Area Excursions
Area Excursions
Located in the heart of Costa Rica's Central Valley, Vista Mundo is ideally located to day-trip to many of Costa Rica's most popular attractions as well as several hidden secrets. Our favorites are listed below.
Hiking and Scenic Routes
El Camino del Colibrí y Cielo
The Trail of Hummingbird & Heaven
2 min from Vista Mundo
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Costa Rica along "The Trail of Hummingbird and Heaven," a scenic drive between Berlin and Llano Brenes, a haven for birdwatchers. This region boasts an extraordinary diversity of hummingbirds, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness these captivating creatures in their natural habitat. As you navigate the route, be prepared for breathtaking views and a symphony of birdsong, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Bring your camera and your Merlin App to help you identify the birds by their song.
Madra Verde Nature Preserve
and Hiking Trails
25 min from Vista Mundo
Reserva Natural Cerro Tinajita - Lookout & Nature Reserve
20min from Vista Mundo
(requires 4W-drive to access)
The short walk to this vantage point is worth the view. Registered as one of Costa Rica's Cloud Forest Reserve, this beautiful spot boasts spectacular views of the Gulf of Nicoya.
During May to November it's often possible to stand above the clouds at this spot and truly appreciate the experience of walking in the clouds.
Balneario Las Musas Waterfall
30 min from Vista Mundo
Las Musas boasts a spectaular hike to it's very own waterfall. As well as an excellent waterpark for the kids to relax and enjoy after your hike. Balneario Las Musas Waterpark is a great afternoon diversion with your kids on a hot day.
Los Chorros Hiking Trail and Waterfalls
1 hr 5 min from Vista Mundo
Our absolute favorite, Los Chorros is truly one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets. This untouched pair of waterfalls are spectacular to witness and an adventure to walk under. The hike down to the lower falls is approximately 20 minutes. The upper falls can be reached by hiking an additional 5 minutes along the creek bed. Walk right under the falls to truly enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience.
Finca Libertad Pura- Walking and Horseback Riding
45 min from Vista Mundo
From this farm you can see the entire Gulf of Nicoya! It is a place full of history with a family eager to support your experience.
Horseback riding can be arranged if you call the family in advance.
Finca San Gerardo - Waterfall and Hiking Trails
45 min from Vista Mundo
(requires 4W-drive to access)
This ecological reserve involves a short 30 minute walk to this waterfall, which can be done at a relaxed pace. This shaded passes through pastures with giant Guanacaste trees - Costa Rica's National Tree.
You can hike along the river to experience the full ecology of this stunning valley
Cerro del Espíritu Santo - Extinct Volcano and Hiking Trails
47 min from Vista Mundo
Cerro del Espíritu Santo is an extinct volcanic cone with a height of 1,363 meters above sea level. It is one of the 10 highest mountains within the province. The crater is located to the northwest of the summit and heavily eroded.
On its summit there are ruins from the beginning of the 20th century built by monks, from which it gets its name.
Catarata Salto La Victoria - Waterfall and Hiking
60 min from Vista Mundo
(4WD and guide recommended)
This 3.5 km hike down and back up is well worth the effort. One of Costa Rica's most spectacular un-touched waterfalls. You'll definitely change your banner photo on Facebook for this one! The road access to this is difficult and we recommend taking a local guide for this one.
Centro Deportivo Florencia - bike and walking park
64 min from Vista Mundo
For cycling enthusiasts, or those who just love to walk in nature, this park boasts both walking and biking trails.
Poás Volcano National Park & Hiking Trails
95 min from Vista Mundo
Poás Volcano is one of the most popular attractions in the Central Valley. Situated in the 16,000 acre Poás Volcano National Park and wildlife refuge, Poás is also a great location for wildlife viewing. Poás is currently dormant and safe to view. From the top visitors can look directly into the caldera for a spectacular view. It's best to visit early in the morning as the altitude of Poás creates a cloud forest environment.
Carara National Park
(Parque Nacional Carara)
65 min from Vista Mundo
Carara National Park hosts one of the largest population of breeding scarlet macaws in Costa Rica. You will also find abundant capuchin monkeys, anteaters, parrots, tucans, kingfishers and other old growth forest species. It also includes a transitional forest supporting both Amazonian and Mesoamerican habitats. Worth a stop on your travels.
Beaches
Puntarenas Beach & Town
85 min from Vista Mundo
A picturesque peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas boasts a long and spectacular beach. With lots of restaurants beach-side, enjoy walking on the beach with lots of options for stops along the way.
Playa Herradura Beach & Town
95 min from Vista Mundo
Playa Herradura is one of our favorite beaches, not only because of it's spectacular vistas, but because it boasts two of the best restaurants in the region. Both El Pelicano and Coco's are well known amongst locals for their excellent sea food menus. Coco's is known throughout the region to have one of the best fish burgers in Central America.
Farmers Markets in the Area
San Ramon Farmers Market
25 min from Vista Mundo
Open Fri / Sat 8 AM to 1 PM
The largest farmers market in Costa Rica, San Ramon boasts over 100 booths from fresh produce to meet and fish to local crafts. Numerous local artisans, bakers, cheese makers, and boutique delis each having their own unique flare.
