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The 5 Best Hikes in Costa Rica

Living La Vida Loca? Sorry, Ricky Martin, it’s all about the Pura Vida (“Pure Life”) in Costa Rica. And the best way to experience this is by visiting the multitude of national parks — 28 in total. And, because the country’s so small, it’s easy to visit many of them in a short trip.

Before you Go: To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Costa Rica, be sure to check out the AllTrails app. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in Costa Rica, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

So, let’s dive into the best hikes in Costa Rica for your next visit.

The Catarata del Toro Waterfall Hike

Catarata del Toro Waterfall cascading into a volcanic crater - hiking in costa rica

Catarata del Toro Waterfall cascades into a volcanic crater

About two hours outside San Jose is a towering waterfall you won’t want to miss.

As you hike, tropical rainforests engulf you like a pig-in-a-blanket. There are a few viewpoints you’ll pass before arriving at the waterfall. Snap some pictures along the way before you descend to the waterfall itself.

If you were thinking this was an ordinary waterfall, you’d be wrong. This waterfall is an astounding 270 feet high, and it sits inside the crater of a now-extinct volcano. The impressive waterfall alone makes this one of the best hikes in Costa Rica.

Because this waterfall isn’t as visited as other sights, you’ll experience wildlife living undisturbed by civilization. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and more zip from tree to tree as you wander the trail.

So, take your time and enjoy the experience; it’s sure to be good.

Hike Details

Length: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Getting to the trail: The start of the hike is located between San Jose and La Fortuna. Two hours driving from San Jose, this trail is easily accessed for anyone staying in the capital. The closest town is Bajas del Toro, which is a good starting point. You can find the start of the trail on Google Maps here.

Rio Celeste Hike

The other-worldly colors of the Rio Celeste – one of the best hikes in Costa Rica

Timing is essential to this hike. It’s straightforward, and signs are posted to help you stay on the trail. But, to experience the magic of what makes this one of the best hikes in Costa Rica, you’ll want to visit during the dry season — from December to April.

Why go during this time?

When it rains, mud mixes into the water and turns it a dark brown. But, when it’s a clear day, the water turns to Cool Blue Gatorade, and it’s beautiful.

Whether you get to catch the blue waters or not, the hike itself is full of flora and fauna for you to observe. Snakes, birds, and rare plants litter this hike, so keep your eyes peeled for any animals or plants who may be hiding just out of view.

Hike Details

Length: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Getting to the trail: Rio Celeste is located inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. The closest town is Bijagua de Upala. However, trips can be arranged from La Fortuna, a more popular option for visitors to Costa Rica. La Fortuna is 29 miles from the national park.

You can find the start of the trail on Google Maps here.

La Leona Madrigal Trail

Parque Nacional Corcovado – one of the best hikes in Costa Rica to experience wildlife

National Geographic labeled Corcovado National Park as the most biologically intense place on the planet. And it contains a plethora of hiking options.

So, you’re sure to have a close-up experience with various wildlife, making this one of the best places to go hiking in Costa Rica.

What type of wildlife exactly? Tapirs, monkeys, jaguars, and eagles are some animals you’re sure to see on your hike.

I recommend the La Leona Madrigal Trail if you’re looking for a hike that will give you a dose of all that this park has to offer.

This out-and-back trail will take you along the coast, where you can enjoy the stunning beaches of Costa Rica. But that’s not all. It also takes you inland to the jungles, so you can live out your inner Indiana Jones.

You can book overnight stays in the park, which will give you an immersive experience in the wild. Or, you can stay in one of the nearby towns for easy access. The closest towns are Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay.

Hike Details

Length: 6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Getting to the trail: The trail begins between Carate Mixeo Wildlife Refuge and Playa Madrigal, located on the southern end of Corcovado National Park. You can follow National Route 245 to easily access the area.

You can find the trail start on Google Maps here.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

One of the many hanging bridges on the trail in Arenal

The area around Arenal is known for it’s many hiking options. A shorter hike near the Arenal Volcano offers a more accessible way to experience the cloud forest. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still full of novelty and intrigue.

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges hike consists of 15 total bridges, six of which are hanging. As you navigate the forest, you’ll get fantastic views of the volcano and the occasional visit from monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.

This hike would be excellent to pair with another hike near the Arenal Volcano — which are plentiful.

I’d recommend the Los Tucanes hike, a 2.5-mile hike across hanging bridges and lava fields. Wildlife fills Arenal National Park, so you’ll encounter unique animals on this hike.

Hike Details

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Getting to the trail: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is located on the northern side of Arenal Volcano. From La Fortuna, it’s about a 30-minute drive via Route 142. The park contains a large parking lot, so renting a car is an excellent option.

