Montañas de Cariblanco: A Hidden Hiking Place Near San Jose, Costa Rica
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Just a short drive from Santa Ana, you will find Montañas de Cariblanco. It is near to San Jose which makes it perfect for those who want to be able to take advantage of nature without traveling too far. It’s a great spot where you can enjoy hiking, a waterfall, picnics, and even a refreshing dip in the river. Plus, it’s easy to access, which means more time enjoying nature and less time traveling.
Getting To Montañas de Cariblanco
By Car
Montañas de Cariblanco is only 15 minutes from Santa Ana town or 45 minutes from downtown San Jose. The drive takes you through calm neighborhoods and up hilly roads and and you’ll find completely paved good-conditioned roads all the way so no 4×4 vehicle is necessary.
The route is simple so even if you are not familiar with driving around here, it shouldn’t be hard to figure out. Once you leave the busy streets of San Jose behinds your surroundings will quickly change into more tranquil ones.
Directions:
By Public Transportation
To get to Montañas de Cariblanco from San Jose using public transportation, first you have to reach Santa Ana town. Buses from San Jose to Santa Ana are pretty frequent – they leave every 15-20 minutes.
Once you arrive in Santa Ana, catch a bus going to the small town called Matinilla where Montañas de Cariblanco is located at.
The Santa Ana – Matinilla bus route runs every hour, and the final stop is the Catholic Church in Matinilla. From the church, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the entrance of Montañas de Cariblanco.
Alternatively, if you would prefer more direct route – Uber or taxis also works here, since we are close to Central Valley, rides are readily available for this type of destinations as well; service starts at around ¢2,000 each way from downtown Santa Ana to Montañas de Cariblanco and from downtown San Jose fare starts at ¢4,000.
Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Montañas de Cariblanco is open for visitors only on weekends from 8:00 till 16:00. However if you would like to visit on weekdays, you can arrange your visit in advance with the management.
Entrance fee depends on activities that you plan to do – if you are interested only in hiking it will be ¢4,000 for adults and ¢2,000 for children; having just picnic fee stays same – ¢4,000 for adults and ¢2,000 for kids.
For those who want both hiking and picnic combined entrance fee is ¢5,000 per adult and ¢3,000 per child.
This way of pricing makes it very convenient to plan your day according to what you like doing most while ensuring everyone gets chance enjoy beauty of nature here at Montañas de Cariblanco.
Things to do at Montañas de Cariblanco
Hiking Trails through Coffee Plantations and Rain Forest
Hiking trails are the highlight of Montañas de Cariblanco. During the walk, coffee plantations will surround you along with lush forests. It’s a perfect blend between nature and agriculture where one could get a taste of local life as well.
The trails vary in difficulty, with options for both easy and medium-level hikes, making them suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
One of the best-known paths goes to a waterfall and has a little incline that might be difficult for some people. But don’t worry, if you take breaks as necessary, you will be able to make it up there without any issues.
During coffee harvest season, you can see the trees covered in fruit and watch them dry naturally, which makes for an even more interesting walk.
La Angelita Waterfall
La Angelina Waterfall is a must-see when visiting Montañas de Cariblanco. The hike to this waterfall takes about an hour and a half and it is worth every minute spent on foot. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes which makes it as much enjoyable as reaching the final point.
Swimming is not allowed in the waterfall because the water is collected by AyA (the government) for human consumption, but it’s still a nice place for taking pictures and contemplate the waterfall. You can even refill your water bottle with fresh water from here – that would be a refreshing stop during your hike.
Picnic Areas
The picnic areas at Montañas de Cariblanco are ideal for relaxing after a hike, enjoying a meal surrounded by nature, or simply sitting back and taking in the beautiful surroundings. These spots are great for families, couples or anyone who wants some peace in natural settings.
Please note that if you want to use picnic areas you need to make a reservation at least one day ahead. Sharing food or just unwinding with friends – these places will perfectly match any activity of yours while visiting them.
Swimming in the River
While swimming in the waterfall isn’t possible, there’s a section of the river downstream, near the picnic area, where you can swim. This spot is perfect for cooling off on hot days and adds fun to any visit.
River being very close to picnic areas provides convenient way of getting refreshed after long hikes under scorching sun. Whether it’s just dipping feet or going for full swim – this activity should definitely be included into your program at Montañas de Cariblanco; don’t forget towel and water shoes.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Montañas de Cariblanco is during dry season which lasts from December till April. In these months you will have best conditions for hiking as well as clear skies allowing full appreciation of central valley views. Trails are more accessible than usual and scenic beauty can be enjoyed without being interrupted by rains.
If you decide to come in March or April it’s better to do it in the morning. These months are hottest and some parts of trails have no shade at all. Early hikes will be more comfortable and will let you avoid midday heat.
Also during rainy season it’s good to come in the morning. Afternoon rains are usual here and they make trails wet and more muddy. Moreover river water level is higher with stronger flow so swimming may not be safe then. Morning visits give best opportunity for exploration before rain starts.
Tips for Visiting Montañas de Cariblanco
As a local, these are some tips to visit Montañas de Cariblanco:
- Shoes: Take good hiking shoes – with a good grip, as trails may get slippery especially after rain. Though both times I went there were people wearing sandals, so it’s not impossible.
- Gear: : Bring a water bottle, bug spray, and some sunscreen. Hat is also a good idea as sun can be strong if you arrive after 10 am. Hiking poles could help during rainy season too.
- Clothing: Put on some comfy clothes for hot weather. The coffee plantations have little shade and you may feel hot. Take an extra set of clothes if you want to swim in the river.
- Respect Nature: Carry out your trash, stay on the paths, and respect the wildlife. Enjoy your time, but leave the place as you found it.
- Coffee Harvest Season: If you want to see the coffee harvest, visit between November and March.
- Check for Price Changes: Due to seasonal changes (high/low), it’s best to check their social networks for any price updates.
- Carry local currency: Only cash payments are accepted.
Montañas de Cariblanco Tourist Map
Below you will find a map of Montañas de Cariblanco, as well as recommended locations of other attractions, restaurants and hotels/Airbnb’s nearby.