The Diriá National Park, until 2004 the Diriá National Forest Wildlife Refuge, is a National Park of Costa Rica south of Santa Cruz in the Guanacaste Province, and forms part of the Tempisque Conservation Area.
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No one we talked to had ever been to this park, and most people hadn’t even heard of it. It was nice because it’s only 1.5 hours from Sámara, and you get to a totally different type of area. We did the two hikes that were available (one of the 3 was closed for repair), and spent probably from around 10am to 2:30 in the park and were taking our time. It was cooler than Sámara both because of altitude but also because there was so much shade (it was still very hot just didn’t feel as bad as we knew it could).
The first loop trail they say takes 45 min. There is a decent amount of uphill walking to do, but the path itself is not difficult. We meandered and then wadded in the river which is quite low in dry season. We saw lots of birds and tadpoles and butterflies and of course iguanas.
The 2nd trail - during which we stopped to play around in the trees and sit for a while - they say is 1.5 hours long. The path is the river bed, so during dry season we were just hopping back and forth over the river and scrambling over all the rocks. I have no idea what it would be like in wet season, but the path is definitely not flat (mostly rocks). On the way we got to see a whole group of coatis wandering down the riverbed towards us! That was certainly one of the highlights.
I haven’t been to any of the other parks so I don’t know how they compare, but we did indeed have a lovely day.
Also, at the entrance where you first park is the ranger station. Someone came out to have us sign in but we didn’t have to pay anything. There are restrooms here but they’re not used often and therefore have lots of critters...
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November, 25 2021. Drove in from the north side like the other reviews said to. Go to the city of Santa Cruz and put the park into gmaps and it will take you here. 4 wheel drive wasn't as necessary as higher clearance, you won't be able to get the small sedans down this road. It's chunky.
As you enter the park you will turn left, there is a sign that says "4x4 only" this is for the river crossing. You can park at the split in the road and walk across the river if you don't want to take your vehicle. Once you get across the river crossing you will see the ranger building and a sign for "information?" There was a ranger there who was willing to help.
We hiked the very small loop, their was a sign pointing to the trail and marked "trail".
We left the ranger station parking lot and turned left outside of the park. (which would be the road to stay straight instead of turning left into the park). Drove a little ways down and there was another river crossing. Park before this river crossing and you will see a trail opening. This is where the begining of the trail to the big water fall is. The hike to the waterfall is along the river and will require you to cross the river multiple times. I recommend wet shoes or shoes you are willing to get wet. The waterfall was...
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This place is amazing, if you go you will have to go down a dirt road with some switchbacks, but it is not that bad, some up some downs, we went during the dry season (late January) the walk to the falls was amazing, howler monkeys in the trees, spiders little fish in the pools that you can swim in on your way to the falls, you could pay 50 to $100 with a bus load of people to haul you to another Park, instead rent a four-wheel drive car get in it and use the GPS (waze) and drive to this free yes I said free National Park, There was one other couple that we seen all day while at this park. we also did the walk through the forest first which was nice, but walking up to the falls was awesome! Take water we also threw a little lunch in our backpack, and had a great time. When come to the park you will see a sign that says 4 wheel drive only that goes left do not take that! Turn right continue down until you see the sign for the park, click the car into four-wheel drive zip across the river and kind of bare left and you will be at the ranger station, the ranger we dealt with was extremely friendly knowledgeable and would like more visitors! Did I mention this is free! Get out and enjoy...
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