Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
Imagine hiking Costa Rica! Head up Arenal Volcano's active slopes, through Monteverde Cloud Forest, or to Tamarindo’s Pacific beaches. These ecosystems shift quickly, with volcanic terrain one day, cloud forest the next, then coastal surf breaks. From rainforests packed with wildlife to volcanic peaks to the Nicoya Peninsula's waves, the country's diversity is jaw-dropping. Are you ready to see it?
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Lauren • traveled in January
I can't rave enough about this trip. If someone booked me a flight to Costa Rica - tomorrow, next week, in a month, in a year - I would happily pay to do it again. From the first day to the last, the experience was brilliant. Our group was one of fantastic, like minded people. Our guide was so much a part of the group that, really, it felt like he was another awesome traveller on the trip (but one that happened to be native to Costa Rica, speak Spanish, know what was going on and know all the secret places off the beaten track). The trip included hiking, white-water rafting, waterfall-rappelling, kayaking, snorkelling, lots of rice and beans, banana with homemade chocolate sauce, campfires & marshmallows, rainy afternoons, walking in wet boots, sleeping behind a waterfall, warm beaches... If you want long bus rides and 5 star hotels then this trip is probably not for you, BUT if you are looking for an amazing, spine-tingling, multi-modal, culturally immersive adventure - go on this trip, you won't regret it.
Trek Hidden Costa Rica
10 best Hiking & Trekking Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
Duration 11 days Destinations San José, La Fortuna, San Carlos, Arenal, Quepos, Esquipulas, Corcovado National Park, Sierpe, San Gerardo de Rivas, ChirripóSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 694 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$13,361
Costa Rica's diverse landscapes unfold from Irazu Volcano's 3,432m summit to coastal trails in Cahuita National Park. Guided hikes weave through Santa Elena Reserve, El Silencio Trail near Arenal Volcano, and Monte Alto's orchid paths, with daily walks spanning 2-8 kilometers.
Duration 16 days Destinations San Jose, Irazu Volcano National Park, Carara National Park, Monte Alto Nature Reserve, Samara, Monteverde, Arenal, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Cahuita Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 454 mi Operator avenTOURa From
- NZ$7,434
Rincon de la Vieja's 3.5km circular path winds through Las Pailas sector. Active geysers and fumaroles dot the route to the stunning La Oropendola Waterfall. Beginner-friendly trails offer varied terrain experiences with expert guidance.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 203 mi Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,310
10% Off- NZ$1,179You save $131
The varied terrain of Costa Rica stretches from Juan Castro Blanco's orchid-filled trails to Arenal's volcanic landscape. Los Robles trail presents a 490m elevation gain while Irazú Volcano rises to 3,432m. Daily hikes range 2-5 hours with expert guides.
Duration 15 days Destinations San José, La Fortuna, Arenal, Carara, Sierpe, San Gerardo de Dota, Turrialba, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 832 mi Operator Gebeco From
10% Off- NZ$10,101
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal, Bijagua Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 214 mi Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$11,333
Monteverde's cloud forests and Rincon de la Vieja's rainforest trails showcase Costa Rica's natural diversity. The path leads to Salitral waterfall, across Selvatura Park's canopy bridges, and up to Poas Volcano's crater rim at 2,700m, with guided nature walks featuring endemic species.
Duration 8 days Destinations San José, Muelle San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 155 mi Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$3,598
The premier hiking trails of Corcovado wind through diverse terrain on a 3-hour trek. Mangrove forests line the route from Sierpe to the park's record-breaking canopy heights. Hotel Villas Rio Mar in Dominical provides comfortable rest between adventures.
Duration 3 days Destinations Dominical, Corcovado National Park, Sierpe Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 97 mi Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$957
The varied ecosystems of Costa Rica stretch from Rincon de la Vieja's rainforests to dry savannas. A three-hour guided trek to La Cangreja waterfall reveals bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. Treetop perspectives of Guanacaste's landscapes await on optional canopy tours.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 203 mi Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$957
Arenal Volcano National Park's network of trails includes the panoramic La Peninsula route and volcanic Sendero Coladas path. Professional guides navigate pristine cloud forest and regenerating landscapes. A Lake Arenal boat crossing and stays at Hotel Arenal Paraiso with thermal pools complete the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations San José, Arenal, San Carlos, Tortuguero, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 393 mi Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$1,070
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
When is the best time for hiking in Costa Rica's different regions?
Each region in Costa Rica has distinct hiking seasons. The Pacific coast including Manuel Antonio and Corcovado sees ideal conditions during the dry season (December to April) with minimal rain and clear paths. The Arenal region welcomes hikers throughout the year but delivers the best volcano views on morning walks from December to March. The Caribbean coast around Tortuguero follows different patterns with October and September offering good hiking conditions. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We visited Arenal in February and had perfect hiking conditions - cool mornings and clear skies for volcano views exactly what our guide at the Hotel Lomas del Volcan promised."
What are the best hiking trails in Costa Rica for different skill levels?
The trails in Costa Rica suit every type of hiker. Tenorio National Park's Rio Celeste waterfall trail stretches 20km through rainforest terrain perfect for intermediate hikers. The Arenal National Park lets visitors walk across old lava fields with views of the cone-shaped volcano. For serious hikers Corcovado National Park presents a three-hour journey across thirteen ecosystems. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The hiking trails in Arenal were absolutely incredible - challenging enough to feel accomplished but manageable for our mixed-ability group. The views of the volcano were worth every step!"
What kind of accommodation can I expect on multi-day hiking tours in Costa Rica?
Lodging options range from eco-lodges to wilderness stays. Guests often stay at properties like Hotel Arenal Paraiso which faces the volcano basic jungle lodges in Monteverde or unique spots behind waterfalls at La Catedral de Piedra. Some tours include nights with local families. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The host families spoiled us with local cuisine and fun activities and the overnight stay in the cave behind twin waterfalls was unforgettable." The accommodations blend comfort with natural surroundings.
What wildlife can I expect to see during Costa Rica hiking tours?
The trails of Costa Rica offer rich wildlife encounters. Corcovado National Park houses over 140 mammal species 370 bird species and numerous reptiles and amphibians. San Gerardo de Dota's cloud forests are known for quetzal sightings while Tortuguero's paths lead to capuchin monkeys caimans and tropical birds. Manuel Antonio regularly shows hikers squirrel monkeys coatis and armadillos. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "During our hike through Tortuguero's forests our guide helped us spot three different monkey species toucans and even a sleeping sloth - it was like walking through a living nature documentary!"
How physically demanding are Costa Rica's hiking tours?
The physical demands vary widely. Arenal National Park features moderate trails taking 3-4 hours with 250-300m elevation gains. More difficult routes in Rincon de la Vieja require 4-5 hours of hiking on steep terrain. A TourRadar traveler notes: "While some trails were challenging our guide always adapted the pace to the group's ability making even the tougher hikes manageable with regular breaks and plenty of wildlife viewing stops."
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica welcomes families with accessible hiking choices. Manuel Antonio National Park maintains trails that children can handle while Monteverde Cloud Forest offers shorter walks rich in wildlife spotting. The Arenal area combines easy trails with learning opportunities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The guides were fantastic with children making each hike an exciting adventure with plenty of stops to learn about local plants and spot wildlife."