Fun and Adventure at Two Nature Spots
Near Atenas, Costa Rica

One of the best things about living in or visiting Atenas is how close you are to incredible nature. A few years ago, some dear friends of ours from Holland came to visit, and on their last day we set out to explore two of my favorite spots nearby: El Bosque del Niño in Grecia and Las Minas de Aguacate / Río La Unión in Desmonte. Both turned out to be unforgettable highlights of their trip — and they’ve been favorites of mine for years.

Stop 1: El Bosque del Niño, Grecia

Just a 45-minute drive from Atenas, this peaceful forest reserve is the perfect place for a morning hike. As soon as you arrive, the fresh mountain air and the scent of pine and cypress trees welcome you. The trails are well-marked and shaded, with two main routes to choose from:

Waterfall Trail: A moderate 1.5–2 hour loop that takes you through lush forest and down to a waterfall and river.
Volcán Poás Trail: A longer, more challenging hike that eventually connects to the summit of Poás Volcano.

Fun fact: The forest was planted back in 1973 by local schoolchildren, and today it’s a thriving ecosystem that gets more than 140 inches of rain per year.

Google Maps Location

Entrance: $5.65 for foreigners / 678 colones for locals or residents.

Stop 2: Minas de Aguacate & Río La Unión, Desmonte

After the forest, we drove just 20 minutes from Atenas to the small village of Desmonte. This area is home to an abandoned silver mine and the stunning Río La Unión — a river that’s carved deep into rock over thousands of years, creating waterfalls, cliffs, and natural swimming pools.

This spot is full of energy and beauty. We hiked along the river, scrambled over rocks, and cooled off with a swim under the waterfalls. On weekends, the area is lively with families picnicking and kids splashing in the water.

Google Maps Location
Entrance: Free (on weekends/holidays, a local attendant may charge a small fee for parking).

Tip: Arrive early if visiting on weekends or holidays — the parking area fills up fast!

Why You’ll Love These Spots

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, both El Bosque del Niño and Río La Unión offer a chance to unplug and connect with Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Start your day with a hike through cool mountain forest, then end it swimming under waterfalls carved by time — all within an easy drive of Atenas.

So if you’re staying in town and want a quick dose of pura vida adventure, these two gems are not to be missed!

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