Nestled in the mountains of Heredia and very close to the boundary of Braulio Carrillo National Park, there is a nature-filled adventure waiting for you.

Put on comfortable shoes and some warm clothes bring your camera and get ready for a hike filled with fresh air and good memories.

Cerro Dantas is located 20 km northeast of the Universidad Nacional. It consists of 57 ha of primary and secondary cloud forest.

It’s important to note that the hike might start much earlier depending on the type of vehicle you’re using.
You can leave your vehicle about 3.7 km from the refuge in a private property with a security guard. If you want to keep going, you can park 1.9 km from the park, though this spot doesn’t have any security. There is another place 1.2 km from the entrance, but only 4x4 vehicles will be able to make it there, since the road is not in the best shape. The last parking area also has no security.

Once you reach the refuge, you can choose from between two trails: one that’s 3.5 km long and another that’s 6.5 km. Just a few meters from the reception area, you can visit the Velo de Novia waterfall, where you can go for a (very cold) dip. The waterfall is the perfect place to rest and take some nice photos.

On the trails, you’ll be able to see a variety of trees, orchids, birds, creeks and more waterfalls.

There are options to stay at the refuge, either in rooms inside the refuge or by camping; a meal service is also available. If you’re thinking of staying the night, do bring good jackets as the temperature drops at night.

Now that you know that an incredible day or weekend awaits you in Heredia, you can plan on visiting this refuge.

Don’t forget!

Rain jacket, a change of shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes if you decide to swim in the waterfall, binoculars and water.

Rates:

• Admission ₡3000 (cash only).
• Lunch ₡3500.
• Coffee and hot chocolate ₡1500.

Additional information:

• Pets: yes
• Hikes: About two hours
• Difficulty of the hikes: Moderate

How do you get there?

By car, you’ll need to take the route to El Castillo Country Club in San Rafael de Heredia (4.9 km north of the northeastern corner of the Church of San Rafael). Once you get to El Castillo, keep going for 1 km and then turn right towards Monte de la Cruz. Keep going for 5.8 km along the dirt road; the signs will guide you.

By bus: take the bus to Monte de la Cruz, Heredia. Once you get to Monte de la Cruz, take the dirt road going north, the refuge is 5.8 km away.