-Tours by Activity-
HIKING
We
could say that there are countless areas for hiking almost all around the
country, which present different levels of difficulty from easy to very difficult
hikes. Moreover, we must also say that there’s a lack of proper information
in some of these, including markings, regulations, and lengths, among others.
With this said, we don’t mean to discourage you to come to Costa Rica
on a hiking trip, no way, but we do encourage you to take guided hikes whenever
possible, specially if the hiking trails doesn’t offer a well marked
self guided map. Remember, the rain forest is vast and dense, and it is not
difficult to find your self lost after a short while and to lose the sense
of orientation.
Recommendations when hiking in Costa Rica:
· If there are no guided hikes in the area, make sure you get a self
guided map before going into a trail. Be cautious when setting off to the
forest.
· Remember that we are in tropical latitudes, so the sun sets year
round no later than 5:30 pm and even earlier during summer, never walk in
the woods after the sunset, or when it won’t give you time to be out
of the trail before sunset.
· Wear appropriate hiking shoes, both for protection and comfort. Although
there are few poisonous snakes, you never know what you can find in the forest.
· Wear a good hat / cap, insect repellent and sun block.
· Bring enough water with you. Remember, it is easy to get dehydrated
in the tropics
· If possible, let someone else know where you are going and how long
it will most probably take you to return (especially important in longer hikes
and in very remote locations). No matter if it’s the hotel front desk’s
clerk or your next door neighbor, but inform someone
· When hiking in the trails, don’t grab to logs or branches without
checking it first.
· Look where you are walking!
· In your back pack take extra pair of socks, raingear, a proper jacket
and water.
Hiking Hot Spots:
1. Rincon de la Vieja National Park:
The hike up to the tip of the crater is along a trail with a tremendous diversity
of life zones, and the view upon arrival is astonishing. The hike up takes
around 3.5 hours. On clear days you can see the Caribbean Sea, the Nicaragua
Lake and of course, the Pacific Ocean. Also close to the summit are the “Jilgueros”
Lagoon and the highest point, the Von Seebach. To visit this place we recommend
a stay at Hacienda Guachipelin, a comfortable Lodge that offers
a wide range of tours and fun adventure activities, including their working
cattle ranch.
2.
Arenal Volcano & Cerro Chato Volcano:
Arenal volcano’s little big brother is not as high or as active as
its younger sibling, but it is a wonderful destination. Pass through dense
rainforest and marvel at the crystal waters in the crater lagoon or have a
dreamy paddle on its mirrored surface. After leaving the crater you can climb
down to the powerful La Fortuna waterfall and have a rewarding swim at the
base of these magnificent falls.
The trip takes approximately 6 hours including very good hiking and the
visit to La Fortuna Waterfalls. If interested on the tour, the best lodging
option is the Arenal Observatory Lodge, whose location is ideal and presents
several hiking opportunities, including this very nice Cerro Chato hike.
3. Hike at San Gerardo de Dota:
The tour starts t a very high elevation (3,470 m or 11,382 ft) and goes
trekking down the mountains from Cold Mount (Cerro Frio) to finally reach
San Gerardo de Dota at 2,200 m (7220 ft). At first, you will be in the “Paramo
Forest” of small shrubs and trees, and will continue down to find the
Tropical Cloud Forest with its large oak trees usually covered with mosses
and the incredible view. Total hiking time is 4 to 6 hours and the distance
covered is 5.5 km (3.41 miles). Our recommend hotel in the area is Trogon
Lodge. The Hotel located amid an 83 ha private reserve caters to adults
searching for peace and tranquility.
4. Corcovado National Park:
The
animal life in the National Park is quite vibrant, with frequent sighting
of monkeys, coatimundis, squirrels, spiders, macaws, bats, leaf cutting ants,
and other animal species. As well, much will be mentioned about the plant
and tree species, which is lush, and teeming with life. Along the guided walk
you will have a chance learn fascinating stories about life in the rainforest
and see it first hand. There’s also a chance to cool off in the river
and its beautiful waterfall. End up in the Park Station at San Pedrillo. The
San Pedrillo ranger station is the most northern of the four stations. Situated
just off shore is Picaros Island, which serves as a refuge for several species
of marine birds including the Brown Boobie, Blue Heron and Brown Pelicans.
The deluxe Casa Corcovado Lodge
is next to one of the Park’s main entrance. Their resident guides offer
excellent hiking trips and provide varied information.
5. Chirripó Mountain Hike:
Welcome to some serious hiking! The Mountain’s name (Chirripó)
is translated as the “Land of Eternal Waters”, and it is Costa
Rica’s highest peak and the second one in Central America. The Park
encompasses an area of 50,150 hectares (approximately 195 square miles) and
is part of La Amistad International Park (Costa Rica-Panama). The park is
located on the Talamanca Mountain Range, 20 Km Northeast from San Isidro de
El General. It is the countries’ most challenging hike. Temperatures
are extreme and range from 18ºC (64ºF) to 26ºC (79ºF9
in the lower regions to OºC (32ºF) to 12ºC (54ºF) in the
highlands, where the lowest temperature recorded is -9° C (14° F);
nights are cold and foggy, winds can exceed 80 kph. The views from the top
are amazing. We recommend the 4 day / 3 night trip option for a complete enjoyment
of the area.
HONEYMOON &
