Cachimbal Railway Tunnel
Landmark · Jacó & Herradura · hidden gem
An old tunnel of the Pacific Railway (Ferrocarril al Pacífico) in the hills of Cachimbal, near Caldera — a favorite stop on local mountain-bike loops from Salinas and Mata de Limón.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 45 min
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 2 / 10
- View
- 4 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 9.926302, -84.674117 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Bring
- flashlight
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Best reached on a bike or hiking loop with someone who knows the tracks; bring a light.
Be careful
Treat the rail line as active and listen for trains; the tunnel is dark inside.
Places nearby
- El Jardín Orotina (buffet & souvenir stop)Food & CoffeeBig roadside stop near Orotina with a self-service Costa Rican breakfast and lunch buffet, a large souvenir hall, an ice-cream counter and live marimba music.
- Bar y Restaurante La TrankaFood & CoffeeCasual country bar-restaurant on Route 131 just outside San Mateo, known among locals for rice dishes and seafood soup.
- Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
- Hotel Cerro LodgeParks & Wildlife · from $10A small lodge built for birders and photographers, a few minutes from the Tarcoles River and Carara National Park, with sea and mountain views.
- Jose's Crocodile River TourParks & WildlifeBoat tours on the Tárcoles River to see big American crocodiles up close, plus scarlet macaws, roseate spoonbills, ospreys and mangrove channels.
- Parque Marino del PacíficoParks & WildlifeAquarium park in Puntarenas' old railway station, about three hectares of tanks with sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, crocodiles and large sharks, plus a small pool and play area for children - an easy family stop at the east end of the seafront.
Sources: https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3819930