You can find the start on Google Maps here.

Cerro Chirripo

View of San Gerardo de Rivas and Cerro Chirripó National Park in the background

Up for a more significant challenge? How about climbing to the top of the tallest mountain when hiking in Costa Rica?

This one isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it’s over 12 miles one way. That doesn’t sound bad until you add over 7,000 feet of elevation gain. Yeah, this one is going to challenge you.

But, you don’t have to do it all in one day. Most people choose to do a two or three-day option. Three miles away from the summit, most hikers will stay at the Crestones Base Camp lodge.

Once you reach the top, though, you’re greeted with views out over Costa Rica — from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean on each side. It is easy to see what makes this one of the best hikes in Costa Rica – especially for experienced backpackers who are looking to get off the beaten path.

Hike Details

Length: 24 miles (round trip)

Difficulty: Difficult

Getting to the trail: To get to the beginning of the trail, you will start in the nearby town of San Gerardo de Rivas. Booking a stay in this small town is an excellent option so you can have easy access at the beginning and end of your hike. From there, it’s a short drive to the park entrance.

You can find the start on Google Maps here.

Best Hikes in Costa Rica – Final Thoughts

Costa Rica doesn’t see almost two million tourists a year because it lacks options. In fact, around 80% of its visitors come to experience the staggering amount of ecology on offer.

And there’s no better way to experience that ecological beauty than hitting the trails and leaving civilization behind.

You’re equipped to do exactly that on your next visit with this guide to the best hikes in Costa Rica. Now go get a taste of that Pura Vida!

April 20, 2022

The 10 Best Day Trips from Merida Mexico

Perfect Itineraries

15 years ago, if you mentioned the name “Merida” to travelers, most wouldn’t know where you were talking.

Fast forward to today, and it’s a rising travel destination. Everybody’s heard of Cancún, Tulum, and Cozumel. Merida is the new kid on the block in Mexico.

“Why is Merida quickly becoming a tourist hotspot?”

Well, how much time do you have?

The Maya influenced the cuisine in Yucatán today, which results in a spicy, but delectable set of dishes. There is also an abundance of Mayan ruins near Merida that you can easily visit on a day trip. And, it’s easy to access nearby areas to immerse yourself in the city and its surroundings.

This leads us to the best day trips from Merida Mexico. To be honest, this list could be much longer. But, for brevity, I kept it to 10.

So, without further ado.

Visit the Uxmal Ruins near Merida

Chichen Itza is the first image that comes to most people’s minds when you mention Mayan ruins near Merida. But, only an hour from Merida is another remarkable set of ruins (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) named Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mawl).

And, best of all, no crowds or pesky vendors! As you hike your way around the area (which is larger than expected), the only other visitors will be the plethora of iguanas.

Visit Uxmal – one of the few Mayan ruins that you can still climb!

Even better, you can climb the ruins at Uxmal! No other day trip from Merida offers this one!

Try doing that at Chichen Itza, and the police will haul you away. So, if you’ve ever had a dream of being a Mayan King, Uxmal is your best chance to play out your vision.

Explore Dzibilchaltún Ruins, then Swim in a Cenote

Is one set of Mayan ruins not enough for you? That’s alright; there are plenty of ruins near Merida throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Dzibilchaltún may not look like a lot on its face, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye.

If you’re visiting for the Spring or Fall Equinox, you can witness a rare spectacle when the sun rises perfectly between the Temple of the Seven Dolls. It’s a testament to the mathematical and building skills of the Maya.

After you check out the ruins, head to Cenote Xlacah — located right next to the ruins — for a refreshing dip in a natural pool.

You’ll see many Mexican families gather here on the weekend to spend time with their families, so it’s an excellent local experience as well.

For a short trip, Dzibilchaltún is one of the best day trips from Merida.

Sunbathe at Progreso Beach

Progreso Beach is an ideal day trip from Merida for those who want sun and sand on their trip. Under an hour to the north of Merida is this gorgeous white-sanded beach.

Park yourself under an umbrella, order some ceviche and micheladas and stay put. Unless it’s to take a dip in the turquoise waters that fill the Gulf of Mexico.

Visit Progreso Beach on a short day trip from Merida

If you get tired of sunbathing, check out some surrounding activities, including:

Check out Progreso Pier (The world’s longest pier)
Visit El Corchito Ecological Reserve
Go fishing near Scorpion Reef

Get a Dose of Culture in Valladolid

Buses of tourists fly past this overlooked town every day, missing out on all Valladolid offers and one of the best day trips from Merida. If you want a real piece of genuine Mexican culture? This is the place for you.

