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Woman crossing a stream in Corcovado National Park. Costa Rica.
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Mountains and waterfalls
hiking on a rocky trail in Guanacaste Costa Rica to view the sunset from the top of a mountain known as Cerro Pelado

Hike though Costa Rica's incredible natural landscapes

ActiveCosta Rica

With its 27 national parks, Costa Rica boasts a seemingly endless network of hiking trails. Your local Evaneos agency can scope out the best ones for you, with options available for all levels and preferences. Whatever you choose, rest assured that the trails are well maintained and marked, meaning you can keep your focus on the spectacular nature, and keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife. Shorter trails in the Monteverde reserve and Cahuita and Manuel Antonio National Parks are well-suited for families, making it easy to see coatis, sloths, and monkeys within just a few miles.

As for volcanoes, the best way to explore them is on foot. Irazu volcano is one of the most accessible ones, and a relatively short walk will lead you to the crater. Your children will be amazed. Further north, a trail interspersed with suspended walkways offers spectacular viewpoints from which you can admire the postcard-perfect Arenal volcano.

Meanwhile, you can see Tenorio's volcanic activities from deep within the jungle. Fumaroles heat the river's turquoise waters, making for an unbelievable sight. At Rincon de la Vieja, a 3-hour hike reveals another facet of the country's volcanic landscape. As you roam through the dry tropical forest, you might be surprised to see the ground boiling. There's an easy explanation: the volcano runs so hot, it turns the soil into boiling mud. Watch your step.

Costa Rica offers more challenging hikes, too, like the trail to Cerro Chato, with its 3,281-foot incline, as well as multi-day excursions in Cerro Chipiro or Corcovado National Park. We recommend hiking during the dry season between December and April to take advantage of the prime trail conditions. During the rainy season, trails can get very slippery, which will slow you down.

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