When it comes to hiking in Costa Rica, few places compare to the wild, untouched beauty of Corcovado National Park. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is widely regarded as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—and hiking here is an unforgettable adventure into true rainforest wilderness.
At Rain Forest Tours, we specialize in immersive nature travel, and Corcovado remains one of our most powerful and rewarding destinations.
Costa Rica Nature & Adventure Tours

Why Hike Corcovado National Park?
Corcovado protects nearly 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity, making it one of the most important protected areas in the world. Unlike more developed national parks, Corcovado remains raw and immersive, offering visitors a rare chance to explore primary rainforest, remote beaches, and wildlife-rich trails.
While hiking in Corcovado National Park, you may encounter:

• Scarlet macaws and toucans
• Howler, spider, and squirrel monkeys
• Baird’s tapirs near rivers
• Poison dart frogs and endemic species
• Crocodiles near river mouths
• Jaguars and pumas (rare, but present)

Every hike feels like stepping into a living nature documentary.
Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica

The Best Hiking Areas in Corcovado National Park
Rain Forest Tours designs custom Corcovado hiking experiences based on fitness level, travel style, and wildlife interests.
🌿 Sirena Ranger Station
The heart of Corcovado and the area with the highest wildlife concentration. Ideal for full-day hikes or overnight stays.
🌊 La Leona Trail
A spectacular coastal hike combining jungle, rivers, and secluded beaches. Perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a scenic entry into Corcovado.
🌧 San Pedrillo Sector
Known for waterfalls and lush rainforest, San Pedrillo is ideal for travelers looking for a day hike with excellent wildlife viewing.

Guided Hiking in Corcovado: Why It Matters
All hikes in Corcovado National Park require a certified naturalist guide. With Rain Forest Tours, you gain more than access—you gain understanding.
Our expert guides provide:

• Advanced wildlife spotting
• Safety during river crossings and changing tides
• Interpretation of rainforest ecology and medicinal plants
• A deeper, more meaningful connection to the environment

What to Expect When Hiking Corcovado
Corcovado is not a casual hike—it’s a true rainforest expedition.
Expect:

• High humidity and tropical temperatures
• Muddy trails and uneven terrain
• River crossings and coastal walking
• Minimal infrastructure
• Constant sounds of wildlife

This is where nature leads—and visitors follow with respect.

Best Time to Visit Corcovado National Park

• Dry Season (December–April): Easier trail conditions and access
• Green Season (May–November): Fewer visitors, lush scenery, excellent wildlife activity

Rain Forest Tours operates Corcovado hikes year-round, selecting routes and timing for the best experience.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Explore Corcovado with Rain Forest Tours
At Rain Forest Tours, we offer carefully planned multi-day Corcovado National Park tour packages. Our tours prioritize sustainability, safety, and authentic experiences.

🌿 Ready to hike one of the wildest places on Earth?

Explore our Corcovado National Park Tour Packages or contact Rain Forest Tours to customize your rainforest adventure.
Experience the Wild Side of Costa Rica
Hiking Corcovado National Park is more than an activity—it’s a journey into one of the last truly wild ecosystems on the planet. You’ll leave with muddy boots, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural heritage.
If Costa Rica’s beaches are the invitation, Corcovado is the soul.

1. Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
Recommended stay: 2–3 days
Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. Adventure-seekers can hike the trails around the volcano, zip-line through the forest canopy, or soak in the region’s many hot springs. Don't miss the La Fortuna Waterfall, a spectacular spot for a swim. The nearby town of La Fortuna is also a great base with charming cafes and local flavor.

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Recommended stay: 1–2 days
Monteverde offers a misty, magical rainforest experience perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Walk the hanging bridges, take a night wildlife tour, and visit the cloud forest reserves to spot the elusive quetzal bird. Eco-lodges here emphasize sustainability without sacrificing comfort.

3. Manuel Antonio National Park
Recommended stay: 2–3 days
One of Costa Rica’s most visited parks, Manuel Antonio offers the best of both worlds: lush jungle and white-sand beaches. Hike through the park’s wildlife-filled trails in the morning, then swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters in the afternoon. Sloths, monkeys, and iguanas are common sightings.

4. Tortuguero National Park
Recommended stay: 2 days
Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a remote area accessible only by boat or small plane. It’s famous for its sea turtle nesting season (July–October), as well as guided canal tours through wildlife-rich wetlands. A must for eco-travelers.

5. Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park
Recommended stay: 3–4 days
This is Costa Rica at its wildest. The Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. With rugged trails, deserted beaches, and rare species like tapirs and jaguars, it’s ideal for serious nature lovers and adventurers.

