Cloud Forest Hike at Juan Castro Blanco National Park
7 hours
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
About this activity
Meet your guide at your centrally located accommodation in La Fortuna for a full-day excursion to Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Hop into your air-conditioned minivan with onboard Wi-Fi and drive through the plains of San Carlos until you reach the park, which stands 7,217 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level.
Lace up your boots and begin your hike to the Pozo Verde Lagoon, located inside the crater of a dormant volcano. Walk through the cloud forest at a comfortable pace determined by your group along a 3-mile (5-km) trail, winding past ancient trees, lines of leaf cutter ants, and freshwater streams in a primary growth forest. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of wild animals in their natural habitat, such as the brightly colored Resplendent Quetzal common to the area.
At the end of the hike, refuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch and cloud forest coffee before your guide brings you back to your hotel.
Full description
Just one hour and thirty minutes from La Fortuna, across the plains of San Carlos, we find this beautiful place, popularly known as "National Park of Water". Surrounded by cloud forests at more than 2000 meters (6560 ft.) above sea level and with an average temperature of 16° to 22°C (60° - 72°F), this is the place where the primary rivers of the northern region of Costa Rica originate. It is categorized as the tenth most important fresh water body on the planet.
The Juan Castro Blanco National Park is a good place for bird watching; among the treasures you may find is the spectacular Quetzal (Pharomachrus Mocinno), characteristic for its majestic plumage of colors. March and April are the best months for observing Quetzals.
We will enjoy the 3 km (2 mi.) trail for about 2 hours while learning about the characteristics of the cloud forest, as well as the importance of this delightful place for the entire northern region of Costa Rica.
Included / Excluded
- Bottled mineral water
- Lunch
- Energizing Snacks
- Professional guide
- Walking Sticks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Extra tips
Meeting point
Traveler pickup is offered.<br>You must contact Ecoterra Costa Rica at least 24 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation<br>Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, Diag. 301, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica If your hotel it not on our list feel free to contact us and check. <br>Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Important information
Know before you book
- Duration: 7h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Not recommended for child aged 7 and under
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Minimum age is 8 years
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Not recommended for child aged 7 and under
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Minimum age is 8 years
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers