Monteverde, Costa Rica

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 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 ...

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 onl...

This is a nice 1/2 day trip. La Fortuna falls is popular with tourist and locals, not just for viewing the falls but there is excellent swimming holes just below the fall and you can also swim right in the pool the falls fall into but the approach to that pool is very rocky and wet.  The falls ar...

Due to a geothermically heated underground river, the area surrounding Arenal Volcano has an abundance of hot springs. The majority of these hot springs are in expensive resorts that have tapped into the underground river to create a variety of mineral rich soaking pools. One of the areas best ke...

The Lost Canyon Canyoneering tour is full day of adventure.  The day starts with a shuttle pickup from your lodging  in the La Fortuna area.  After a ride through the rural community and up to the canyon ops center, your adventure guide will fit you with canyoneering gear and give a brief tutoria...

Surrounded by lush jungle, the swimming hole of El Salto features a Tarzan swing into a deep turquoise pool along the Rio Fortuna river. The swimming hole has formed below two small waterfalls making this a popular hangout for locals and the occasional tourist. El Salto is located a short distanc...

A private trail just outside of La Fortuna, Costa Rica has a high concentration of sloths that can often be spotted along the short hike. The land here is very dense with vegetation making it a perfect home for the sloth. Most of the land surrounding this 9 hectares lot has been cleared for farmi...

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...

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 throu...

The Tarcolos River is probably the most polluted river in Costa Rica and ironically also one of the biggest tourist attractions.  Despite the nearby national park and renewed focus on the environment it's 67% sewage and industrial waste. But with around 25 crocodiles per square kilometer you woul...

Catarata del Toro is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. This waterfall is located on a private reserve in the rain forest that includes nature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. There is a $10 (5000 colones) entrance fee. The beginning of the trail is fairl...

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 ...

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 afte...

Poás Volcano was last active briefly in 2014, but most notably in 2009. It's one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica. The main crater, Laguna Caliente, supports almost no aquatic life due to the incredibly high acidity.There's a $10 entry fee into the park per person. About a quarter mile a...

Punta Leona is a peninsula located south west of San Jose and Alajuela. Head west towards Punta Arenas, then south on interstate 34. Entering "Parqueo Punta Leona" in your GPS will take you to the right location. This parking area will take you to Playa Mantas, This is a dark sand beach with many...