The best hiking in Costa Rica can be found in the national parks and reserves.  With exotic names like Cabecar Reserve, Carara National Park, Corcovado, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Rincón de la Vieja, Rio Celeste, and Kusingo Tropical Rainforest, it's no wonder hiking in Costa Rica is a major tourist attraction, especially since the destinations are no less alluring. 

Situated atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Preserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes.  Splendid quetzals and bellbirds fly about the canopy of the forest, and iridescent hummingbirds hover around in search of nectar.  Nature intense hikes can be enjoyed in the Santa Elena National Park, the Monteverde Reserve and numerous private reserves in the region.  A system of suspended bridges in Selvatura and Sky Walk Park add a different perspective to your hiking experience. For a total change of pace, try a night hike, bringing you closer to nature by introducing you to the exciting nocturnal flora and fauna of the forest. 

Not to be outdone is the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.  Enjoy a guided tour through one of the jewels of the Costa Rica National Park System.  Spot three species of monkeys, sloth's, iguanas, coatimundis, and a wide range of birds and reptiles. 

The Kusingo Tropical Rainforest hike is a mix of adventure, education and nature and also provides the opportunity for wildlife viewing.  The Carara National Park tour takes you up the scenic Pacific coast to the Carara Reserve, home of the Scarlet Macaw. 

The exceptionally unique Rincon de la Vieja National Park has you hiking past boiling hot mud springs, sulfur springs, steam vents, and fumaroles.  At Las Pilas, inside the park, you can also spot wildlife and exotic flora.

The hike in Tenorio National Park takes you through a primary forest to the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall.  According to legend, after God was done panting the sky, he washed the brushes in Rio Celeste (River Light Blue), creating its spectacular blue color.  The Barra Honda National Park, a 450 meter high, nearly flat mesa looming 300 meters above the Tempisque valley mainly consists of coral reef aged over 60 million years and features a large, intricate system of limestone caverns.  On your hike you can see coatis, agutis, anteaters, and monkeys. 

In addition to the numerous national parks and reserves, luxury resorts such as Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Spa & Nature Reserve in the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos del Toro, and Xandari in Alajuela feature their own private reserves. 

Many hikes feature hanging bridges, waterfalls and countless other natural wonders.  Whether you want to spend a few hours hiking or lose yourself in Costa Rica's national parks and reserves for your entire vacation, hiking in Costa Rica is unsurpassed.  We work with the most experienced, reputable Costa Rica tour companies in the country.  Your fun, informative, bilingual naturalist will work hard to make sure your experiences hiking in Costa Rica are safe and memorable.

We can design packages with stays at top Costa Rica hotels and resorts or more economical accommodations in offbeat hideaways.  Please contact our Adventure in Costa Rica experts for your free quote on a customized Costa Rica family or honeymoon vacation featuring hikes catered to your specific preferences by calling toll free (800) 608-3119 or emailing us at info@costaricaonlinetravel.com to start planning your hiking adventure.