
- Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km) loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Cost: $33-$66 (self-guided vs. guided)
The El Tigre Waterfalls hike in Monteverde is a thrilling adventure that takes you through dense forest to four stunning waterfalls. The trail is steep and challenging at times, with sections that require crossing rivers and navigating rocky terrain.
However, the effort is well worth it as you are rewarded with the sight of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation.
The hike can be done with or without a guide, but having a guide enhances the experience, providing insights into the local flora and fauna. If you choose the guided option, the hike concludes with a traditional Costa Rican lunch, making it a full-day experience.
Hiking Trails in Costa Rica Map
Here’s a handy dandy map to help you plan the best route for your Costa Rica hiking road trip! If you need help planning a perfect itinerary, check out this 10-day plan for first-timers!
Hikes in Costa Rica Recap
Costa Rica is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that cater to all levels of experience and interest. From challenging mountain climbs to leisurely coastal walks, these hikes showcase the incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes that make Costa Rica a top destination for nature lovers.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, breathtaking views, or an up-close encounter with wildlife, these hikes will leave you with unforgettable memories. Happy hiking!
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