Pocosol Biological Station — Local services in Peñas Blancas

A little challenging to get to but worth the trip. We had a smallish Mitsubishi crossover and were able to make it without turning 4wd on but if it were raining we may have needed it. A car may be able to make it on the rocky/bumpy and steep roads but I would not advise it. We came from near Chachagua and were advised by our hotel that the path suggested by google maps would not work as it uses a bridge that is now closed. I had checked with the hotel due to hearing warnings on here. There bridge that I was told is closed is here: 10°21'17.5"N 84°38'46.9"W Google is missing a section of the road that took us there on our way from the north. Google shows the road stopping here, 10°21'43.7"N 84°38'29.8"W, it actually continues and connects to near where the closed bridge is. Along this road you will see signs...

Just amazing and breathtaking. This was our best experience in Costa Rica so far. If you enjoy hiking in the nature, away from the tourist swarm this is the right place. The drive there is a bit of an adventure, but if you drive carefully you will get there with no problem (4WD is definitely needed). People working there were very helpful and we got a very good lunch there. One can stay overnight as well.

I would say this is not for families with kids as the trails are a bit more challenging and are definitely not as “paved” as the other commercial parks in Arenal.

We haven’t seen too many animals, but we also didn’t hire a ranger to guide us. There are a couple of trails, we did all of them on one day (~5km in the morning, 3km in...

Incredible experience. Very secluded, bumpy road, 4x4 is a good idea though you may be able to do without if it's very dry and you have good ground clearance. Saw a lot of wildlife, great birdwatching, perhaps the highlight of our trip to CR even though we are not hardcore birderwatchers. Beautiful waterfall. Saw zero other people on the trails, though somehow they had a very good (if a bit pricey for foreigners) lunch at the station. Did not stay at the station but looked like an incredible option for the serious birder, they have internet, food etc. Website has good information and they respond quickly to emails. Be mindful of the route you take to arrive given...