Los Chiles

Travel Guide

A calm lake reflecting clouds and a dense forest in the background.

Spend time in Los Chiles to explore waterfalls, parks, and nearby towns that showcase the region's natural beauty.

Los Chiles is an ideal destination for outdoor and scenery travelers. You can visit the Rio Celeste Waterfall and explore the natural beauty of the area. Nearby, Upala Central Park offers urban green spaces for relaxation, while the Rio Frio Marina provides opportunities for water activities. For shopping, El Pilon Station is a venue to check out, and the coastal region of Rio Celeste is known for its adventure tourism, making it a popular spot for those looking to connect with nature.

While you're in Los Chiles, consider exploring some nearby areas known for their outdoor and adventure experiences. Katira features the historic Peace Tree, inviting visitors to appreciate its significance. Caño Negro is another nearby location where you can engage in nature activities, and Bijagua also offers various experiences focused on the outdoors. Each of these places provides a unique perspective on the natural environment surrounding Los Chiles.

The best time to visit Los Chiles largely depends on rainfall rather than temperature, as the weather remains warm and fairly constant year-round. Rain is heavier from May to November, which can influence your plans. Demand for visits tends to stay steady throughout the year, with a slight increase in January and March to April, while the period from May to June and August tends to be quieter, providing a more serene experience.

Hotel Sueño Real Rio Celeste

Hotel Sueño Real Rio Celeste

3 out of 5
400 meters west of Katira gas station Katira Alajuela
$108 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$121 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Katira. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Peace Tree and El Pilon Station ...
Hotel Sueño Real Rio Celeste
Natural Lodge Caño Negro

Natural Lodge Caño Negro

3.5 out of 5
250m oeste Super Centro Caño Negro Alajuela
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$168 nightly
The price is $190 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$190 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Caño Negro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attraction Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge is located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
"Very new hotel in excellent condition. Very clean room and helpful staff. Wifi is quite weak in the room. Meals are okay but not in par with the room price."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2026

Natural Lodge Caño Negro
Tocu Tent Camp

Tocu Tent Camp

4 out of 5
Caño Negro Caño Negro Alajuela
$168 nightly
The price is $190 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$190 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this tentalow in Caño Negro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge and Rio Frio ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Beautiful and very peaceful"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026

Tocu Tent Camp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Finca L’Étoile Celeste

Hotel Finca L’Étoile Celeste

3 out of 5
400m Oeste de la plaza de deportes Katira Alajuela
Stay at this vacation home in Katira. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and onsite spa services.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Location & Property The hotel is conveniently located if you are visiting Tenorio Volcano and Río Celeste, although it is not right next to the main road. You have to drive about 10 minutes from the main road to reach the property. There are no shops or restaurants nearby, so if you don't plan to ..."

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2026

Hotel Finca L’Étoile Celeste
Cabañas y Senderos Finca El Triunfo Caño Negro.

Cabañas y Senderos Finca El Triunfo Caño Negro.

3 out of 5
Del Súper Caño Negro 200 metros oeste y 600 metros norte Caño Negro Northern Plains
Stay at this cabin in Caño Negro. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attraction Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge is located nearby.
Cabañas y Senderos Finca El Triunfo Caño Negro.
Rio Celeste Birds Garden apartment with A/C perfect for Family and couples

Rio Celeste Birds Garden apartment with A/C perfect for Family and couples

Upala Provincia de Alajuela
Stay at this apartment in Upala. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Peace Tree and El Pilon Station are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Fabulous accommodation. Spacious, clean and well appointed. Carol was a wonderful hostess- communicative and helpful. Her son Alex greeted us in arrival and was friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Rio Celeste Birds Garden apartment with A/C perfect for Family and couples
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Los Chiles attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Los Chiles?
The best time to visit Los Chiles is from August through December. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of April and May are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience.
What is Los Chiles known for?
Los Chiles is known for the Rio Frio Marina and the Medio Queso Wetlands. This city in Costa Rica serves as a gateway for travelers to explore these significant natural areas, offering unique experiences centered around its waterways and ecological features.
What is a good itinerary length for Los Chiles?
A good itinerary length for Los Chiles is one to two days to experience key natural attractions like the Rio Frio Marina and Medio Queso Wetlands, perhaps with a Cano Negro Rio Frio Boat Safari or some birdwatching. An extended stay of three to four days allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration of the area's natural beauty. See Los Chiles Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Los Chiles?
Los Chiles offers travelers a chance to explore its natural beauty and diverse wildlife:

  • Explore the Medio Queso Wetlands, a notable natural landmark.
  • Take a Cano Negro Rio Frio Boat Safari to observe local wildlife.
  • Enjoy birdwatching, a popular experience in the area.
  • Visit the Rio Frio Marina.

How do I plan a trip to Los Chiles?
To plan your trip to Los Chiles, search for places to stay and book flights in advance. Consider activities like Birdwatching or a Cano Negro Rio Frio Boat Safari, and visit Rio Frio Marina and Medio Queso Wetlands. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your time.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Los Chiles?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Los Chiles by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Los Chiles with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Los Chiles trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Los Chiles?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Los Chiles can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Los Chiles trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Los Chiles trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Los Chiles trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Los Chiles trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Los Chiles?
If it's your first trip to Los Chiles, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Los Chiles hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Los Chiles hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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