Colonial architecture in Valladolid at the Iglesia de San Servacio

You can spend hours roaming the unique museums and colorful markets and streets. You’ll catch one of Valladolid’s traditional dances if you’re lucky. There isn’t a lack of options here.

If you visit, be sure to check out:

Casa de los Venados
Mercado Municipal
Convent of San Bernardo
Cenote Zaci

See the Rainbows in Campeche

Tucked on the inner coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, this undersized UNESCO World Heritage is about two hours from Merida by car.

But, if culture and history are your passions, that’s two and a half hours of worth it.

Campeche was used as a Caribbean port from the 1600-to-1700s. But, it was a port often under siege from pirate raids. In response, the citizens constructed large walls and fortifications around the city as a shield to keep themselves safe.

Inside this strong exterior is an Instagram hashtag in city form. Colorful buildings line every street. Yellows, greens, blues, oranges — every hue imaginable surrounds you.

Looking to fit a lot of Mexico into a short period? Campeche is one of the best day trips from Merida you can choose.

Play in the Water at Hacienda Muycuche

There are tons of cenotes near Merida. But, if you’re looking to get away from the masses of tourists, Hacienda Mucuyche is a fantastic option. You’ll have to earn it, though. And that’s by locating it.

You can message the place yourself to book a reservation if you want to make it easy for yourself. But, if you’re driving, know that this place can be tough to find for locals, too.

But the rewards are fantastic.

Crystal clear waters, Batman-like caves, and…a guided tour? That’s right. You have to book a guided tour for access. Still, it’s a pleasant tour, and the guides offer some intriguing information about the formation of the cenotes.

Don’t miss out on Hacienda Mucuyche if you’re inclined to get outside the typical tourist path.

See a World Wonder at Chichen Itza

It’s unthinkable to leave Chichen Itza off the list of the best day trips from Merida Mexico. Despite its popularity, the classic Mayan ruins are always a must-see if you’re visiting Merida. It’s not every day you get to see a world wonder.

The imposing Chichen Itza – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

The site is only an hour and a half from Merida, so it’s an easy drive for a self-guided day trip. Or, you can book one of the many tour options that leave from Merida.

Either way, you should visit Chichen Itza if you haven’t yet. Otherwise, you should be looking up ticket prices now (around $27).

Take in the Pink Waters of Las Coloradas

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you when you see the bubble gum pink waters of Las Coloradas. These waters are abnormal, and they’ll have your friends thinking you photoshopped them.

But there’s no editing involved here.

Algae and sea life thrive in the area due to the water’s high salt content. And, when sunlight hits the water, you get something akin to a giant Kool-Aid spill.

The location is private property, so you can only get so close to the waters for pictures.

Luckily, that’s not the only thing to see here, as Las Coloradas lies in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is home to various wildlife, including flamingos, crocodiles, and jaguars.

Watch the World Go By in Celestún

Want more flamingos? Then Celestún is one of the best day trips from Merida you can take.

Watch the playful flamingos at Celestún, an easy day trip from Merida

The city itself is charming enough — containing a small square and a few beautiful beaches.

But, most visit the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve to see the high concentration of flamingoes. There’s much more birdlife to witness throughout the reserve to make this a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Celestún is the perfect place for a day trip where you want to take it slow. The easy vibes of Celestún will help you settle right in.

Ride a Horse-Drawn Mining Cart to the Cuzamá Cenotes

Want a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else? How about a horse pulling you to three different cenotes?

If that sounds like your idea for a good day trip, then the hour drive to the Cuzamá Cenotes is well worth it.

Each cenote is fantastic, but the last one — Chelentun — is the best of them all. Steps lead down to a stone platform where you can ease yourself into the deep blue waters or jump straight in to get a head-start over your friends.

Enjoy your time in the cool waters here before heading back on the cart and into the Yucatán heat.

Day Trips from Merida – Final Thoughts

If Merida isn’t on your list of places to visit yet, you should add it immediately. The mixture of culture, history, and food is perfect for travelers looking to dive into a country.

Hopefully, these best day trips from Merida will help you experience every last bit of the area.

Pin 10 Best Day Trips from Merida Mexico

March 31, 2022

Tulum off the Beaten Path: 10 Day Trips from Tulum

Off the Beaten Path

Anyone who’s into world travel will be familiar with Tulum. This jungle coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula has become a recent hotspot, with its stunning Cenotes and boutique beach hotels featuring prominently all over social media. While Tulum is no longer off the beaten path, the food scene, the funky artist vibe, and the stunning nearby sites make it the perfect destination in our books. If you’re in the area, be sure to take advantage of some great day trips from Tulum.

