Reserva Natural Monte Alto (Hojancha)
Trail · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
A community-run forest reserve in the hills south of Hojancha, started in 1994 when locals bought land to bring back the springs of the Nosara River. Today it protects more than 900 hectares of humid forest with five marked trails: an easy 500 m orchid trail lined with dozens of native orchids, and the La Ceiba trail up to the Monte Romo lookout (≈880 m), with a view from the Gulf of Nicoya to the Sámara–Carrillo coast. Visitor center, old sugar mill, picnic areas and a rustic lodge.
- Cost
- about $5
- Time there
- 3 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 1 / 10
- Effort
- 5 / 10
- Location
- 10.011751, -85.403867 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- $5 for visitors · ₡1,000 for residents · children free (2018)
- Tickets
- Pay at the entrance
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Facilities
- restrooms, food, shade
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Bring
- water, insect repellent, walking shoes
- Season
- Orchids bloom in March–April; the forest is greener in the rainy season.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Orchids bloom mostly in March–April. The climb to the Monte Romo lookout takes about three hours round trip – start early to beat the heat; the cafeteria serves simple meals, and you can stay overnight in the shelter or cabin.
Be careful
Trails get muddy in the rainy season and the forest is humid and hot – bring water and repellent.
Getting there
From central Hojancha follow the reserve signs south toward Pilangosta (≈30 min from Nicoya). The last stretch is gravel: fine for any car in the dry season, higher clearance helps when it rains.
Places nearby
- Bar y Restaurante El RetoñoFood & CoffeeLocal bar-restaurant in Nicoya known for chifrijo (rice, beans and fried pork in a bowl) and hearty meat plates.
- Panadería La Castellana (La Caste)Food & CoffeeNicoya's go-to bakery for breakfast, sweet breads and cakes, with a reputation for clean, fresh baking; the strawberry lemonade with spearmint is a local favourite.
- WingNuts Canopy ToursTours & Adventure · from $40Family-run canopy near Sámara with up to 9 cables and rappels, a 500 m cable and a canopy-surfing option where you ride a suspended surfboard.
- Malibu Restaurante (formerly Soda Colochos)Sodas & Local FoodA simple soda in the center of Sámara, right next to the weekly farmers market and shaded by big Guanacaste trees – some of the best traditional food in town at local prices.
- Roots Bakery & CaféFood & CoffeeA small, locally owned bakery-café on the road out of Sámara with homemade pastries, tarts, scones, cinnamon rolls, croissants and pies, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches; seats inside with A/C and in a garden courtyard.
- Natural Center ToursTours & Adventure · from $50Sámara's one-stop tour agency for boat tours, kayaking and snorkeling, plus day trips and shuttles.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/1078289139 · https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Hojancha · https://vozdeguanacaste.com/en/?p=48043 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1078289139 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/9900360363 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/9670499625