This is the most pure inland hike available in Costa Rica. Feel the excitement of going through rivers, hiking on beautiful mountain trails, going into the dense jungle for hours, having the most scenic volcano and lake views and experiencing the rural lifestyle in a totally secluded valley. Once we arrive at the mountain cabin you get thrown back in time cooking on a wood fire stove, enjoying the pure food and the company at the candle lit table. Having spend the night we get going to finish the leg of the hike that takes us to Monteverde. Tired but undoubtedly satisfied you can congratulate yourselve, your fellow hikers and your tour guide for having been part of this unforgettabe adventure.
Posted By : mariahfriedrice
This hike is incredible. Spending quality time in the jungle with a knowledgeable guide is worth its weight in gold. Our guide, Cristian, knew every plant, insect, animal, and rock that we came across. The "hut" is a traditional Costa Rican home belonging to a friend of the guide. Red Lava gave us some food material to add to our bags to bring up, so make sure you have space in your bag! We enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal cooked by Cristian and the homeowner before watching the fireflies for hours. I would HIGHLY recommend bringing enough bug spray and sunscreen, as well as a raincoat, water shoes, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt to change into at the house for the bugs. There is no electricity at the home, so a head lamp or flashlight (or battery pack for your phone) will go a long way. 10/10 would do again. Thank you Red Lava for offering this incredible opportunity.
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Posted On : 2024-05-13 17:25:23 
Posted By : 572irvingc
An experience that is almost impossible to tell. You must have felt and experienced this yourself. Breathtaking, challenging, exciting and fun.
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Posted On : 2024-05-04 07:40:39
Posted By : J3199OIadamm
Great hike! Our guide Christian was so knowledgeable about local wildlife and plants, especially birds. He gave us some recommendations for Monteverde as well.
The first day of the hike was mostly uphills with stretches of flat parts. The difficulty wasn't too bad if you have a moderate level of cardio. Our stay was at the home of Severino, an elderly man who lives in the forest. When no cloud cover, there is a stunning view of the volcano directly from the house. Heads up, there is no electricity or plumbing. Just keep that in mind. The meals were definitely substantial and there was plenty of food left over.
Second day of the hike started with an early morning uphill for ~30 min before easing into another 3-4 hours of up and down hill.
The hike can get wet. There are 2 river crossings with the deepest being up to my (6'3) knees. Bring a jacket in case it rains.
Really enjoyed this hike.
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Posted On : 2024-04-28 11:13:41
Posted By : xi123
This hike isn’t for everyone but if you are up for a strenuous, hot and humid adventure then you will have a great time
The only thing I wish I knew was that “water refill” was directly from the stream, please bring your own filter!
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Posted On : 2024-03-29 14:53:37
Posted By : Megan Y
Highlight of my trip in Costa Rica - beautiful hike and unforgettable overnight stay in the mountains. Christian was a patient and knowledgeable guide (and an amazing cook!) Make sure you leave room in your bag as the guide will split food for the trip among all the participants. There is fresh water at the cabin when you arrive.
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Posted On : 2024-03-10 11:37:36
Posted By : Natalie_S
This was my best experience in Costa Rica! Our guide Errol was wonderful, and he showed us a nice spot to swim in the river in the first day, which was amazing. The cabin was so rustic and cute. The hikes were definitely challenging and uphill and hot, but so worth it! Don’t do this if you’re not willing to help out or stay in a very remote and rustic location.
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Posted On : 2024-03-09 17:58:12 
Posted By : Daniel_M
You’ll remember what it is to be human again. This is as close as you’ll get to true presence in paradise. Our guide, Christian, is a great human being and very knowledgeable. You will learn a lot about the jungle and the history of Costa Rica. I also met some great people. Pura Vida
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Posted On : 2024-03-09 16:56:24
Posted By : I4786RZfabiob
My partner (Jana) and I were quite excited about this hike and it exceeded our hopes actually, mostly thanks to Errol's brilliant guidance through the rain forest and cloud forest! This is a fantastic opportunity, away from the business of adventure parks and resorts that are found throughout the region.
We were accompanied by another couple so it felt quite private. Errol knows the way by heart and he was very careful from the start to finish. We never felt unsafe. Errol speaks several languages, most of them self-taught, impressively. His knowledge about the flora and fauna is exhaustive to say the least. He listens to the forest and finds the most fascinating plants and animals (when those want to be found of course! Don't expect to see everything you'd hope for). The way back to Santa Elena is easier. It was cloudy and rainy on the day we went so we didn't see all of the Arenal landscapes which I'm sure is amazing to witness in better weather!
For me, the highlight was the stay at Seferino's house. I will not write about it and leave the surprise to the lucky ones. It was a very touching and beautiful moment. I wish him and Errol all the best in the world! I am very grateful.
Fabio
(I strongly recommend this guided tour but beware this is not an easy hike as you cannot go slowly and there are many changes in elevation in warm and humid conditions, at least until you come out of the rain forest; the rest is more chill; I'd say a good physical condition is required to fully enjoy the hike; maybe don't go if you don't want to get dirty or don't want to sleep in the most simple of conditions)
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Posted On : 2024-02-15 09:41:53
Posted By : Sera12345
This tour was the highlight of my trip through Costa Rica! You will walk for 2 days through the pristine rainforest and cloud forest. It starts with crossing through 2 fast flowing rivers. The path is not constructed, so expect steep and muddy paths, which you will cover up to 1500 meters altitude. The road is quite a challenge but the nature and the views are magical. Yulian was our guide (a group of 5 participants), is a very nice guy and an expert guide who taught us a lot about the forests. The overnight stay at the lodge was an adventure in itself: You will learn the true meaning of 'off grid living' here! We were warmly welcomed by Don, the dogs and the cat are so sweet and cuddly! We were spoiled with a delicious meal by candlelight. Got up at 5 am in the morning to see a beautiful sunrise with the Arenal volcano in the distance. After a typical and delicious CR breakfast we went on the road again. Day 2 of the hike through the cloud forest was truly magical!
The baggage will be transported separately to your place of stay. Compliments to the organization and an extra thank you because a forgotten part of my luggage was sent later. Yulian, Don and Red Lava tours: thank you so much for this fantastic experience!!
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Posted On : 2024-01-26 10:38:26
Posted By : X8004NVoliverg
We loved our hike with Yulian, he was so great at looking out for any signs of wildlife along our hike and he was very knowledgeable about the wide array of bird species we came across. There were 5 of us in our group and it was so lovely getting to know everyone. Sitting down to the candle lit meal in the Cabin, lovingly prepared by Don Ceferino who was so lovely and welcoming. we would strongly recommend this hike to anyone as we had such an amazing time!
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Posted On : 2024-01-21 21:24:28
