Hiking in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has enough trails to keep serious hikers stepping for a long time, and the scenery those routes pass ranges from lowland rain forests to brisk mountain valleys. The routes themselves are as varied as the scenery, ranging from invigorating jaunts in the mountains near San Jose to backpacking adventures that lead you into the heart of the country's wilderness.

Nearly all of Costa Rica's national parks have short trails that can be hiked in an hour or two, while others have routes that take the better part of a day to complete, such as the trails to the top of Barva and Rincon de le Vieja Volcanoes.

Santa Rosa, Corcovado and Chirripo National Parks have longer backpacking routes, which require several overnights in tents or Parks Service cabins. There are also plenty of well-marked hiking trails in the country's growing number of private reserves.

Hiking Operators

Oasis Nature Tours

http://www.oasisnaturetours.com/

Alacran Surf Tours
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
T/F 506 777-1721

Sun Tours and Fun
Playa Hermosa of Guanacaste
Playas de Nicoya, Costa Rica
T 506 396-4653, F 506 672-0218
E-mail: suntoursandfun@hotmail.com, Website: http://www.suntoursandfun.com/sea-sports/

Mountain Bike in Costa Rica
San José, Costa Rica
T 506 220-2126, F 506 220-2393
E-mail: mtb@fantasy.co.cr, Website:  http://www.mountainbike.fantasy.co.cr/