San Carlos, Costa Rica

Due to a geothermically heated underground river, the area surrounding Arenal Volcano has an abundance of hot springs. The majority of these hot springs are in expensive resorts that have tapped into the underground river to create a variety of mineral rich soaking pools. One of the areas best ke...

A private trail just outside of La Fortuna, Costa Rica has a high concentration of sloths that can often be spotted along the short hike. The land here is very dense with vegetation making it a perfect home for the sloth. Most of the land surrounding this 9 hectares lot has been cleared for farmi...

Surrounded by lush jungle, the swimming hole of El Salto features a Tarzan swing into a deep turquoise pool along the Rio Fortuna river. The swimming hole has formed below two small waterfalls making this a popular hangout for locals and the occasional tourist. El Salto is located a short distanc...

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 onl...

El Arbol Hueco (Ficus Tree) is the coolest tree i have ever seen a climbed up. Off the road, go up the small 5 ft hill. Follow the fence till you find the opening and trail. Walk down the trail about 5 min and you'll see the tree. It's also on google maps

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 ...

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...

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 fairl...

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 a...

Llanos de Cortez is a hidden gem in the northwestern portion of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region. This region is known for being dry and flat so finding waterfalls out in this area are a nice treat.  Accessing this waterfall is relatively easy. The parking lot is pretty close to the waterfall ...

The Tarcolos River is probably the most polluted river in Costa Rica and ironically also one of the biggest tourist attractions.  Despite the nearby national park and renewed focus on the environment it's 67% sewage and industrial waste. But with around 25 crocodiles per square kilometer you woul...

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 tra...