Carate Things to Do Tips by Etoile2B

Luna Lodge has a couple well-worn hiking trails on the property if you’re in the mood to get out and explore the jungle. You can take a guide along, but most people opt to just explore the trails on their own. The waterfall trailhead is located just off the main staircase about halfway up the hill, below the yoga platform. The trailhead is clearly marked. As you head down the trail you will come to a fork in the path. The fork to the right leads downhill, I believe to the bottom of the big waterfall, although I am not certain because we did not explore this part of the trail. The fork to the left leads uphill a little way to the base of a small waterfall. The pool at the base of the waterfall is probably only about waist deep (during the dry season) and if you follow the riverbed down stream you will find several more pools to wade in. The hike and the pools are relatively private. If you time your hike right you won’t see another soul on the trail. The water is cool and all we saw birds and a baby snake while on the trail. Just be aware that the trail can get slightly steep, especially on the way back, but it’s not terribly strenuous. I think it’s an easy enough hike for just about anybody. From the trailhead to the little waterfall and pool is probably a 15 minute hike. If you’ve made the trek up to Luna Lodge definitely take advantage of this trail.

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Address: Luna Lodge, Carate

One of your options to explore Corcovado is to hike in from the La Leona Ranger Station. It’s a 3.5 km hike down the beach from the pulperia and / or airstrip in Carate to the Station. If you’re not a Costa Rican National it’s $10 US for a pass into the park, payable directly at the ranger station. The trailhead is clearly marked and once in the park runs parallel to the ocean so it’s difficult to get lost. The trail is also well worn, but primitive, so it is easy to follow but feels non-invasive in the environment. You can do this hike on your own hire a guide to take you into the park. The advantage of taking a guide with you is they are trained to find wildlife so you are likely to see more. The hike is not strenuous. It is a relatively flat dirt path. If you are planning to hike in and out on the same day make sure you plan your departure from the park according to high tide or you will be getting wet on your trek back to Carate. Also hike in with your own food and water as there are no services past the La Leona Ranger Station until you reach the Sirena Ranger Station, 15 km away.

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