Popular Walks in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is endeed sculpted to contain the most beautiful and optimum trail hikes that are all worth walking for. The country's setting itself between the Pacific and the Caribbean Ocean provides for an exciting and worthwhile travel destination. Adding to the spice is the mountainous form of landscapes that are scattered all over the island; Costa Rica is certainly a travellers' delight who are looking for land-based activities that can be treasured for a lifetime. 

Throughout the years, this island country has obtained a reputation of being one of the best hikers' destination. The climate, the topography, the breath-taking views, and the flora and fauna all make up a an ideal nature hike that everyone dreams about. Whether you are looking for a leisurely type of hike or a quite challenging one for the experienced trekker, Costa Rica has it all for you. Come and treat yourself for a first-hand Costa Rica trekking and take hold of an adventure experience that is worth sharing.

Here is a list of the popular hike destinations in Costa Rica accompanied by their descriptions to aid you in choosing which region suits your ability and style:

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

This is probably the most popular and most visited trek destinations in the country. Monteverde is a protected reserve situated at the top of Costa Rica's continental divide with an altitude of 4,600 feet. What makes it popular among tourists is its atmosphere, in which cloudy mist sorrounds the whole area that adds to the mystery of the area's beauty. Looking just a few distances below are beaches and cities that provides a picture-perfect backdrop for hikers. Monteverde Biological Reserve offers a challenging type of hike for tourists mainly because of its high altitude. Overnight hikes are also exhausting that's why only those with experience and strong stamina are encouraged to engage in it. However, one can assure that the guides here are the most proficient and experienced in Costa Rica.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado serves as a home for large population of scaret macaws and also well-constructed trails and facilities. There are network of trails that offers strenous type of hikes for adventuresome tourists that are seeking a challenging trip. Also, the location of this national park which is a lowland rainforest offers a unique venture accompanied with jungle sightseeings. You can choose whether you want to pursue an easier day hike or a more challenging night hike coupled with an overnight stay at the park's campgrounds. 

Arenal National Park

If someone is looking for extreme variety while hiking, then Arenal National Park is a perfect destination for you. The trails that you will trek on pass through various settings: savanna, rainforest, and even old lava flows courtesy of the Arenal Volcano. Have an actual grasp of hiking through the side of an active volcano while enjoying spectacular views. One famous trail is one that leads you down to the very base of a fall which is the La Fortuna Waterfall.

Cahuita National Park

Situated south of Limon, Cahuita National Park differs to the aforementioned trek destinations in such a way that it has flat, maintained trails that call for an easier hike. If you arer a neophyte when it comes to hiking, then this park is suggested for you. The trails pass through white-sand beaches where you can soak yourself as long as you wish to. But remember to get back on trackl again for you to see howler and white-faced monkeys that inhabits the lowland forest. 

Delve into Costa Rica's Rainforests

If you want to learn more about anything, turn your look where everything's simple, basic, no pretensions. If you want to learn more about a certain place, head on to its natural setting--its rainforests where every life gets its being.

A big part of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to forests and natural reserves which makes it one of the countries to consider if we're talking of high biodiversity. It is no doubt that a wide array of flora and fauna peacefully accentuate every area reserved for them to live and multiply. In fact, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most bio-diversed regions in the world that houses around 10,000 species of plants. What's good is that most of Costa Rica's forests remain fluorishing at whatever point of the year which makes it a perfect refuge for nature lovers as well as first time visitors. 

There are three kinds or forests around Costa Rica that you can move on to depending on your preference. First are rainforests that as the name connotes, receive most amount of rainfall and that boasts the largest quantity of plants and animals. Rainforests are found mostly on the Southwestern part of Costa Rica. Second are the cloud forests characterized by splendid views decorated by amazing fogs that are commonly mistaken as clouds. Last are the tropical dry forests that receive the least amount of rain but still boasts of wide-ranging plants and animals.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde is considered as the most wanted forest reserve in Costa Rica. Situated at the northern part of Puntarenas Province at the Continental Divide, hordes and hordes of tourists all over the world are heading on to Monteverde to experience the hazy atmosphere thousands feet above sea level. Not only do the atmosphere will attract you from coming back to Monteverde, but also the richness of wildlife that represents 2.5 percent of the world's biological variety. One point of interest here at Monteverde is that it offers probably the best Costa Rica bird watching experience for every bird enthusiasts. Turn your eyes at the forest canopy and spot some of the 500 bird species found in the country including the subtle queztal. Adding up to delight your eyes are the 200 fern species and 420 species of orchids that heightens the beauty of the area. 

Manuel Antonio National Park

Holding the title as being the most popular and the most visited park in the country, Manuel Antonio National Park might be the smallest in terms of land area but it boasts of not just biodiversity but also stunning beaches. There are four beaches to choose from that offers different water activities suited for your sporty spot. Be prepared also to spot the park's most popular residents--the monkey species that are roving around the area. If you want to experience Costa Rica trekking, this national park also offers the best trails, one of those is the Perezoso Trail in which amazing views of offshore islands are viewed. 

Tortuguero National Park

Located at Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Tortoguero National Park serves a significant role in the country's biodiversity. 'Tortoguero', which when translated to English means 'Rregion of Turtles', is a nesting ground for various species of sea turtles including hawksbill sea turtles and leatherback sea turtles. Not only do the turtles are being preserved here, but Tortoguero also serves as nature reserve for mammal, reptile, amphibian, and bird species. In fact, the park is a great site for bird watching also. Don't miss checking out Tortoguero, for the most varied plant and animal wildlife in the country are contained here.