Best Hikes Near San José (Just 25 Minutes Away)
Waterfalls, free hiking trails, and hidden treasures inside →
Imagine 80% of your country's population crammed together in one place.
Welcome to San José.
The Grand Metropolis covers a 5% of the country's surface. In a small country like Costa Rica, that's significant. It adds up to too many people; too little greenspace.
While some might not mind the noise and traffic, all that stimulation can be overwhelming for the rest of us. Nature lovers know there's no better escape from city madness than a trip into Mother Nature.
Good news! The lush greenlands ringing around the metropolitan area don't disappoint! San José has a number of trails for a healthy dose of green time. I've compiled a mix free hikes and privately owned spots with the option to hike, bike, or zipline.
Note: I found these hikes on Google Maps, Alltrails, Wikiloc, Strava, and using Word of Mouth. Be sure to comment on any I've missed below.
Best Hikes and Natural Attractions Near San José
Senderos Colón (Map)
Where: Ciudad Colón
Prices: $9 Ages 12+
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday, 5:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Dogs allowed: On leash
Among miles of privately owned farmland is a private finca great for cycling, trail running, and exerting energy.
Located 2 km outside of Colón's city center, Senderos Colón is accessible by car or by taking the Colón bus then walking the country road.
This hike is a pristine bike track, which includes separated hiking paths to keep trekkers safe and cyclists happy. There are 30 km of trails, and the farm hosts regular races and events for endurance athletes.
Visitors enjoy the park's many bridge crossings, bike ramps, and climbs (if that's your thing). Just be sure to come well-rested, as the terrain is hilly. I recommend bringing trail snacks and lots of water for fuel. You can also buy snacks and cold drinks at the entrance.
Río Agres (Start Here)
Where: Ezcazú
Prices: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Dogs allowed: Yes
This was one of my favourite free hikes in San José!
To get to the trailhead, take the Escazù bus from San José almost to the end of the route. Here's a pin to the closest bus stop. There's a small parking lot at the trailhead, but if you plan on driving, get there early. Rio Agres is one of the few beautiful hikes in the city, and because of this, the hiking trails get busy.
Part of the reason it's so popular is its beautiful waterfall with river rapids and tide pools. You can hike up the mountain (Cerro Pico Blanco) into farmland, see the surrounding farms, as well as a fabulous view of the city.
When I visited, I was sluggish, and the climb up was steep. But damn – that view is worth it! I hiked the waterfall after, but sadly, it was uber crowded by then. If you arrive early, I'd recommend hiking the waterfall first to beat the crowd, and fewer folks brave the steep 2 km mountain climb.
Piedras Blancas (Start here)
Where: Trés Ríos
Prices: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Dogs allowed: Yes
Piedras Blancas seems to be a free hike, though I can't tell if it's more of a place to dirt bike.
I saw this hike on Google Maps and decided to try it out. Take the Trés Ríos bus from San José to the final stop.
In Trés Ríos, country and suburbia collide. To paint this picture a bit, there’s a big, fancy mall with great transportation to the inner cities. Then, right next door, the neighbours have goats and chickens in their front yard.
But I digress…
…this short 3 km hike starts at slippery white(ish) boulders that might be "las piedras blancas" (the white rocks). It begins as a steep uphill climb at the end of an unassuming neighborhood road.
Mind the day you visit. It rained right before I arrived, so everything was a slippery, muddy mess. It's harder to gauge the weather for this hike as it goes up a mountain. If you've hiked mountains before, you know they can be bone dry at the base and an absolute rainstorm on top. So come prepared for anything.
Heads up on this trail: it's 100% unmaintained and rough. Unfortunately, four dirt bikes (hello, country guys) beat me up the mountain, piercing the quiet serenity and tearing up the track. Again, don't go when it's raining. My hike was a muddy hellhole, and I slipped and fell many times.
All that said, it was still a fairly peaceful city escape. Rain rejuvenates the jungle (and me). I saw so many brightly coloured toucans, butterflies, and moths, and the air smelled of fresh mint. How refreshing!
El Árbol Hueco (Map)
Where: Jericó
Prices: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Dogs allowed: Yes
El Árbol Hueco translates to "the tree hole" – and it's what it sounds like. The main feature of this short hike is a hollowed-out fig tree, or rather, multiple interlocking fig trees. The branches criss and cross, making an easy ladder up through its insides.
There's zero parking lot or signage. Instead, this hike takes you up a dirt road from Jericó’s center (accessible by bus). The road’s steep in areas but mostly paved. As you climb, keep an eye out for the trailhead (about 2 km up the hill).
Once you find the path, it's a very short jungle dip to the tree. You'll know which tree it is; it's pretty unmissable. If you decide to climb it, be careful; there's no safety harness inside, and the tree sits over a steep hillside. You will fall to your death.
La Angelina - Mountain Bike Park (Map)
Where: Tres Ríos, Cartago
Prices: $10 ages 12+
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 6 AM - 2 PM
Dogs allowed: On leash
La Angelina is another privately owned mountain bike park with trails for cyclists, runners, and hikers. It's a beautiful, peaceful site with stunning views and calm nature all around.
