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Lonely PlanetAug 18, 2026

7 of the best hikes in Costa Rica

What is the best way to explore Costa Rica

18 things in this story
  • Playa JacóSightBeach with an impressive vista from a halfway point.
  • Playa HermosaSightA scenic black-sand beach south of Jacó.
  • Elsewhere
  • Volcán ArenalSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaActive volcano with an exclusion zone around the summit.
  • La Fortuna WaterfallSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaA pristine jungle waterfall.
  • Cahuita National ParkRestaurantCahuita, Costa RicaTrails through coastal rainforests and mangrove swamps.
  • Cavitas TrailTrailCahuita, Costa RicaWheelchair accessible boardwalk through forest and mangroves.
  • Parque Nacional BarbillaTrailSiquirres, Costa RicaChallenging trail through humid lowland forests.
  • Río DantaSightSiquirres, Costa RicaA river that tumbles over two magnificent waterfalls.
  • Camino de Costa RicaTrailSiquirres, Costa RicaA 280km coast-to-coast journey through rural areas.
  • Parque Nacional Volcán ArenalTrailLa Fortuna, Costa RicaTrail through lush valley to mountains with volcano view.
  • Río Caño NegroSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaA lush valley traversed by a trail.
  • Parque Nacional Volcán TenorioTrailBijagua, Costa RicaTrails tracking a river with heavenly blue waters.
  • Río CelesteAttractionBijagua, Costa RicaRiver with heavenly blue waters due to volcanic minerals.
  • Río Celeste WaterfallSightBijagua, Costa RicaA stunning 30m-high waterfall.
  • Cataratas NauyacaSightDominical, Costa RicaMagnificent two-tiered waterfalls with a swimming hole.
  • Río BarúHotelDominical, Costa RicaA scenic river followed by a hiking trail.
  • Cerro ChirripóTrailSan Gerardo de Rivas, Costa RicaHike to the country's highest mountain for 360-degree views.
  • Crestones Base CampSightSan Gerardo de Rivas, Costa RicaOvernight stop for the Cerro Chirripó hike.
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Lonely PlanetAug 16

Costa Rica's Best Surf Spots

If you

17 things in this story
  • Bowie's PointRestaurantLocal legend with a resident pet pig and sunset view.
  • Elsewhere
  • Playa TamarindoSightTamarindo, Costa RicaTwo-kilometer beachfront with six named surf breaks.
  • Iguana SurfPlaceTamarindo, Costa RicaOrganizes starter surf lessons right beside the beach.
  • Playa Santa TeresaSightSanta Teresa, Costa RicaTwo miles of beach break offering solid intermediate surf.
  • Zeneidas Surf GardenHotelSanta Teresa, Costa RicaOffers surf packages and early morning water access.
  • Playa HermosaSightHermosa, Costa RicaNearby beach with easier waves for beginners.
  • Playa DominicalSightDominical, Costa RicaFamous for powerful waves near the river mouth.
  • Fuego Brewing CompanyRestaurantDominical, Costa RicaPours crisp hefeweizens and pilsners made with natural spring water.
  • Playa DominicalitoSightDominical, Costa RicaOne bay south, with smaller, easier waves for beginners.
  • Roca BrujaSightSanta Rosa, Costa RicaIconic remote break with rifle-barrel A-frames.
  • Santa Rosa National ParkSightSanta Rosa, Costa RicaNational reserve where Witch's Rock is located.
  • Witch's Rock Surf CampPlaceSanta Rosa, Costa RicaOffers advanced surf tour packages, sometimes including boat trips.
  • Playa EsterillosSightEsterillos, Costa RicaUndeveloped surf spot with reefs and A-frame waves.
  • Brett's BoardsPlaceEsterillos, Costa RicaOffers surf lessons and gear rentals.
  • Playa GuionesSightNosara, Costa RicaBeach with a shallow shelf for learners and bigger waves.
  • The NomadicHotelNosara, Costa RicaDiscover The Nomadic Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica – a tranquil haven for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
  • The Gilded IguanaHotelNosara, Costa Rica
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