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
- Volcán ArenalSightActive volcano with an exclusion zone around the summit.
- La Fortuna WaterfallSightA pristine jungle waterfall.
- Parque Nacional Volcán ArenalTrailTrail through lush valley to mountains with volcano view.
- Río Caño NegroSightA lush valley traversed by a trail.
- Elsewhere
- 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 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.
- Playa JacóSightJaco, Costa RicaBeach with an impressive vista from a halfway point.
- Playa HermosaSightJaco, Costa RicaA scenic black-sand beach south of Jacó.
- 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.
