- Ancient lowland rainforest ”cathedral” — The trail threads through intact primary rainforest: massive buttress-rooted trees, layered canopy and a smell of wet earth that sticks with you. It’s the real, unlogged deal — quieter and more lush than the crowded cloud-forest walks elsewhere, and every step feels like you’ve gone back to how Costa Rica used to be.
- Wildlife bonanza (tapirs, monkeys, macaws, peccaries) — This stretch is one of the best places to see large rainforest mammals and big flocks of birds in a single day. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the habitat is so intact you have an honest shot at tapirs grazing near the trail, troops of spider and howler monkeys, scarlet macaws screeching overhead, and peccaries foraging in the understory — encounters that feel cinematic compared
- Ancient lowland rainforest ”cathedral” — The trail threads through intact primary rainforest: massive buttress-rooted trees, layered canopy and a smell of wet earth that sticks with you. It’s the real, unlogged deal — quieter and more lush than the crowded cloud-forest walks elsewhere, and every step feels like you’ve gone back to how Costa Rica used to be.
- Wildlife bonanza (tapirs, monkeys, macaws, peccaries) — This stretch is one of the best places to see large rainforest mammals and big flocks of birds in a single day. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the habitat is so intact you have an honest shot at tapirs grazing near the trail, troops of spider and howler monkeys, scarlet macaws screeching overhead, and peccaries foraging in the understory — encounters that feel cinematic compared with more touristy parks. (Personal favorite.)
- River mouths, estuaries and tidal mosaics — Where creeks meet the sea the landscape changes fast: mangrove fringes, shallow estuaries and rocky tide pools create microhabitats full of wading birds, crabs and small marine life. Those transitions are where you’ll notice a different cast of animals and photographers linger — it’s a neat contrast to the dense forest sections.
- Sirena Biological Station — The station itself is a highlight: a remote research base buzzing with rangers, researchers and simple infrastructure that feels tiny against the jungle. It’s a great place to learn about local conservation, hear scientists’ stories, and start guided walks that greatly increase your chances of spotting rarer animals.
- Empty Pacific beaches and dramatic coastline — Hidden coves and long stretches of beach give you rainforest-to-surf views you won’t find on a typical day hike. Perfect for cooling off, watching seabirds (and sometimes dolphins or whales offshore), and soaking in the solitude — especially at low tide when the coastline opens up with pools and exposed rock formations.
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Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.