6 days hike - Camino de Montes de Oro

Hiker level: Intermediate
Capable of walking up to: 11-15 miles / 18-25 km per day
Total elevation gain: 1650m / 5414ft
Total elevation loss: 600m / 1968ft

Long before Monteverde became a world famous cloud forest destination, these mountains were shaped by the search for gold. The canton of Montes de Oro gets its name from a mining past that carved routes through tough and remote terrain.

The Camino de Montes de Oro follows those old paths, passing through rural villages, historic mountain roads, and highlands once traveled by miners and early settlers. As hikers climb from Miramar, dry forest landscapes slowly turn into lush cloud forest, opening the way to rivers, canyons, and communities far from the usual routes.

Gold still exists here, but in two different ways. There is the gold that shaped the region’s history, and the gold of today: clean water, rich biodiversity, forests, and a living rural culture.

The Route of Gold is a journey to discover Costa Rica in a deeper, more authentic way.

Includes:
• Transfers from San José to starting point.
• Three meals a day.
• Accommodations.
• Certified guides.
• Luggage transport between stages.
• Entrance fees to private areas.
• Accident insurance and evacuation protocol.

This price secures your spot on the hike.
You’ll only need to pay the remaining balance after the reservation payment.
Final price per person decreases for larger groups.
You can join groups with more people to lower the final cost per person.

Group of 1 person: $2664 USD per person
Group of 2 people: $1518 USD per person
Group of 3 people: $1135 USD per person
Group of 4 people: $944 USD per person
Group of 5 people: $830 USD per person
Group of 6 people: $754 USD per person
Group of 7 people: $698 USD per person
Group of 8 people: $659 USD per person
Group of 9 people: $626 USD per person
Group of 10 people: $601 USD per person

+13% IVA

FAQ

Yes! All tours include three meals per day, with vegetarian options available upon request. Please note that other specialized diets, such as keto, carnivore, or similar, are not included.

Absolutely. All nights are included in the price of your tour—no extra costs for lodging.

No worries! If you picked the wrong dates, we can update your reservation—just make sure to let us know in advance so we have enough time to make the changes.

We believe in challenging ourselves, but if something comes up, transportation between stages is included, so you’re always covered.

$650.00
$650.00
Taxe inclu.

Full itinerary for your: 6 days hike - Camino de Montes de Oro

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM
Itinerary, inclusions and highlights of 6 days hike - Camino de Montes de Oro

Tour overview

Day 1
  • Leaving from: Miramar, Puntarenas
  • Hiking time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 15 km - 9.3 mi
  • Destination: Zapotal
  • Stops: Stop 1. Initial ascent viewpoint (dry forest) Stop 2. Lunch stop during ascent Stop 3. Cloud forest transition area
Day 2
  • Leaving from: Zapotal
  • Hiking time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km - 6.2 mi
  • Destination: Cedral
  • Stops: Stop 1. Cloud forest resting point Stop 2. Scenic viewpoint along rural trail
Day 3
  • Leaving from: Cedral
  • Hiking time: 5–6 hours
  • Distance: 12 km - 7.5 mi
  • Destination: Arancibia
  • Stops: Stop 1. Traditional rural villages Stop 2. Arancibia Lagoons viewpoint
Day 4
  • Leaving from: Arancibia
  • Hiking time: 5–6 hours
  • Distance: 12 km - 7.5 mi
  • Destination: Bajo Caliente
  • Stops: Stop 1. Historic pastures with ocean views Stop 2. River crossing and optional waterfall (guide discretion)
Day 5
  • Leaving from: Bajo Caliente
  • Hiking time: 8–9 hours
  • Distance: 22 km - 13.7 mi
  • Destination: San Luis de Monteverde
  • Stops: Stop 1. Children’s Eternal Rainforest entrance Stop 2. Lunch stop along river canyon Stop 3. Mountain viewpoint before San Luis
Day 6
  • Leaving from: San Luis de Monteverde
  • Hiking time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 10 km - 6.2 mi
  • Destination: Santa Elena, Monteverde
  • Stops: Stop 1. Steep ascent viewpoint (500 m elevation gain) Stop 2. Scenic arrival overlook into Monteverde

Day 1 Zapotal

  • Family project in Zapotal, cabañas in the cloud forest.
    Accommodation options: Shared room cabin

Day 2 Maracabú

  • Mountain Hotael with rustic cabañas
    Accommodation options: Shared double room
    Single supplement available

Day 3 Camping Las Lagunas

  • Family project in a remote community
    Accommodation options: Camping indoors.

Day 4 Camping Santa Marta

  • A project in a remote area with amazing view
    Accommodation options: Camping outdoor

Day 5 Mountain Lodge San Luis

  • Rural Tourism family project
    Accommodation options: Cabins

Day 6 End in Monteverde

  • No accommodation included.

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  • Accommodation may vary according to availability to a similar lodging.
  • Ground transportation from the Central Valley to Miramar (starting point)
  • Professional certified trekking guide
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • A mix of accommodations including mountain cabins and fully equipped camping
  • Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag) when applicable
  • Luggage transportation between stages
  • Entrance fees to private reserves and rural properties
  • Guided walk through the Children’s Eternal Rainforest
  • Support vehicle and logistical coordination throughout the route
  • Accident insurance during the tour
  • Emergency and evacuation protocol in case of accident

Unique features of the tour:

  • Historic Route through Costa Rica’s Golden Highlands
  • Dramatic Ecosystem Transitions
  • Authentic Rural Communities
  • Rivers, Lagoons, and Waterfalls
  • Children’s Eternal Rainforest Crossing
  • Challenging Yet Balanced Trekking

For every day:

  • Hiking shoes or trekking boots
  • Socks for tropical weather
  • Quick-dry shorts or pants
  • Quick-dry long or short sleeve t-shirt
  • Hat or cap
  • Optional sunglasses
  • Optional sun umbrella
  • Trekking poles
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Medicine
  • Raincoat
  • Flashlight
  • Bath towel
  • Swimsuit

For the day backpack:

  • 2 liters of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Snacks
  • Personal first aid kit

Special requirements:

  • Long pants for insect protection
  • Snake guards (optional)
  • Quick-dry underwear for river crossings
  • Sandals for river crossings or lightweight water shoes
  • Long sleeve shirt or quick-dry shirt
  • Hiking poles

Always in your backpack:

  • 2 liters of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Extra snacks
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Small towel
Prepare yourself properly for the adventure ahead

Considerations for Long-Distance Hiking

Physical Fitness

Hiking long trails requires good physical fitness (we can make some accommodations, don't worry), including a strong aerobic base and leg strength. The average hiker covers 16-24 miles (26-39 kilometers) per day, though most people limit themselves to 15 miles (24 kilometers) to avoid excessive stress.

Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential. Trail snacks and meals should balance carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carry enough water and consider water-treatment supplies.

Weather and Terrain Considerations

Terrain and weather significantly impact hiking. In hot weather, focus on hydration and electrolytes at least a week before hiking. Costa Rican terrain, especially in forested areas, can be muddy, so sturdy hiking boots are necessary.

Health Check

Before a long hike, a health check is advisable to ensure there are no underlying health issues that could be exacerbated by the physical exertion.
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