Bagaces

Llanos de Cortez is a hidden gem in the northwestern portion of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region. This region is known for being dry and flat so finding waterfalls out in this area are a nice treat.  Accessing this waterfall is relatively easy. The parking lot is pretty close to the waterfall and is just a 10 min hike down to the falls. The trail is a little steep, but not very long at all.T...

Rincón de la Vieja offers an immense variety of scenery and wildlife. The trail, Las Pailas, twists around the base of the volcano through jungle, geysers and low-dry foothills. The cinder cone volcano, Rincón de la Vieja (6217 ft/1895 m), is the main attraction.From the ranger station, the trail plunges into the jungle. It will snake up and down (beware of lots of roots on the path) and bet...

Seizing the opportunity to walk through Costa Rica's dry tropical forest eco system is well worth any effort getting to the park. You'll be greeted with little yellow butterflies, and have plenty of chances to spot various birds, bugs, reptiles, and mammals. Word of the wise, the trail seems pretty harmless, albeit occasionally strenuous, but try to stay present as often as you can. I absolutel...

A long drive and a muddy trail may not sound appealing at first, but the first glimpse of this brilliant turquoise river makes it all worth it. From the town of Bijagua, take the unpaved road with signs towards Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste. Eventually you'll come to a parking lot on the right where the entrance is, marked "El Pilon" station. Here you'll buy your ticket ($10) an...

The drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna/Arenal can be a long one.  Fortunately the waterfalls at Viento Fresco are located halfway between these two popular tourist destinations, giving you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and go for a swim. The waterfalls are on private property and requires an entrance fee of $16 to visit.  There is an office/restaurant along Route 145 where you c...

Riddled with stygian chambers much like the holes in Swiss cheese, Barra Honda is unique among Costa Rica's network of national parks. According to its website, the National Park's crowning glory is its 42 known caverns, less than half of which have been explored by humans. Terciopelo, named after Costa Rica's deadly fer-de-lance snake, can only be reached by way of a single aluminum ladder, wh...

The Rio Celeste in northern Costa Rica is most notably known for the famous Rio Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The river has a distinctive turquoise blue color that makes it a popular tourist destination. The best way to experience this river is by tubing down the river through several kilometers of dense rainforest jungle.    You are not allowed to swim in the river within...

El Arbol Hueco (Ficus Tree) is the coolest tree i have ever seen a climbed up. Off the road, go up the small 5 ft hill. Follow the fence till you find the opening and trail. Walk down the trail about 5 min and you'll see the tree. It's also on google maps

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna. Shuttles are available for $18-25 or you can find a tour that includes transportation, admission, and a tour guide (about $60). General admission is $24 for a self guided tour.This easy hike is only 1.9 miles long and consists of 16 bridges, 6 of which are hanging bridges. The longer bridges can...