SOFT ADVENTURE

HIKES, TREKS AND WALKS

When it comes to treks, hikes and walks, Costa Rica’s different private reserves and National parks offer great options for nature lovers. Some of these forests are the home to over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and more than 400 species of birds. All around the country, you will find well-developed networks of trails of varying levels of difficulty leading you through the forests. Lookout points can usually be found on several trails for visitors to appreciate the breathtaking natural views.
Additionally, if you’re feeling up for a challenge, you may want to tackle one of the many treks up some of Costa Rica’s steepest and most ecologically diverse mountains. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a less physically demanding hike, there are wonderful options that offer opportunities to observe the flora and fauna without any need to traverse steep gradients. For those interested in a fairly easy option, there are also walks that take you through forests at a slow and relaxing pace.

HIKE TO CERRO CHATO: Hidden within the forest lies Arenal’s dormant neighbor Chato Hill, a lagoon-filled extinct crater at an elevation of 1,400 meters (4,594 ft.) above sea level. On this tour, you will go on a trek across natural trails, passing by primary forest on a 4-hour uphill walk up to the crater. After arriving at your destination, you will enjoy a box lunch while reveling in the natural breathtaking views. Afterwards, you will continue your journey to La Fortuna Waterfall, a magnificent cascade boasting a pool of crystalline waters. After a refreshing swim, you will be taken back to your hotel by car. This tour is recommended for people in good physical condition.

MONTEVERDE TREK: The different private reserves in the area (Monteverde, Santa Elena as well as the Children’s Eternal Forest) offer perfect walking options for nature lovers. These forests are the home of over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles as well as more than 400 species of birds (including the Quetzal and 30 local hummingbird species). A well-developed system of trails of varying levels of difficulty leads visitors throughout the primary forests. Lookout points can be found on several paths for visitors to appreciate the mountain views. During the hike, your guide will tell you about the natural history of plants and the wildlife you might come across on the way, giving you details about the ecology of the cloud forest as well.

LA SELVA BIOLOGICAL STATION:La Selva, which belongs to the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), is a well-known center where researchers and students from around the world come to carry out their investigations. On the tour, a specialist guide will walk you along the different trails, where you will have the chance to learn about the region’s ecological characteristics. For instance, the reserve (with an extension of 1,600 hectares / 3,900 acres) protects more than 1,900 species of plants, 436 species of birds, and 450 species of ants. We recommend that you bring a raincoat since the average annual rainfall is 4mts (over 13 feet).
La Tirimbina Rainforest Center: This 300 hectare / 750 acre mid elevation rainforest reserve is a non-profit project sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Riveredge Nature Center. Yearly, groups of students, researchers and natural history lovers walk along the property’s 6km of trails.

LA TIRIMBINA RAINFOREST CENTER: This 300 hectare / 750 acre mid elevation rainforest is a non-profit project sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Riveredge Nature Center. Yearly, groups of students, researchers, and natural history lovers walk along the property’s 6km of trails. Whether you are traveling with a group or wish to visit La Tirimbina on your own, let us know and we can plan a visit for you.

WATERFALL HIKE-GUANACASTE: This tour begins with a 1½ hour hike along a series of nature trails until you reach the natural waterfalls. Along the way you will have the chance to feel the climate and vegetation transitions, from the very dry lowlands of Guanacaste to the upper, more humid and forested highlands of the cordillera. You will have time to relax and admire the natural wonders of the region while at the same time enjoying a swim in the bright blue waters of the falls.

NAUYACA WATERFALLS: This amazing cascade is located on the hills between San Isidro del General and Dominical Beach. It is one of the Costa Rica’s most spectacular waterfalls, cascading down for 40mts into a deep pool that’s perfect for swimming. The area surrounding the waterfall is lush and tropical, the home of an abundance of different animal species. The 6kms hike to the waterfall begins early in the morning, taking you through the forest and countryside, and giving you the chance to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains of San Isidro. This area is a watershed for the plateau above and during the rainy season the massive water flow of the falls can truly be impressive.  

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