​6. Guanacaste & Papagayo Peninsula
Recommended stay: 3–4 days
Known for its sun-kissed beaches and upscale resorts, Guanacaste is great for relaxation. The Papagayo Peninsula offers luxury resorts, world-class snorkeling, and incredible sunsets. It’s a great stop for couples or anyone needing some beach therapy.

7. Nicoya Peninsula (Nosara & Santa Teresa)
Recommended stay: 3–5 days
A laid-back region perfect for surfers, yogis, and digital nomads, Nicoya is a “Blue Zone” known for long life and stress-free living. Visit Nosara for yoga retreats or Santa Teresa for world-class surf and trendy beach vibes.

8. Pacuare River
Recommended stay: 2–3 days (overnight rafting trip)
The Pacuare River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in Latin America. Multi-day rafting trips take you deep into the rainforest, where you’ll camp in eco-lodges and wake up to the sound of howler monkeys and tropical birds.

9. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Caribbean Coast)
Recommended stay: 2–4 days
Located on the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo is a cultural melting pot with Afro-Caribbean roots, vibrant nightlife, and gorgeous beaches. It’s ideal for a laid-back vibe with great food, music, and access to Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo national parks.

10. Poás Volcano & Coffee Country
Recommended stay: 1 day
Just a short drive from San José, Poás Volcano features an impressive active crater and scenic hiking trails. Combine it with a visit to a coffee plantation like Hacienda Doka to learn about Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage.

Suggested Itinerary Lengths
7 Days (1 Week): Arenal + Monteverde + Manuel Antonio
10–12 Days: Arenal + Monteverde + Manuel Antonio + Nicoya or Guanacaste
2 Weeks+: Add Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, or Osa Peninsula for a more immersive experience

Nereyda Portillo
​Costa Rica Travel Expert

"From north to south and from east to west. In every corner of Spain, you'll find a Parador for you. Castles where you can feel like a king, cloisters that invite disconnection, and avant-garde refuges amidst the most stunning natural landscapes. Whether by the beach or in the mountains, inland or along the coast, choose your destination and live an unforgettable experience at Paradores. Discover all the options that Paradores has to offer."
"What are the Paradores of Spain?
The Paradores of Spain are a chain of hotels located in historic buildings and tourist landmarks throughout the country. Founded in 1928 by King Alfonso XIII, their aim is to preserve and promote Spain's cultural and artistic heritage, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience in historical sites and emblematic landscapes."
How many Paradors are there in Spain?
The Paradors of Spain have more than 95 establishments distributed throughout the Spanish geography, from castles and palaces to monasteries and convents. Each of these hotels has its own personality and charm, reflecting the history and culture of the region where they are located and providing a unique local experience. In addition to being an accommodation option for tourists, the Paradors of Spain also offer restaurant, spa, and event services, making them an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and other social and business events."

From: Paradores Spain and hotel treats 
Reserve your space today
​https://yavoytravel.com/spain-paradores-routes/

Cacao Tour

Cacao is grown across the Caribbean and South America but is of particular importance in Costa Rica. It was a highly prized and sacred crop among the indigenous Chorotega and Bribri communities—and was even used as currency by the Chorotega until the 1930s. With the creation and popularization of chocolate, the cacao bean became the cash crop of Costa Rica.

​The provinces of Guanacaste,  Alajuela, Limón, Cartago and Puntarenas all contain thriving cacao plantations, which are perfect for any chocolate-lover. These plantations offer experiences led by experts who will detail the history, culture and traditions of chocolate and cacao, as well as the hidden secrets of bean fermentation and sun-drying. Travelers can personally roast and grind cacao beans, and make their own chocolate treats, including traditional Bribri ceremonial drinks.  ​

Bat Tours

Costa Rica has more than 116 species of bats. These mammals control pest populations in crops, such as bananas and mangoes, and pollinate several plant species. In the Monteverde cloud forest, or the Sarapiquí region, travelers can find interactive and educational tours that offer a whole new appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures of the night. Travelers will learn about the diversity and abundance of bats in Costa Rica, their natural history, classification, adaptations, reproduction, threats and more. On this tour, visitors will have a safe opportunity to observe some of the bats captured during the evening for research projects. Guests will leave the experience with a greater understanding of bat conservation's importance and ecological benefits.

