We all love to have options to choose from when it comes to a couple’s getaway or a trip with friends. That’s why we’ve prepared this list of 5 perfect places for a hike, picnic or sunset so that you can enjoy the fresh air and spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest.

How many of these have you heard of? Are some of them on your list of favorite spots?

1. Santa Ana wind turbines

This area is famous among travelers who enjoy a perfect sunset, a nice picnic, or just enjoying the beautiful landscape on offer here. One nice thing about it is that it’s free to visit, and all you have to bring is something to eat. Remember to take your garbage back out with you and leave the place as clean as you found it. Don’t forget to pack a coat or windbreaker, since the winds can get quite strong up here. It’s worth the effort, as the peaks are a great place for some unforgettable photos and can be a nice place to relax.

Recommendations: don’t bring valuables and always travel in groups. Make sure that the vehicle you’re traveling in is in good repair. Take sunscreen, a coat or windbreaker, comfortable clothing and whatever you’ll need for your picnic.

Where: Salitral, Santa Ana, San José.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KHpLuZo8rGpcLve57
Admission: free.
Parking: roadside parking only.
Difficulty: easy.
Vehicle: any vehicle, but it should be in good repair due to the area’s steep roads.
Pets: yes.

2. Peñón de Guacalillo

This incredible lookout is located less than 2 hours from San José. It’s a perfect spot to sit down and look over the sea and wait for the sun to set.
Admission is free, though you should make sure you get there early in order to get a good spot to take in the view. Remember to bring snacks to share with your loved ones and take any garbage back with you.

Where: Tárcoles, Garabito, Puntarenas.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JhqgdfSzD4yZCMdZ7
Admission: free.
Parking: roadside parking along the rock’s edge.
Pets: yes.
Difficulty: easy.
Vehicle: A vehicle with high clearance is recommended, though even cars with lower clearance can make it with care.

3. San Juán de Chicuá

The town of San Juán de Chicuá is located about 6 km from the Sanatorio Durán, heading up towards the Irazú Volcano. It’s becoming an increasingly popular destination as people head there to relax watch the sun setting among the mountains. Take a blanket and enjoy a picnic or spend a pleasant visit breathing the cool, fresh air of Cartago.

Where: Oreamuno, San Juán de Chicuá, Cartago.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JhqgdfSzD4yZCMdZ7
Admission: free.
Parking: roadside parking along the rock’s edge.
Pets: yes.
Difficulty: easy.
Vehicle: A vehicle with high clearance is recommended, though even cars with lower clearance can make it with care.

4. Bosque Prusia

The tour through this forest is self-guided, offering the opportunity to take your time and enjoy the experience at your own pace. The path going around the forest is about 16 km in length, the most trails of any park in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). In addition to perfect picnic spots, the forest is also home to other attractions, including Cerro Retes, one of the highest points in the area, with views of the slopes of the Irazú Volcano. Cerro Cabeza de Vaca is another local peak, with views of the Barva Volcano. The Laguna del Reventado is another local attraction.

Where: Tierra Blanca, Cartago.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/raDraNZKF9LAkLK36
Admission: ₡1000 + sales tax.
Buy tickets: https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/
Parking: yes/ Parking is free on weekdays. ₡1,000 (cash) donation to the Red Cross on weekends.
Difficulty: intermediate.
Pets: no.
Vehicle: any vehicle.
Hours of operation: Seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

5. Bosque del Niño

The Bosque del Niño or the Grecia Forest Reserve is the perfect place to escape a stressful week and the noise of the city. It’s a place where you can enjoy a hike and connect with nature, with something for the whole family. The trails include: Sendero Catarata: 900 m. Carboneras: 1700 m. Los Pinos: 800 m. We recommend you bring: a change of clothes, raincoat, comfortable shoes, a jacket, food and a picnic blanket, and a soccer ball (there’s a field).

Where: San Isidro, Grecia, Alajuela.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gtEJginVCXLBqgJq5
Parking: yes.
Pets: no.
Difficulty: easy.
Vehicle: any vehicle.
Hours of operation: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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