Cloud Forest Hike in Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Arenal/La Fortuna
Hike Juan Castro Blanco, also known as "the National Park of Water," with a naturalist guide
Overview
Explore Juan Castro Blanco National Park, one of the lesser-known and least visited of Costa Rica's national parks, and its resident wildlife with a naturalist guide. Nicknamed "the National Park of Water," this biodiverse tract of rainforest and cloud forest is northern Costa Rica's primary water source. The park is a highly regarded place for bird-watching: during your hike, you may spot the resplendent quetzal and the clay-colored thrush.
Highlights
- Discover "the National Park of Water," one of Costa Rica's natural gems
- Spot the resplendent quetzal and other rare birds in the wild
- Hike a two-mile (three-km) trail through rainforest and cloud forest
- Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch in an outdoor setting
Know before you go
9 hours
8 years old & up
Small group
Lunch Included
What you'll do
With your naturalist guide, set off on a two-mile (three-km) hike through the park. The moderate hike takes about two hours, and good physical condition is required. It's not recommended for children younger than eight years old. The trails are well-marked, though you may encounter muddy conditions. You'll also climb steps and do some easy uphill walking.
During the excursion, your guide will teach you about the unique environment of the cloud forest and the significance of the region within the larger context of northern Costa Rica. In addition to enjoying the lush scenery along the trails, you'll quickly discover that the park is a haven for bird-watching. Your guide will point out birds like the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America's most iconic birds, and the clay-colored thrush, Costa Rica's national bird. Note that March and April are the best months for observing quetzals.
Linger over a picnic lunch in a beautiful outdoor setting at the end of the hike. Finally, you'll head back to La Fortuna.
Start times
-
Daily7:30 am
What's included
- Transportation from your hotel in comfortable air-conditioned minivans with Wi-Fi
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- National park entrance fee
- Bottled mineral water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Hiking poles
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Get startedSee alternatives
Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
A bilingual guide will lead you on a nature walk through the Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus on this half-day tour. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide on a nature trail. Stop at botanical gardens, a butterfly garden, and a wetlands area that serves as a bird nesting site. Finish the tour with a visit to a Maleku cultural center to learn about Indigenous traditions and environmental practices.
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Experience the rainforest after dark on this unique guided excursion to Ecocentro Danaus, a private ecological reserve near La Fortuna. As the sun goes down, you'll venture into the jungle, exploring this haven for plants, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal animals. Highlights your guide will point out along the way include bats, spiders, sloths, snakes, and some of the reserve's many native frog species, including the brightly-colored poison dart frog, one of the planet's most poisonous frogs. Since the reserve is closed to most groups by night, this is an exclusive opportunity to see how the rainforest transforms after dark.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.
Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Get an "early bird" start for this popular bird-watching excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a stunning variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. Follow a naturalist guide through the park's different ecosystems, including a new tree-planting zone, open pastures, regenerating forests, and small streams. The mix of terrain allows for optimal bird viewing. You'll likely spot the great kiskadee, tropical kingbird flycatchers, black-cheeked woodpecker, and possibly the red-billed pigeon. An included breakfast follows the birding hike.
Trekking to Laguna de Hule
Hike to one of the natural highlights of Costa Rica, the volcanic Hule Lagoon. The moderate trek begins in Juan Castro Blanco National Park. You'll hike 5 miles (8 km) through the plains bordering the volcanic crater before heading up into the rainforest toward the 136-acre (55-hectare) lagoon. Along the way, enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area. Keep your eyes open for tropical birds, monkeys, and even three-toed sloths! You'll also pass several other lagoons on your way before reaching the magnificent Hule, located at the base of the Cerro Congo Volcano. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch in the home of a local family before returning to La Fortuna.
Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Guided Hike
Embark on a guided adventure through Arenal Volcano 1968 Park, where you'll find the Arenal Volcano. As you navigate the path around the volcano's base, your expert guide will point out exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures. You'll continue your hike through segments of the park that the lava flow affected during the volcanic eruption in 1968 that left the landscape devoid of vegetation. This unique terrain offers beautiful vistas of the crystal-clear Lake Arenal and the dormant Cerro Chato Volcano.
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Sunset Cruise with Wine & Cheese on Lake Arenal
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
See sloths in their natural habitat on this family-friendly excursion! During this two-hour tour in a private nature reserve just outside La Fortuna, you'll not only have the opportunity to view these slow-moving creatures hanging out in the trees, but you'll also learn all about the sloth's lifestyle, the history of the species, and the importance of sloth protection. Your expert guide will point out two- and three-toed sloths and bring your attention to other noteworthy flora and fauna as you walk along a 1-mile (1.5-km) trail. If you're lucky, you might even spot a mother sloth with her baby.
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
Like what you see?
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