The rainforests near the equator have some of the highest fungal biodiversity on Earth. Costa Rica’s rainforests are an eco-tourist’s dream and are teeming with fungi kingdoms. Guided excursions to see the fungi of Costa Rica’s rainforests allow for exploration of areas that are still being actively investigated by scientists, and aid in rainforest conservation efforts. Tours run throughout the year but are best enjoyed during the nation’s rainy season. There is a wealth of fungi kingdoms to explore, including day-long trails to see the fungi that cling to the oak trees of the Grecia Forest Reserve “Bosque del Niño” or bioluminescent fungi that grow in the cloud forest of Monteverde. For those staying in San Jose, they can even embark on these trails in La Cangreja National Park, which is just 20 miles outside of downtown. Costa Rica’s wild Fungi Trails are aimed at nature enthusiasts, and travelers will have the opportunity to find, identify, photograph and, in certain cases, even taste some of the world’s rarest fungi. The trails include recreational and educational activities curated to promote the conservation of wild mushrooms at the local level through responsible and sustainable tourism, and local communities and indigenous knowledge are involved and integrated into the entire experience. ​

GRANIZADOS
Typically Costa Rican this refreshing treat is ideal on a hot summers day when you need to cool down. All over Costa Rica you can see small handcarts being pushed along the street with the vendors calling out to everybody Granizados!  It is a particular favorite with kids as it is a local version of a lolly-ice. The cart owner has a large block of ice which he shaves shards from and then covers the ice with condensed milk, then any flavored syrup is smothered over the top. Classic syrups that are sold with the Granizados are mango, cherry, and grape. ​

NATURALES
Naturales can be found all over Costa Rica and are delicious drinks made from fresh tropical fruits. The best places that make these refreshing and healthy drinks are the little standalone kiosks that often have one or two stools at the front so you can enjoy a rest while consuming your freshly juiced Naturales or as they are sometimes called Refresos.  The choice of fruit is usually what is in season and can include sour green mango, melon, mango, banana, and milk with cinnamon and rice. 
​
PICADILLO
This dish is highly influenced by Mexican cuisine and is normally sold at roadside stalls and small diners. Typically Picadillo is eaten as a side dish but can easily be eaten on its own. Basically it is diced vegetables that are fried with garlic, onions, carrots and a little minced meat.

RONDON
This spicy coconut soup that emanated from the Caribbean is different in every place you eat it, in fact the only constant about Rondon is that it is always different. Basically it is a fish soup that can be made from any fish and any fish parts. Indeed it is quite common to see a fish head glaring back at you from your bowl.  Different cooks then throw in assorted tubers, which can include yucca and sweet potato. The broth part of the soup is always the same and is coconut milk, and Rondon is usually then simmered for hours over a wood burning fire. The spice comes from local chilies that bring the soup to life on the tongue.

Name origin
In translation it means “The Old Woman’s corner” and it's a reference to a local legend about princess Curabanda, who fell in love with Mixcoac, the chief of a neighboring enemy tribe. When Curabanda's father found out about the affair, her lover was thrown into the volcano as punishment. She went into exile and lived right next to the volcano, soon after giving birth to their son. She threw her son into the volcano, for them to reunite. Curabanda became reclusive and was believed to possess healing powers.

​General information
Rincón de la Vieja is the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Standing at 6,286 feet (1,916 meters) high and 9 miles (15 km) wide, the giant is called the “Colossus of Guanacaste”. The massive 600,000-year-old geological wonder has at least nine volcanic craters, and at least 32 rivers flow down its sides which bridge the Continental Divide. Meanwhile the area was pronounced as National Park on the 23rd of October, 1973, by law N° 5398, where 14.300 hectares of land is protected to this day.
This National Park protects very important hydrographic basins, since the Rincón de la Vieja massif forms part of the watershed between the Caribbean and the Pacific in the northwestern part of the country; and here 32 rivers are born, among them the Colorado, Blanco and Ahogados. In turn, the largest existing population in the wild of the purple guaria ( orchid national flower of our country) is protected. Also added is the importance of protecting the volcanic activity characteristic of the area and its geological attractions.

Wildlife
Rincón de la Vieja Park is home to plenty of wildlife. Among mammals, there are three species of monkeys, including white-faced, spider and howler monkeys. Some common species in the area are armadillos, coyotes, tapirs... There are many species of reptiles including iguanas, whip tailed lizards, rattlesnakes, boa constrictors. Over 300 different species of birds, the white-nose coati, agouti, and the nine-banded armadillo.
Activities
With the best weather all year round, Rincon de la Vieja is a fantastic hiking destination. To see the waterfalls, the green season from May to December is the best. There are several hiking trails within Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
​Guided Nature Hikes Hike

• Guided Waterfall Hikes
  
• Ziplining
  
• River Tubing
  
• Horseback Riding
  
• Rio Negro Hot Springs