Misty Jungles

The Barva Volcano National Park is a less popular park for tourists, but we’ve been enchanted by it twice, and will continue to go back. It’s easily accessible from San Jose Greater Metropolitan Area, yet feels worlds away.

On the Cacho de Venado trail (Deerhorn Trail) you can climb 3 kilometers to the crater, then another 200 meters up a tree tunneled stairwell to the Vara Blanca lookout and a small lake. Both times we’ve been, the lake has been shrouded in quick moving mist that makes the view incredibly dynamic. You can extend the hike another few kilometers to Copey Lake and pass over the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds.

Another touch of magic is the Old Man’s Beard plant that hangs off the trees. Oh, and those air plants you’ve seen sold for exorbitant prices at your local garden center, those grow wild on the trees here. If you choose to do both lakes, you’ll rack up a nice 10 KM hike, and be ready for a nice hot chocolate or coffee on your way down the volcano.

One of the first hikes I ever did in Costa Rica was in this sector, so it holds a special place in my heart. Its also accessible by the public bus to Irazú Volcano, if you want to add another 10 KM to your hike.

If you are an eternal mist seeker, we recommend Prussia for an almost guaranteed misty experience. Hike through the "forest of the grandparents," a serene landscape of towering pines shrouded in fog. This enchanting setting feels like stepping into Narnia. Near the entrance, you can explore the eerie remnants of an old tuberculosis sanitarium. Local legend whispers that the trees behind it represent the souls of past patients, adding a touch of haunting intrigue to your adventure.

The views on the way to the park are also exceptional as you climb the skirts of the Irazú Volcano. You can often experience the phenomena of inversion and feel on top of the world here.

We couldn’t forget to include this place on the list of misty hikes, given its name. While Monteverde is a more popular tourist destination, it’s very easy to get away from the crowds at the Cloud Forest Biological preserve. 4×4 is necessary to get to the parking lot here, but that means the adventure level is even higher.

While we mostly tend to explore on our own, we highly recommend booking with a tour guide (like this one) for this hike. They are incredibly knowledgeable of the reserve, and if you’re interested in wildlife sightings, they know where the animals frequent. A night tour is through the reserve is even an option if you want to see the nocturnal creepy crawlies.

There are kilometers of trails here that go deep into the forest and because of the altitude and unique microclimate, the air here feels fresh and full of oxygen. There are a few hanging bridges as well and the entrance fee is much cheaper than the tourist parks, and all profits go to conserving this special place.

While the name may be threatening, it’s only because the oxen carts traveling between San Jose and Perez Zeledón used to get trapped in the freezing temperatures and fog in this high altitude pass. In modern day, that’s not so much of a concern, but we still recommend using caution or a local tour guide like @pz_hiking, as this area is still relatively unexplored, and nightly temperatures can drop below freezing. Trust us, we’ve been soaked and shivering on a motorcycle here many times.

For a quick jaunt to stretch your legs, you can hike to the highest point on the Pan American Highway in Costa Rica (3,335 meters), and overlook the vast forests of Tapantí National Park. There is another short hike to the communication towers at the top, and for a historical touch, hike to the Eye of the Water Refuge (Refugio Ojo de Agua) where travelers used to stop on their trek over the pass. This is a great place to explore on your way to Chirripó National Park or if visiting the Saints Zone (Zona de Los Santos) coffee region.