Costa Rica

The beach just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park is called Playa Espadilla and you can camp here for free if you have a tent or hammock. This is a safe place, accustomed to tourists, but be careful with valuables while camping on the beach - always a good idea, anyway. The alternative would be...

With so much to explore in Costa Rica, I suggest you try and make time for Nauyaca Falls . You start by going to a small office on the side of Route 243 between Dominical and San Isidro. There you can purchase your entry ticket ($8) and decide if you want to hike to the falls or take a horseback rid...

Riddled with stygian chambers much like the holes in Swiss cheese, Barra Honda is unique among Costa Rica's network of national parks. According to its website, the National Park's crowning glory is its 42 known caverns, less than half of which have been explored by humans. Terciopelo, named after C...

Rincón de la Vieja offers an immense variety of scenery and wildlife. The trail, Las Pailas, twists around the base of the volcano through jungle, geysers and low-dry foothills. The cinder cone volcano, Rincón de la Vieja (6217 ft/1895 m), is the main attraction. From the ranger station, the trail p...

It's 4:55 a.m. and the wind is whipping, temperatures hover below freezing, and the sun is just starting to make an appearance on the horizon, above a thick blanket of clouds covering surrounding peaks. This is Cerro Chirripó, the tallest mountain in Costa Rica, and a far cry from the beaches that l...

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna. Shuttles are available for $18-25 or you can find a tour that includes transportation, admission, and a tour guide (about $60). General admission is $24 for a self guided tour. This easy hike is only 1....

This is a nice 1/2 day trip. La Fortuna falls is popular with tourist and locals, not just for viewing the falls but there is excellent swimming holes just below the fall and you can also swim right in the pool the falls fall into but the approach to that pool is very rocky and wet. The falls are ab...

Poás Volcano was last active briefly in 2014, but most notably in 2009. It's one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica. The main crater, Laguna Caliente, supports almost no aquatic life due to the incredibly high acidity. There's a $10 entry fee into the park per person. About a quarter mile awa...

A long drive and a muddy trail may not sound appealing at first, but the first glimpse of this brilliant turquoise river makes it all worth it. From the town of Bijagua, take the unpaved road with signs towards Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste. Eventually you'll come to a parking lot on...

To access this trail, you must pay the $16 park entrance fee. It's a 1.25 mile from the entrance gate along a gravel road but there are signs marking the way to the trailhead. Translated, Sendero Punta Catedral means Cathedral Point Trail. It is a 1 mile long trail that circles Cathedral Point penin...

Catarata del Toro is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. This waterfall is located on a private reserve in the rain forest that includes nature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. There is a $10 (5000 colones) entrance fee. The beginning of the trail is fairly f...

This place is a must see if you're spending time in Costa Rica. The easy access from different towns via public transportation is very affordable and worth your time and money! There are several different ways to reach this park, the main one being taking a bus from San Jose (the city of Cartago sit...

The drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna/Arenal can be a long one. Fortunately the waterfalls at Viento Fresco are located halfway between these two popular tourist destinations, giving you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and go for a swim. The waterfalls are on private property and requ...

Seizing the opportunity to walk through Costa Rica's dry tropical forest eco system is well worth any effort getting to the park. You'll be greeted with little yellow butterflies, and have plenty of chances to spot various birds, bugs, reptiles, and mammals. Word of the wise, the trail seems pretty ...

The walk to Punta Manzanillo from Manzanillo Beach is absolutely beautiful. This is the most southern beach accessible near Puerto Viejo. You can park your car under the palm trees near the beach, just be aware of falling coconuts!! At Manzanillo Beach the jungle grows right to the waters edge and s...

The Lost Canyon Canyoneering tour is full day of adventure. The day starts with a shuttle pickup from your lodging in the La Fortuna area. After a ride through the rural community and up to the canyon ops center, your adventure guide will fit you with canyoneering gear and give a brief tutorial. As ...