Spend an active day between dry forest and waterfall

You want to experience the diversity of Rincón de la Vieja National Park up close? The hike to the La Cangreja waterfall takes you through a world of changing ecosystems – from tropical, humid rainforest across savanna-like stretches into dense, dark forest. Time and again the view opens up to bright rivers and peculiar rock formations that run through the landscape like hidden sculptures.

The trail starts in the Las Pailas sector and leads you a good 5 kilometres each way over moderate, partly challenging sections. Along the way, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys rustle through the treetops, while Nasua and agouti search for food on the ground. After about three hours you reach the roughly 40 metre high waterfall, whose turquoise-green pool is coloured by volcanic minerals. Swimming is officially forbidden – a respectful look is enough before you set off, refreshed, on the way back.