Part of our Costa Rica guide.
Four of our Costa Rica guides, each covering a distinct outdoor adventure, are gathered here. Each section gives you the practical specifics—access, timing, and what to expect—so you can decide which trail or park fits your trip.
Related travel guides: Hidden Gems In Costa Rica, Itineraries For Costa Rica, Things To Do In Costa Rica, Hiking And The Outdoors In Australia, and Hiking And The Outdoors In Japan.
Horseback Adventure To Nauyaca Waterfall In Costa Rica
The ride to Nauyaca Waterfall takes you through jungle and farmland before you reach the falls, which drop in two stages. You can book a guided horseback tour that includes the round-trip ride, and the same operators also offer a 4x4 option if you prefer not to ride. The trail is passable year-round, but the waterfall’s flow is strongest during the rainy season (May to November). Plan for a half-day excursion, and bring a swimsuit—there’s a swimming hole at the base of the lower falls.
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica: What You Need To Know
Tortuguero National Park sits on the northeastern Caribbean coast, and you can only reach it by boat or plane. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the entrance fee is about $15 per person. Most visitors arrive via a 1.5-hour boat ride from La Pavona or a short flight from San José to the airstrip in Tortuguero village. The park’s canals are best explored by kayak or boat tour, and the sea turtle nesting season runs from July to October—guided night walks are the only way to see the turtles, and you must book them through a licensed guide. For trip planning and inspiration in Costa Rica, this is one of the most remote and rewarding spots.
Your Guide To Tenorio Volcano National Park In Costa Rica - Be My Travel Muse
Tenorio Volcano National Park is in the northern part of the country, about a 3-hour drive from San José. The main attraction is the Celeste River, whose bright blue color comes from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals and the water. The trail to the river and the Blue Lagoon is a 5.5-kilometer loop, and you should allow 3 to 4 hours to complete it. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the entrance fee is around $12. You cannot swim in the river, and the trail can be muddy—wear sturdy shoes. The park is also a short drive from the town of La Fortuna, which has its own complete guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica on this site.
A Short Guide To Marino Ballena National Park
Marino Ballena National Park is on the southern Pacific coast, near the town of Uvita. The park is famous for its whale tail–shaped sandbar that appears at low tide, and it’s a prime spot for humpback whale watching from December to April and July to November. The entrance fee is about $6, and the park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can hike the main trail to the sandbar, swim in the calm waters, or take a boat tour to see dolphins and whales. The park also has a mangrove forest and a small beach, and the town of Uvita has restaurants and lodging within walking distance of the entrance.