The trails are considered a medium to a high level of difficulty with technical areas reported by cyclists. The bike track has climbs, descents, bridges, and jumps.
The park includes showers, water, and toiletries, and snacks sold on site.
Unfortunately, I didn't make it to this hike, but am told you can take the bus into Cartago and walk 2 km to the park (or take an Uber).
Parque Ambiental Río Loro (Map)
Where: Cartago
Prices: $2-7 depending on nationality and age
Opening Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 8 AM - 3 PM
Dogs allowed: Yes
This small municipal park aims to educate on water conservation. Parque Río Loro is a great little spot for families. It has a short and easy 3 km loop, and visitors consider the park a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Once you get inside, the park also offers a butterfly house, picnic areas, and a children's play zone. Pictures on TripAdvisor show serpent sightings, mushrooms, flowers, and so many different kinds of trees. Hopefully, I’ll get to visit soon!
Stone Aserrí (Map)
Where: Aserrí
Prices: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7
Dogs allowed: Yes
As its name suggests, this hike takes you to a stone overlooking the township of Aserrí. This hike goes up a free public-access dirt road and ends with a stunning view over the city. The hike takes only about 40-60 minutes, depending on your fitness level. The road isn't well-maintained and can be slippery when wet. It's probably best to visit during the dry season. This hike is definitely on my to-do list!
Montañas de Cariblanco (Map)
Where: Santa Ana
Prices: $10
Opening Hours: Saturday, Sunday 8 AM - 4 PM
Dogs allowed: Yes
This privately owned patch of land is just east of San José and accessible by car or bus. It makes for a great weekend getaway if you want an easy hike and some greenspace for a picnic.
Montañas de Cariblanco has 3 km of well-marked trails, winding through coffee plantations, riverbed, and forest. The terrain is mountainous but not challenging for most hikers. Apart from the trails, visitors can enjoy lookouts (miradors), natural swimming pools, and La Angelita waterfall, which you sadly cannot swim in for safety reasons.
While they grow and sell their own coffee, no food or coffee is sold on site, so bring your own, have a picnic, and keep an eye out for sloths and butterflies.
Reserva Targua (Map)
Where: Santa Ana
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 7 AM - 6 PM
Reserva Targua is a protected mountain reserve roughly 3 km outside of Santa Ana.
According to Wikiloc, it spans 14 hectares of forest and has a 2-mile hiking loop. Hikers classify it as moderate difficulty, and photos of the trails make the area look overgrown, with minimal trail crossings.
Unfortunately, there's not much information about this reserve online. From what I could see on Google Reviews, it looks more like a place for family hangouts. I couldn't even find the entry fee, though a resource from 2021 suggests it was $10 for ages four and up.
The reserve also has natural pools of crystal blue water for swimming (though at that altitude, it looks cold!). It appears to have a restaurant on-site, but they also allow outside food.
Even though the hiking looks minimal, it seems like a lovely, relaxing place to recharge.
Eolico del Valle Central Park (Map)
Where: Santa Ana
Prices: Under $5 to enter the farm
Opening Hours: 24/7
Dogs allowed: Yes
The Santa Ana windfarm sits atop a mountain up a steep road. The hike is just that – a 3.7 km vertical trek upward (some people opt to drive). If you're walking, wear a good pair of boots or shoes, as the incline and loose gravel make this a good workout for those who can handle it.
From San José, take the Santa Ana bus or use a good 4X4 vehicle to get up the steep paved road.
The hike ends at a private hydroelectric farm with wind turbines and a killer view of the city below. There is a cost to enter, but everyone states a different price online.
The wind farm looks like one of the best places to watch a sunset over the city. Sadly, the secret's out, and people say it gets super crowded as the sun sets.
Hacienda y Beneficio La Chimba
Where: Santa Ana
Prices: $15 ages 6+
Opening Hours: Daily 5:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Dogs allowed: Yes
La Chima is more of an attraction park, than a simple hiking spot. This private coffee farm produces and sells its beans, which you can sample on site.
The park has two hiking trails and multiple art installations. The giant white Budda statue will make all your Instagram followers think you're in Asia rather than Costa Rica.
On top of hiking, you can spend a full day at La Chimba enjoying its restaurant, canopy tree trekking, rock climbing, and ziplining.
The trail has a 5 km or 9 km loop that takes between 2-4 hours, depending on your fitness level. Both options include steady uphill and downhill climbs, and the terrain is challenging, so bring good hiking boots.
Don't feel like hiking? You can take a 4X4 to all the different attractions and still get a picture ontop the giant wooden hand, with the rolling green hills below. Epic!
Let's Build the Ultimate San José Hiking List
Sadly, I didn't hike nearly enough while visiting San José. Luckily, even small local neighborhoods like Ezcasú quickly turn from city to farmland, so I could still recharge in the surrounding green spaces.
Thankfully, the city is a major transportation hub, so I'll be back. I'm already planning to explore the hiking trails north of the city.
What are your favourite free hikes in or near San José? Share your recommendations in the comments below! I'm always looking for new trails to explore (and hiking buddies).