Hiking in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

From short scenic walks to more challenging treks, there’s a hiking route for every level of adventure. The following destinations are among the most popular with our guests:

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

As Costa Rica’s first national park, Cabo Blanco holds a special place in the country’s conservation history. Located just 45 minutes from Casa MarBella, this reserve includes over 1,200 hectares of forest and 1,700 hectares of protected ocean.

Visitors can access 5% of the park via three designated hiking trails:

• A short loop trail through the forest, perfect for a brief nature walk.
• A longer trail that leads to a secluded beach—ideal for a swim and picnic. This round-trip takes approximately 4 hours, not including time spent at the beach.
• The third hike is considered the easiest and follows relatively level ground the entire time.

Possible sightings include howler and capuchin monkeys, white-tailed deer, anteaters, armadillos, raccoons, coatis, and over 240 species of birds. Though rare, wild cats such as ocelots, jaguarundis, margays, and even pumas have been spotted within the park. A small entry fee applies.

Note: Cabo Blanco is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. A 4×4 vehicle or ATV is recommended due to road conditions.

Curú Wildlife Reserve

Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Casa MarBella, Curú is a privately owned wildlife reserve that blends sustainable agriculture with forest conservation. The property spans 1,495 hectares and includes marine zones, mangroves, tropical forests, and farmland.

Curú is a haven for biodiversity, with 232 bird species, including reintroduced scarlet macaws, and mammals such as howler monkeys, anteaters, coyotes, peccaries, and more. There are multiple hiking trails for every skill level and even an option to rent a boat to visit nearby Isla Tortuga. This is one of the best places to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.

No 4×4 is required to reach Curú. A small entry fee applies.