Known for some of the best cheese makers in Costa Rica (our facourite is Calixto, the last vendor on the right). Want to buy fresh flowers for just a few dollars? You have a choice of 3 frantastic vendors. Looking for fresh coconuts? Visit Lydia in isle 3.
Palmares Farmers Market
25 min from Vista Mundo
Open Fri 4 - 7 PM / Sat 7 AM to noon
Smaller than San Ramon, the Palmares Farmer's market has it's own unique flare. Boasting one of the largest organic hydroponic vendors and fantastic homemade treats.
Ecovilla San Mateo Sunday Market
35 min from Vista Mundo
Open Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM
This market has a true artisan flare for some truly lovely dresses, jewelery and artwork. It also boasts an Aryuvedic restaurant, a raw-food vegan treat booth, an excellent cocount yogurt vendor and some amazing gluten free pizza. (just to name a few). With live music most weeks, this market is a must-see!
Attractions
Lands in Love Adventure Center
(and Vegan Restaurant)
75 min from Vista Mundo
Lands in Love was started by a group of friends from Isreal. Not surprisingly they have one of the best middle-eastern vegan restaurants in Central America. Most people who go for the food then discover they should have gone for the adventure center. With everything from Zip Lining to rafting, this is one of Costa Rica's best day trips!
Their tourism dollars support running one of the largest animal shelters in Costa Rica.
San Rámon Regional Museum
25 min from Vista Mundo
Run by the University of San Ramon, display rooms surround a central courtyard for a beautiful experience of diving into the regional cultural heritage. Display boards are in Spanish, so best to bring a guide.
Orchid Garden - La Garita
67 min from Vista Mundo
For the orchid lovers in your group - this place is simply beautiful. Stunning gardens with shade trees to relax under. It also has a small lake, trails, many recreation areas and of course a greenhouse with a collection of orchids.
Crocodile Viewing at Tárcoles
(and Crocodile Tours)
67 min from Vista Mundo
The free version is the bridge across the river Tárcoles where tourists routinely gather to view crocodiles from above. For a more exciting adventure, book a tour with Jose's Crocodile tours, for up-close action you'll never forget!
There's lots of great souvenir shopping close by, for a destination everyone will love.
Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
1 hr 10 min from Vista Mundo
If you love sloths, this is truly the trip for you. This center allows you to enter the sloth area and experience sloths up close. The center often boasts more than 200 rescued animals and is largely supported by volunteers.
Espíritu Santo Coffee Tours
45 min from Vista Mundo
This fascinating family run businesses teaching you about coffee in all it's stages - from seedling to production. Enjoy this picturesque learning environment and gain a whole new appreciation for coffee!
Chocolate "Choco Tours" San Mateo
45 min from Vista Mundo
Can eating chocolate save the rainforest? You might be wondering how can this be possible, but Choco Tours will show you how.
Check out Choco Tour and learn about the secrets of the world’s favorite food: CHOCOLATE.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (Zoo Ave)
55 min from Vista Mundo
A great place to experience the full range of Costa Rica's Wildfire. With paved wheelchair accessible walking paths, this beautiful setting is worth giving a whole day to.
Balneario Las Musas Waterpark
in San Ramon
30 min from Vista Mundo
Las Musas boasts a spectaular hike to it's very own waterfall. As well as an excellent waterpark for the kids to relax and enjoy after your hike. Balneario Las Musas Waterpark is a great afternoon diversion with your kids on a hot day.
Life of Colors (Mariposario Vida de Colores) Butterfly Farm
in San Ramon
35 min from Vista Mundo
Explore the rich diversity of Costa Rica's butterflies. Educational tours of this unique facility are offered daily.
Starbucks Coffee Farm
85 min from Vista Mundo
Explore the farm where the Starbuck's vision all started. With great food, beautiful vistas and a must-see coffee tour, you won't want to miss this historic site.
Restaurants
The West-Central Valley of Costa Rica is a Foodie's Paradise! With fresh amazing cusine from around the world, you'll run out of vacation before you run out of great restaurants to try! These are just a few of our absolute favourites...
Mae Culpa, Llano Brenes
7 min from Vista Mundo
5-star cuisine, and some of the best stone-fired oven pizza you will ever eat. But as good as the food is, it's nothing compared to the view! Come before sunset. You'll want to watch the valley light up below, all the way to the Gulf of Nicoya!
Kalhua's Bar & Restaurant, San Rafael
15 min from Vista Mundo
Excellent pub fare with a Costa Rican flare! Whether you're in the mood for patacones or pico de Gallo, you'll love the menu!
Hollywood House, San Ramon
25 min from Vista Mundo
A fantastic fushion menu and decor that will keep the conversation going! You'll want to go back to keep sampling the menu!
October 29 Gastrobar, San Ramon
25 min from Vista Mundo
Exceptional food with beautiful fresh ingredients! This cozy restuarant has great ambiance with an indoor-outdoor vibe. Save room for the pastries. They are worth the extra calories.
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