Introduction
If you want to unpack nature and discover all the beauties of nature, then follow along on the best hikes in Costa Rica. You can expect to discover luscious rainforests, beaches out of paradise, extinct volcanoes to climb, and much more – Costa Rica hikes won’t disappoint. We will give you a taste of just two that will make you want to take up hiking as a serious hobby. But don’t worry; a few others will be mentioned at the end of the article.
The Drake Trail
- This is a relatively easy trail of around 8.5-11 km with not a lot of serious elevation gain. Just two challenges come on this hike; humidity and heat. That’s why is better to start this hike early.
- Occasional signposts are seen along the trail, but a lot of parts are not signposted.
- This trail starts just outside of Drake Bay. Immediately you start, you will be crossing your first beach. After 250 m you will reach the end of the beach and see a concrete staircase that will take you to the hiking path.
- You will come across a signpost that lets you know what time you should arrive at certain points. The San Pedrillo Ranger Station which is at the Corcovado National Park is six hours away.
- Soon you will head into a bit of jungle, and if it’s a rainy day, it can become quite muddy.
- After a few hundred meters on this jungle path, you will find a swing bridge to cross to continue the trail on the other side. Once across, you will come to some steep stairs; about 150 meters long, then find yourself on a gentle climb.
- Look out for the La Paloma Lodge in this area. Around 300 m after passing the lodge, you’ll reach a gate. Turn right heading toward the beautiful Cocolito Beach. As you walk, you will cross beach after beach; all we can say is it is a sheer delight – then you will eventually head onto the jungle path.
- At the 5.6 km mark, you will arrive at some steep and slippery stairs with a rope handrail.
- When you get to the 7 km mark, you come to another massive beach. You can continue your hike along the rustic jungle path behind the beach.
- After 400 m of walking you should reach the Rio Claro River. To cross it will take about two minutes and costs around USD $2 per person. But you can cross it on your own if the water is low.
- After crossing the river, walk around 1 km before arriving at Playa San Josecito Beach. You would have covered around 8.5 km by now. The beach is exquisite; in fact, it’s the most famous beach in this area. When you arrive at Playa San Josecito, there will be a sign for the Sunset Restaurant, which is situated at the next major beach. You are at the end of this part and can continue with another part of the hike if you wish.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
- This is an easy hike of 5.7 km (return). For non-residents, it’s around USD 12 credit card, no cash.
- Rio Celeste is one of the most spectacular waterfalls to see in Costa Rica. The color of the water needs to be seen to be believed pure turquoise – magical! The only thing that may disappoint you about a visit to this majestic waterfall is that you can no longer swim at the waterfall. But there still are some incredible spots to swim at along the same river system.
- You start off on a concrete path through the forest. The concrete path eventually becomes gravel, and once you have completed nearly 1 km of walking, you will come to a small stream crossing with plenty of rocks to help you across. After that, you have a steep ascent, but it’s short and takes only a few minutes before you continue going more gradually uphill.
- Just 100 m along the path, you will reach a junction between the waterfall and the remaining part of the trail. It’s about 200 m of steep climbing down concrete stairs.
- Upon arriving at the falls, you will find a big fence that prevents people from swimming there or climbing the rocks around it.
- You will relish the turquoise water and lush foliage – it’s too beautiful for words. You lose yourself in the vibrancy of the blue water.
- Your first 150 m will be uphill and a bit steep before it flattens again before a bit of gentle uphill. Gaze on the distant mountain views.
- Around 600 m after you leave the junction you’ll be at the viewpoint where you will see distant mountains and wonderful views before you descend. At the end of this descent, you’ll come to Lago Azul, the blue lake. This is another color completely to the turquoise waters at the waterfall. This is like sapphire! Unfortunately, you can’t swim here either, but you will enjoy sitting there and taking in its beauty.
- Continue on the track for a further 100m before smelling something sulfur-like. The source is the hot springs, Los Borbollones. You can’t enter the hot springs, but you will be able to see them bubbling away in the brilliant blue color. After walking past the hot spring, you will find walking easy and flat.
- After 100 m, you will come to a wooden bridge that goes over the river. Take notice of the water color which will have changed again.
- Beyond is another bridge and once you are over this bridge; you are actually at the end of the trail. It’s where the two rivers meet. You can decide to return the way you came.
- If you want to swim, it is free for you at the Rio Celeste swimming area located just under the bridge. You will find it here on this little map.
Final notes
There’s no doubt that of the most beautiful hikes in the world, many of the best hikes in Costa Rica are part of these beautiful hikes. From rainforest walks teeming with wildlife, to hiking old lava trails with incredible volcano views and jungle tracks with blue waterfalls. You will love the brilliant nature and color that Costa Rica will offer you. We know you will want to come back to discover more hikes, and here are more beautiful hikes out of beautiful Costa Rica – Happy hiking!
