pura vida passENES

Las Catalinas Trails (above the car-free town)

Trail · Guanacaste

Las Catalinas is a walkable, car-free town with about 35 km of hiking and mountain-bike trails through dry forest; ridge trails look down on bays and rocky islets.

Time there
3 h
Best time
morning
Kids
4 / 10
View
8 / 10
Crowds
3 / 10
Swimming
2 / 10
Effort
5 / 10
Location
10.48147, -85.7856 — Google Maps

Tip

Start early before the heat and carry plenty of water; the ridge views are the reward.

Be careful

Dry-forest trails have little shade and some steep, loose sections: carry water and wear shoes with grip.

Places nearby

  • Pura Vida Ride (Las Catalinas)Surf, Boats & DivingOutdoor shop in car-free Las Catalinas that rents mountain bikes, kayaks and paddleboards and guides rides on the town's trail network, with a coffee stand on Playa Danta.
  • Casa Chameleon at Las CatalinasStaysAdults-only boutique resort on a hillside above the bay at Las Catalinas.
  • Soda MarcellSodas & Local FoodNo-frills Potrero soda for local-style casados and fish plates, with milkshakes; it closes early afternoon.
  • The Shack Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeLong-running open-air locals' hangout on the main road in Surfside, Potrero: lots of TVs, local craft beer and live music.
  • Potrero Brewing CompanyFood & CoffeeCraft brewery in the middle of Potrero with an outdoor food court next door (sandwiches and donuts, pizza, burritos) - order from the stalls and drink local beer.
  • Surf BoxFood & CoffeeA café-restaurant near Playa Flamingo that's known for its breakfasts and fresh-tasting food, with a bar and outdoor seating – a good start before a beach day at Penca, Potrero or Flamingo.

Sources: OpenStreetMap node/5770924383 · Wikidata Q22906281 · https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Catalinas,_Costa_Rica