
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in San José, Costa Rica
1. Irazú Volcano National Park
Explore the highest volcano in Costa Rica with a scenic crater lake. Enjoy panoramic views of both Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views from the summit, which is accessible by car
- Crater Lake: Home to a beautiful crater lake, often filled with water and offering opportunities for photography
- Climate Diversity: Experience diverse climates as you hike from the rainforest floor up to the summit
2. Poás Volcano National Park
Witness the active Poás Volcano and its famous turquoise-colored crater lake.
- Active Volcano: Offers the chance to observe a continuously active volcano
- Turquoise Lake: Features a unique turquoise-colored crater lake that can't be found anywhere else
- Accessible Destination: Easy to reach from San José, making it an ideal day trip destination
3. Cerro Chirripó National Park
Conquer the tallest peak in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó, and enjoy awe-inspiring views.
- Tallest Peak: Provides an opportunity to reach the highest point in Costa Rica
- Unspoiled Nature: Home to pristine rainforests, unique flora and fauna, and unparalleled natural beauty
- Challenging Hike: Features a challenging multi-day hiking trip for experienced adventurers
4. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Discover thermal hot springs and explore diverse landscapes, including rainforests and volcanic formations.
- Thermal Hot Springs: Enjoy relaxing in natural hot springs after a day of hiking
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a combination of rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic formations
- Volcanic Activity: Features active volcanoes and frequent mud volcano eruptions
5. Braulio Carrillo National Park
Explore one of Costa Rica's largest national parks, home to an abundance of wildlife and stunning waterfalls.
- Wildlife Abundance: Boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans
- Stunning Waterfalls: Features several waterfalls, providing opportunities for swimming and photography
- Size: Is one of the largest national parks in Costa Rica, offering endless exploration possibilities
6. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Visit a beautiful wildlife sanctuary and enjoy stunning waterfalls.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to rescued wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, and toucans
- Multiple Waterfalls: Features several waterfalls, each with unique characteristics
- Eco-friendly Initiatives: Dedicated to conservation and reforestation efforts
7. Turrialba Volcano
Hike through diverse landscapes to the foot of Turrialba Volcano and admire its active crater.
- Active Volcano: Offers opportunities to observe an active volcano
- Diverse Landscapes: Features diverse landscapes, including rainforests and pastures
- Adventure Activities: Provides access to adventure activities such as rafting, zip-lining, and horseback riding
8. Tapanti National Park
Discover the cloud forests of Tapanti National Park and observe an abundance of wildlife.
- Cloud Forests: Home to unique cloud forests, which are rare ecosystems
- Wildlife Abundance: Boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including quetzals, spider monkeys, and ocelots
- Hiking Trails: Features well-marked hiking trails for all skill levels
9. Catarata del Toro Waterfall
Explore the stunning Catarata del Toro Waterfall and enjoy a dip in its pool.
- Stunning Waterfall: Features a breathtaking waterfall with a large pool for swimming
- Hiking Trails: Offers well-marked hiking trails through lush rainforests
- Adventure Activities: Provides access to adventure activities such as zip-lining and horseback riding
10. Barva Volcano National Park
Hike through the picturesque Barva Volcano National Park and discover hidden waterfalls.
- Hidden Waterfalls: Features secluded waterfalls waiting to be discovered
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers a variety of landscapes, including cloud forests and pastures
- Hiking Trails: Features well-marked hiking trails for all skill levels
11. Cerro Amigos Adventure Park
Experience adventure and thrills at Cerro Amigos Adventure Park with zip-lining, hiking, and horseback riding.
- Adventure Activities: Provides a wide range of adventure activities for all ages and skill levels
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning panoramic views of San José and the surrounding area
- Eco-friendly Initiatives: Dedicated to conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices
12. Parque Nacional Corcovado
Journey deep into Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula to explore Corcovado National Park and its diverse wildlife.
- Diverse Wildlife: Boasts an incredible array of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws
- Prime Rainforest: Considered one of the most biologically intense places on Earth
- Guided Tours: Requires booking guided tours due to its remote location and challenging terrain
13. Sierpe Mangrove Tour
Embark on a mangrove tour in Sierpe and discover the unique wildlife and beauty of these delicate ecosystems.
- Unique Ecosystem: Provides an opportunity to explore one of Costa Rica's most unique ecosystems
- Wildlife Abundance: Features diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, and various bird species
- Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into the local Indigenous cultures of Costa Rica
14. Arenal Volcano National Park
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park and admire the active volcano, hot springs, and surrounding rainforest.
- Active Volcano: Offers opportunities to observe an active volcano
- Hot Springs: Features natural hot springs for relaxation after a day of hiking
- Diverse Landscapes: Offers diverse landscapes, including rainforests and volcanic formations
15. Rafting on Sarapiquí River
Experience the excitement of white-water rafting on the adventurous Sarapiquí River.
- White-Water Rafting: Provides an adrenaline-pumping adventure on Class III and IV rapids
- Wildlife Abundance: Offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and toucans
- Eco-friendly Initiatives: Operates using eco-friendly practices and supports local communities