Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches make hiking here a thrill. With ~26% of its land protected and ~98% renewable electricity, the country’s eco-focus shines through its 200+ trails. From easy rainforest strolls to summit climbs, there’s a path for everyone.
We’ve picked nine top trails across key parks, packed with wildlife, waterfalls, and views. Grab your boots, pack water, and hit the trails—here’s where to start.
Why Hike in Costa Rica?
Hiking lets you see Costa Rica’s biodiversity up close—think scarlet macaws, jaguars, and quetzals. Trails range from 1-mile loops to 20-mile treks, suiting beginners to pros. Most parks charge $10–$18 entry, with Corcovado and Chirripó requiring guides or permits.
Dry season (January–April) offers clearer skies, but trails stay open year-round. Bring waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and bug spray, as rain and mud are common. In 2025, parks like Manuel Antonio and Arenal draw crowds, so book tours early.
The chart below shows visitor trends, with Manuel Antonio leading due to its beaches and accessibility.
Top Hiking Trails
Here’s a rundown of nine standout trails, with a table comparing their stats.
| Trail | Park | Length (miles) | Duration (hours) | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Coladas | Arenal | 1.2 | 1–2 | Easy | Volcano views, lava fields |
| El Silencio | Arenal | 3.7 | 3–4 | Moderate | Rainforest, volcano overlook |
| Main Trail | Manuel Antonio | 1.5 | 1–2 | Easy | Beaches, monkeys |
| Cathedral Point | Manuel Antonio | 2 | 2–3 | Moderate | Ocean views |
| La Leona-Sirena | Corcovado | 9.9 | 6–8 | Hard | Rainforest, macaws |
| Golfito-Piedras Blancas | Piedras Blancas | 8 | 5–6 | Hard | Golfo Dulce views |
| Rio Celeste | Tenorio | 3.7 | 3–4 | Moderate | Turquoise river, waterfalls |
| Botos Lagoon | Poás | 0.5 | 0.5–1 | Easy | Crater lake |
| Chirripó Summit | Chirripó | 12.4 | 15 (2 days) | Hard | Highest peak, ocean views |
1. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano, dormant since 2010, anchors this northern park. Its trails wind through rainforest and lava fields, with views of the 5,437-foot peak. Spot toucans, howler monkeys, and coatis. Entry: $15.
- Las Coladas Trail: A 1.2-mile loop (1–2 hours) crosses lava fields from Arenal’s 1992 eruption. Easy for families, with clear volcano views.
- El Silencio Trail: This 3.7-mile trek (3–4 hours) climbs through rainforest to a volcano overlook. Moderate, with sloth sightings common.
- Arenal 1968 Trail: A 2.8-mile loop (2–3 hours) explores 1968 lava flows. Moderate, with panoramic views. Private reserve, $12 entry.
- La Fortuna Waterfall Trail: A 1.5-mile descent (1–2 hours) to a 230-foot waterfall. Steep steps, but the swim at the base is worth it. Entry: $20.
2. Manuel Antonio National Park
On the Pacific coast near Quepos, this park blends beaches and rainforest. Expect capuchin monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Trails are short but crowded; entry is $16, capped at 800 visitors daily.
- Main Trail: A 1.5-mile flat path (1–2 hours) hits Playa Espadilla Sur. Easy, with monkey sightings guaranteed.
- Cathedral Point Trail: A 2-mile loop (2–3 hours) climbs to ocean views. Moderate, with steep sections and dolphin sightings possible.
- Perezoso Trail: A 1.5-mile trail (1–2 hours) to a waterfall. Easy, named for sloths (“perezoso” in Spanish).
3. Corcovado National Park
On the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado’s 103,000 acres host 2.5% of global biodiversity—think jaguars, tapirs, and macaws. Guides are mandatory ($80–$120/day); entry is $15. Trails are tough but epic.
