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Hiking to Costa Rica's National Parks and Waterfalls

If you love getting out to explore on foot, these are the best places to do that.

Best Destinations for Exploring Costa Rica on Foot

If you're wondering where's the best hiking in Costa Rica, it all depends on what you want to see. Costa Rica might be small, but it offers variety. Our top hiking destinations also offer much more than just hiking, and whether you're looking for an easy stroll for the kids or a challenge, we'll find something for you.

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Top Places to Hike in Costa Rica

Get all the tips from experts about hiking in Costa Rica.

Hiking Adventure to Costa Rica

For your ultimate hiking trip to Costa Rica, cosider adding following places to your itinerary:

Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall

One of the best places to start your hiking adventure in Costa Rica is at the Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal Volcano is one of the most well-known volcanoes in the world, and its towering presence dominates the skyline. The park offers what could be considered an easy to medium difficult hiking trail, with quite scenic views of both lake and  the volcano itself. You can also opt for different nature reserves in the area and finish your day with visiting one of the most popular waterfalls in Costa Rica, La Fortuna Waterfall. The 230 ft waterfall cascades into a clear pool, where you can take a refreshing dip after hiking through the surrounding rainforest.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Another popular hiking destination in Costa Rica is Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This reserve is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including over 500 species of birds. The hiking trails in Monteverde are well-maintained and offer hikers the chance to spot rare wildlife, such as the elusive quetzal bird. The reserve also offers a variety of guided hikes, including night hikes, that allow visitors to experience the forest in a whole new way.

Corcovado National Park

For those seeking a more challenging hiking experience, Corcovado National Park is the place to go. This remote park is located on the Osa Peninsula and is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. The park boasts over 500 species of trees, 400 species of birds, and an array of mammals, including jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys. The hiking trails in Corcovado are rugged and challenging, but the reward is the opportunity to explore some of the most untouched rainforest in Costa Rica.

In addition to these popular hiking destinations, there are many other national parks and waterfalls to explore in Costa Rica. The country's rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it a hiker's paradise, and the friendly locals and welcoming culture make it a wonderful place to visit.

Before embarking on a hiking adventure in Costa Rica, it is important to be prepared. Make sure to bring proper hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a map or guidebook. It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions and to take precautions against insects and wildlife.

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