Challenging but lifetime memories !!! - We had the best lifetime experience! My husband and i did this the day after summiting the Cerro Chirripo so the hike itself was very manageable. However the condition of the hike was very unexpected. Muddy paths almost the entire way. Once you let the uncomfortable feeling just be the part of the experience, everything becomes fun ! =) at first we wanted to keep our hiking boots clean until the river crossing not knowing it would be muddy the whole time. we started walking in slippers which ended up being pretty difficult in mud so we both ended up bare feet until the river crossing. The river was up to our chest due to the rain but our guide Uriel made sure if was safe. The cabin at the half way point was the best part. I didnt expect anyone to be living there. Grandpa Serafino is a 75 year old sweetest and most pure human being in the world. I have never met anyone like him. I will keep this part short so you can experience him yourself. Watch out if you are a clean freak or have some kind of phobia with bugs and germs. You will be in the center of nature so be mentally prepared so you can enjoy the experience. Yes spiders right above our beds and not the most sanitary kitchen for meal prep but i didnt care because i was so touched by the owner Serafino. We got to chat with him and hear his stories. I miss him already and want to do the hike again so i can take him a box of essentials and gifts for him. Yes he is that amazing. Second day was pouring with high wind so no views but just trying to survive and make it through. It was fun ! Five of us in the group stuck together until the end. (oh six ! Because Serafino joined us to get errands done in the city. We got super lucky to finish the hike with Serafino on his horse and two dogs guiding us) Overall, 10/5stars. I highly suggest it to nature lovers who knows how to appreciate the beauty of the nature. If you are a complainy person , don't do it. You will not like it. Things do bring: Water shoes. dry cloths to change into for the next day. Flashlight, dry bag. Just waterproof everything in your bag , poncho or rain jacket, bug repellent, sturdy hiking boots,

A must do hike througout the untouched nature - This adventure was one of the best moments I remember of my trip in Costa Rica, regardless the rainy season! The two days hike was stunning, the path goes through a very untouched nature landscape and you can enjoy this peaceful place while seeing many different animals as well. I did the tour with Christian, which made our experience unique and a precious occasion to learn from this beautiful country. You can tell Christian is very passioned about his job and pass though his excitement about nature. Also the experience of sleeping in the shelter in the jungle was amazing, and I feel blessed for being hosted by such a lovely man as Serafino. I would totally recommend this experience! Letizia

Most AMAZING Costa Rican Experience! - Our tour guide, Franklin, was amazing and extremely knowledgable about everything in nature. We started our hike through a farm and then had to cross a stream and a river. We then headed into the rainforest for a challenging but doable hike (about 9Km) to a wonderful, but basic cabin owned by Mr. Seferanio. It had several bedrooms with wood beds, a little foam cushion and sleeping bags. It was so peaceful being in thia cabin surrounded by nature with no technology. Franklin made us and amazing dinner and breakfast over the fire. On day 2 (8km) we packed up amd continued up the mountain. It started on a trail and most of day 2 was on a gravel road with the most incredible views! We stopped along the way and enjoyed taking pictures and learning from Franklin. It ended by getting picked up in a van and taken the rest of the way to Monteverde. Once in Monteverde, we had time to have lunch and walk through the shops. We then got in a bus to Lake Arenal and took a boat to the other side then back to a bus for the rest of the way to LaFortuna. We would HIGHLY recommend this tour with Red Lava and Franklin was amazing!

Rainforest hike - This is an excellent tour taking you through a private rainforest reserve where others cannot go to experience the real rainforest. The overnight stay was an experience and our hosts were very welcoming in their home. The tour guide was excellent and gave us lots of information along the route. I would highly recommend this tour to someone who is looking for something different in Costa Rica.

Fantastic Adventurous rainforest trek - The trek was excellent. Walking from the farmland around Largo Arenal, into the rainforest along steep paths deep into the mountains.staying at a farmstead surrounded by the forest, then walking on dirt tracks with uninterrupted views across to Arenal Volcano all the way to Monteverde cloud forest, arriving in San Elena after a short taxi ride Walking through lemon orchards, swimming in river then I to the narrow tracks steeping walking in forest climbing 1000m. Our guide Christian was excellent. He stopped often to explain things and ensure the walk was kept to a manageable pace,. Everything from fungi through to plants butterflies frogs birds and monkeys pointed out and discussed. The farmstead had uninterrupted views of Arenal Volcano, yet surrounded by the forest. Firefly display, serene isolation (perhaps we could have done without the predawn cock crowing : but we did not miss the stunning sunrise) Dinner was excellent suitably sustaining two course event, and breakfast was usual Costa Rican fare. The second days walk was on wider tracks on ridges just above the forest affording fantastic views. Then a short taxi ride to San Elena. We booked this as a family of 4 ( 13 yo son and 16yo daughter). This trek requires a good level of fitness, it is steep hot and hot walking, day one 1200hrs to 1700hrs walking, following day 4 hrs walk. The farmstead is basic as you would expect, no electric no phone reception, fresh water, sleeping on thin but clean beds.

Unforgettable Experience - This hike is incredible. Spending quality time in the jungle with a knowledgeable guide is worth its weight in gold. Our guide, Cristian, knew every plant, insect, animal, and rock that we came across. The "hut" is a traditional Costa Rican home belonging to a friend of the guide. Red Lava gave us some food material to add to our bags to bring up, so make sure you have space in your bag! We enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal cooked by Cristian and the homeowner before watching the fireflies for hours. I would HIGHLY recommend bringing enough bug spray and sunscreen, as well as a raincoat, water shoes, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt to change into at the house for the bugs. There is no electricity at the home, so a head lamp or flashlight (or battery pack for your phone) will go a long way. 10/10 would do again. Thank you Red Lava for offering this incredible opportunity.

A beautiful part of the world - An experience that is almost impossible to tell. You must have felt and experienced this yourself. Breathtaking, challenging, exciting and fun.

Fun time in the forest! - Great hike! Our guide Christian was so knowledgeable about local wildlife and plants, especially birds. He gave us some recommendations for Monteverde as well. The first day of the hike was mostly uphills with stretches of flat parts. The difficulty wasn't too bad if you have a moderate level of cardio. Our stay was at the home of Severino, an elderly man who lives in the forest. When no cloud cover, there is a stunning view of the volcano directly from the house. Heads up, there is no electricity or plumbing. Just keep that in mind. The meals were definitely substantial and there was plenty of food left over. Second day of the hike started with an early morning uphill for ~30 min before easing into another 3-4 hours of up and down hill. The hike can get wet. There are 2 river crossings with the deepest being up to my (6'3) knees. Bring a jacket in case it rains. Really enjoyed this hike.

A unique rainforest homestay and hike - This is a unique opportunity to spend a night in a remote location in a self build cabin. For me, this was the part that was the highlight of the trip. There is a lot of 'up' on the walk, but we walked at an appropriate speed for the group. I do believe that the guide, Christian, really enjoyed doing this tour and really wanted us to enjoy it. Himself and the cabin owner were very hospitable. Also, the pets were adorable. I recommend taking - water shoes, hiking shoes, torch, warm clothes for evening, everything in water proof bags, baby wipes, some snacks, power charger bank thing if you need to charge something. Finally - If you struggle with insects, remember that the rainforest might not be the place for you to sleep 😂🪳

Great experience, remember your water shoes and water filters - This hike isn’t for everyone but if you are up for a strenuous, hot and humid adventure then you will have a great time The only thing I wish I knew was that “water refill” was directly from the stream, please bring your own filter!