Just a few hours from many major U.S. cities, Costa Rica is a destination with breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled wildlife viewing. In a country full of natural splendor and unrivaled views, lush rainforests, wildlife refuges, and rugged terrains beckon hiking enthusiasts and leisurely walkers alike. The impressive number of trails take you from tranquil coastlines to majestic mountains allowing hikers of all levels to experience what makes Costa Rica hiking so captivating and makes it one of the best things to do on vacation.
“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!”
Julie Norton, South America Travel Specialist
In this guide, we'll dive deep into the best hikes in Costa Rica, offering expert insights and essential advice to kickstart your trip.
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
Costa Rica offers an array of hiking destinations catering to various preferences and fitness levels. Here are some of our top hiking spots to explore:
Hiking Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park offers one of the most famous volcano hiking experiences, with well-maintained trails winding through rainforests, providing incredible views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. The primary route, "Los Tucanes," is an easy walk suitable for most visitors, making it one of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica. The trail takes you through the rainforest and across a large lava flow from 1992, showcasing a variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent lava rock formations. Within the park's borders, you can spot an astonishing array of Costa Rica's biodiversity, including over 850 identified bird species, such as the endangered and elusive quetzal. After the hike, you can opt for a visit to the nearby mineral hot springs or relax at your accommodations.
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.
Skill level: Hikes range from easy to moderate and take you through lava fields and forests.
Best for: Given the variety of trails, all family members can participate in hiking Arenal Volcano. Those with youngsters can take the 1-kilometer hike to see Rio Fortuna Waterfall while those wanting a bit more intensity can opt for the Forest Trail that’s excellent for birding.
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.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
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, amazing butterflies, and colorful birds in their natural habitat. The reserve is a good place for travelers 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. 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 colorful tanagers.
La Ventana (window) trail is relatively short, about 0.75 miles (1.2km), and takes 2 to 3 hours. The main highlight is reaching the "window" – a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the cloud forest canopy and surrounding landscape. Birdwatchers will love the El Camino (The Road) trail, which is 1.2 miles long with an elevation gain of 131 feet and takes around 1.25 hours. Other captivating trails include the Sendero Pantanoso (Swamp Trail) and the Sendero Chomogo, reaching the highest elevation at 5,510 feet. You can also explore the Suspended Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the canopy, bromeliads, orchids, and more.
Skill level: Traversing through this enchanting forest requires a bit of effort and is recommended for those who can handle a moderate hike.
Best for: Families with older children will love the hikes available here as you can witness incredible wildlife and plants. Over 600 different species of butterflies have been identified here.
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.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park offers the perfect blend of classic Costa Rica hiking and beach relaxation with abundant wildlife. Wander along the half-mile (0.8 km) La Catarata Trail to a charming waterfall, spotting fascinating frogs. For an easier stroll, take the short and accessible El Perezoso Trail, leading to beautiful beaches and convenient facilities. Meanwhile, the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) Punta Catedral Trail with stunning lookout points immerses you in Costa Rica’s natural beauty, marked with informative signage. Or the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) Mirador Trail offers a breathtaking view of Punta Serrucho. The Congo Trail links Playa Gemelas and the Mirador Trail for a convenient return option.
Skill level: Both easy and moderate trails are available that give you a taste of forest and beach. And the newer elevated walkway makes certain sections even more comfortable for all ages.
Best for: Families with kids of all ages and multigenerational travelers will love the chance to see Costa Rica’s famous animals in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Where to stay: Arenas del Mar is a beachfront eco-resort that’s perfectly placed to host travelers enjoying Costa Rica’s hiking. Along with easy access to Manual Antonio National Park, the hotel offers outdoor adventures like white water rafting, canopy tours, and more.
Corcovado National Park
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 10.5 - 12.5 milies (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.
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.
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.
Rio Celeste
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 color 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 color 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.
Skill level: This hike is moderate, it takes about 3 to 4 hours, with some steep parts.
Best for: Younger travelers and couples looking for a showstopping Insta-moment.
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
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 variety 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.
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.
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.
Costa Rica Hiking Tours
For those seeking a guided hiking experience, we offer numerous Costa Rica tour options. Whether you are a solo traveler 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 hiking vacation 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."
Julie Norton, South America Travel Specialist