Renting a car is the best way to take day trips from Tulum, but you can also find local tour operators who will organize everything for you. You can check out Get Your Guide or Viator to get an idea of pricing and reviews and to book your tour ahead of time.

1. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza - one of the best day trips from tulum

The Chichen Itza Pyramid – one of the New Wonders of the World

It’s safe to say that the number one day trip from Tulum is a visit to one of the New Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you see this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site and how it rises impressively from the surrounding countryside.

Chichen Itza is best reached by car and takes about 2 hours one-way from Tulum. If you don’t have your own car, you can go on a full-day excursion that combines a visit to Chichen Itza, the Hubiku Cenote, and Valladolid.

2. Cenote Ik Kil

Swim in the stunning Ik Kil Cenote

Located a 2-hour drive from Tulum is one of the most beautiful Cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. The ceiling of a former freshwater limestone cave has long since collapsed, creating a steep crater-like opening with jungle vines spilling into the pool below.

It’s hard to believe that a place like this exists on earth. Keep in mind that there is a fee to enter which seems to get more expensive year after year so come prepared with your pesos.

3. Swimming with Turtles in Akumal

For one of the best day trips from Tulum, head up the coast to Akumal, a Mayan word that means place of the turtles. In Akumal Bay, you can swim with juvenile green sea turtles who hang out here until they head to open waters in their adulthood.

Akumal is a public beach, so it’s absolutely free to swim with the turtles. However, there are some privately-owned beaches near the area, so be sure to avoid trespassing and upsetting the local owners.

4. Coba Mayan Ruins

Climb the Coba Mayan Ruins

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins, and the pyramid at Coba is a must-see. This particular site is special because it’s one of the only Mayan ruins that you can actually climb.

If you have your own car, it’s about a 45-minute drive from Tulum, but there are also local buses that connect Coba to Tulum.

5. Valladolid

The Suytun Cenote near the town of Valladolid

The colorful quaint little town of Valladolid is a perfect day trip from Tulum for anyone who wants to see an eclectic colonial town in the heart of the Yucatán. If you’re making the trek to Valladolid, don’t miss the nearby Suytun Cenote.

This Cenote is one of the most popular sites on the Yucatán, famous for its cathedral walls and stone platform that leads to the middle of the freshwater pool. It’s a popular spot, so it’s best to visit Suytun Cenote in the afternoon after the tourist buses have departed.

6. Cozumel

Take a Yucatan Peninsula day trip to the paradise beaches of Cozumel

Relax on the paradise beaches of Cozumel

Cozumel is a mostly-undeveloped island that looks like an island paradise: white sand, turquoise waters, and palm trees that grow right up to the shore. Luckily, it’s possible to take a day trip from Tulum to Cozumel.

There are ferries departing from Playa del Carmen every hour, so there is never too long of a wait. Once on Cozumel, you can go snorkelling among the reefs, or head to a sandy beach to relax.

7. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the impressive Mayan-built canals that can still be seen in this area. Located about an hour away, it’s one of the best day trips from Tulum for anyone looking to get a taste for the Mayan culture.

Visitors can even take a kayaking tour through the ancient canals that were used to control irrigation in the region. If you want to go with a guide through the vast Biosphere, you can take a half-day tour from Tulum that combines kayaking in the lagoon with exploring Mayan ruins in the surrounding jungle.

8. Rio Secreto underwater cave tour

Explore the Rio Secreto Caves and underground lakes

The Rio Secreto is one of the most stunning sights on the Yucatán peninsula. This network of limestone caves has underwater rivers, hiking trails, and massive cathedral-like rooms. You’ll have to go with a guide to explore the underground area, and there are tours ranging from full-day experiences to shorter visits.

9. Swimming with Whale Sharks near Isla Mujeres

Swim with Whale Sharks off the coast of Holbox

Swim with Whale Sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres

If you’re spending a long vacation in Tulum, you should make time to take a day trip to the north. Here you’ll find a more remote and untouched part of the Yucatán peninsula, so it’s the perfect day trip for those looking to get off the beaten path.

From June to September, you can find Whale Sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres, and it’s possible to book a tour from Tulum to swim alongside these gentle giants.

10. Bacalar Laguna de 7 Colores

The Bacalar Laguna de 7 Colores & Bacalar Cenote

If you’re looking for something further afield from Tulum, you can head 3 hours south to Bacalar Laguna de 7 Colores. It’s a good idea to take a day trip to Bacalar from Tulum if you want to get off the beaten path in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Although it’s a fair distance away from Tulum, the stunning lagoon is worth it. The best way to see the lagoon is from the water, so you might consider splurging on a full-day sailing trip that picks up from Tulum.

May 6, 2021