HIKING
Costa Rica has more than 30% of it's land mass protected by national parks, wildlife refuges, and preserves. And because of this, there are a multitude of beaches, rainforests and mountains to explore. Here are some ideas!
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike, Tenorio Volcano National Park
Rio Celeste in Tenorio National Park (~2:45 min drive from Casa Bella Tortuga) is so blue that it needs to be seen to be believed. This 5.5km in and out hike is moderate to challenging, and offers outstanding views, the one-of-a-kind Rio Celeste waterfall, and an opportunity to see volcanic furnace vents and sloth if your're lucky! This area can be accessed solo but a guided full-day tour may be your best option.
Santa Rosa Lookout via Rio Cuajiniquil, Santa Rosa National Park
Santa Rosa National Park, a two-hour drive from Casa Bella Tortuga, is the oldest national park in Costa Rica (1970) and one of its biggest (49,515 ha). There are a number of hikes through this dry forest renowned for its amazing protected beaches, biodiversity and wildlife. The 13.2km out and back Lookout Trail along Rio Cuajiniquil is a moderately challenging hike and takes about 3-3.5 hours to complete. Birders love this hike. Visitors can drive 7 miles into the park before parking and continuing on foot.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de la Vieja is the largest volcano in Guanacaste are features eruptive vents, fossilized lava flows, hot springs, bubbling mud pots and a variety of waterfalls. There are a number of hikes or varying lengths and difficulties in the National Park. There are two hiking areas, Las Pailas and Santa Maria. The Santa Maria/Rio Negra trails area has been closed due to staffing issues lately so your best bet is Las Pailas area, a 2:15 hour drive from Casa Bella Tortuga. Here are some suggestions.
LAS PAILAS
1-Catarata La Cangreja-9.5km out and back trail, moderately challenging. ~ 3 hrs
2-Fumarolic Lagoon & Water Pots Loop - Easy 3.9km loop, 1hr. Great for birding.
3-Oropendola Waterfall - Easy 1.3km out and back trail. Birding.
4-Cataratas Escondia - Challenging 8km out and back trail. Beautiful waterfalls. ~3 hours.
All Trails is a good hiking resource.
Diria National Park, near Santa Cruz
The 5,500 ha Diria National Park is the closest National Park to Casa Bella Tortuga near the town of Santa Cruz designated in 2004 to protect some of the last remaining old growth forests on the Nicoya peninsula , five important watersheds and is a part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. This off the beaten track National park trails offer good hiking (generally with few other visitors) and wildlife viewing opportunities. More than 380 species of trees and 140 bird species have been identified in the park.
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Diria National Park Trail - 7.2km challenging trail, 3hrs.
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Palo Verde National Park
The 5,500 ha Diria National Park is the closest National Park to Casa Bella Tortuga near the town of Santa Cruz designated in 2004 to protect some of the last remaining old growth forests on the Nicoya peninsula , five important watersheds and is a part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. This off the beaten track National park trails offer good hiking (generally with few other visitors) and wildlife viewing opportunities. More than 380 species of trees and 140 bird species have been identified in the park.
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Diria National Park Trail - 7.2km challenging trail, 3hrs.
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