- La Leona-Sirena: A 9.9-mile trek (6–8 hours) from La Leona to Sirena ranger station. Cross rivers and beaches; overnight at Sirena ($30).
- Sirena-Los Patos: A 12.4-mile hike (5–7 hours) through rainforest to Los Patos. Spot harpy eagles; overnight options available.
- Sirena-San Pedrillo: An 11.2-mile coastal trail (6–8 hours). See whales seasonally; ends at San Pedrillo station.
4. Golfito to Piedras Blancas
This 8-mile trek (5–6 hours) from Golfito to Piedras Blancas National Park crosses rainforest and overlooks Golfo Dulce. Start at Golfito’s wildlife refuge (free entry); it’s hard, with stream fords and steep climbs.
- Golfito National Wildlife Refuge: Early miles pass sloths and toucans.
- Mirador Piedras Blancas: A steep climb to views of the gulf. Pack lunch here.
- Finca Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary: Ends at this reserve with guided tours ($25). Spot macaws and ocelots.
5. Tenorio Volcano National Park
Tenorio’s Rio Celeste, with its turquoise waters, stars in this northern park. Entry is $12; trails are muddy but manageable. See tapirs and poison dart frogs.
- Rio Celeste Trail: A 3.7-mile loop (3–4 hours) hits the Teñideros (where the river turns blue) and a lagoon. Moderate, with 500 steps to the waterfall.
6. Poás Volcano National Park
Poás’ active crater can be restricted at times (20-minute guided visits, $15 entry), but other trails shine in its cloud forests. Spot quetzals and orchids.
- Botos Lagoon Trail: A 0.5-mile loop (30 minutes) to a crater lake. Easy, with misty views.
- Escalonia Trail: A 0.6-mile path (1 hour) through cloud forest. Moderate, with toucan sightings.
7. Chirripó National Park
Chirripó’s 12,533-foot peak is Costa Rica’s highest. The 12.4-mile summit trail (15 hours, 2 days) starts at San Gerardo de Rivas. Permits ($18/day) and Crestones Base Camp bunks ($30) book six months ahead via SINAC.
- Base Camp: A 8.6-mile climb (6–8 hours) to 11,155-foot Crestones. Rest in bunks.
- Summit: A 3.4-mile ascent (3–4 hours) to 360° views—Pacific and Caribbean on clear days. Hard, with rocky terrain.
8. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde’s misty forests host quetzals and 2,500 plant species. Entry is $25; trails are well-maintained.
- Sendero Bosque Nuboso: A 1.2-mile loop (1–2 hours). Easy, with hanging bridges and birdwatching.
- Sendero Encantado: A 2-mile trail (2–3 hours). Moderate, with rare orchid sightings.
9. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
This Guanacaste park features bubbling mud pots and waterfalls. Entry is $15; trails suit moderate hikers.
- Las Pailas Trail: A 2.1-mile loop (2 hours). Moderate, with volcanic fumaroles and hot springs.
- Catarata La Cangreja: A 3.1-mile round trip (3 hours). Moderate, ending at a swimmable waterfall.
Practical Tips
- Gear: Wear waterproof boots, pack rain gear, and carry 2–3 liters of water. Sunscreen and bug spray are musts.
- Safety: Stick to marked trails; Corcovado and Chirripó require guides or permits. Check park alerts for closures (e.g., Poás crater).
- Booking: Reserve Chirripó permits six months out via SINAC ($36 for 2 days). Corcovado guides book 1–2 months ahead.
- Season: January–April is driest, but trails like Rio Celeste shine in the wet season (May–November) for lush greenery.
- Wildlife: Respect animals—don’t feed monkeys or approach jaguars. Binoculars help spot quetzals and macaws.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica’s trails offer raw beauty, from Arenal’s lava fields to Chirripó’s summit. With 2025 seeing ~2.5 million park visitors, book early for spots like Manuel Antonio or Corcovado. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or wildlife, these hikes deliver. Pack smart, hike safe, and soak in the Pura Vida vibe.