Things To Do
in Los Chiles
Los Chiles is a small border town in the north of Costa Rica on the banks of the Río San Juan. It's a gateway to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for waterfowl and other wildlife. The town has a relaxed, rural vibe with markets, riverfront meals, and friendly locals.
The economy revolves around farming, fishing, and eco-tourism, making it a great base for wildlife lovers and outdoor travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Los Chiles and settle into your riverside lodge. Enjoy a welcome tropical breakfast on the veranda while watching kingfishers flit along the riverbank. Acclimate to the lush surroundings and meet your naturalist guide for an overview of the area’s rich biodiversity.
Embark on a boat safari along the San Carlos River exploring winding tributaries. Spot caimans basking on muddy banks and curious capuchin monkeys swinging overhead. Learn about the river’s ecology and the conservation efforts protecting this vital habitat.
Return to the lodge for a traditional Costa Rican casado dinner under an open-air gazebo. Listen to howler monkeys and tree frogs as the jungle chorus swells at dusk. Relax by lantern light and share stories of your first wildlife encounters.
Set out before sunrise to the famed Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Scan the floodplain with your binoculars and tick off herons, storks, and egrets against a pastel sky. Learn identification tips from your expert birding guide.
Glide in a canoe through the wetlands, skirting lilypads and flooded forests. Spot rare species like the jabiru stork and the migratory swallow-tailed kite. Document sightings in your field journal and discuss local conservation challenges.
Return to town for a filling gallo pinto dinner. Attend a brief slideshow presentation on wetland ecology by a community biologist. Stroll along the riverbank under star-speckled skies before turning in.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $25-50 |
| 🚕Taxi within town | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil, uncrowded destination for nature lovers
- Close to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and river-based activities
- Affordably priced, friendly local vibe
- Good base for birdwatching and wildlife photography
- Limited nightlife and urban amenities
- Rugged road conditions and long drives to major airports
- Heat and humidity can be intense; mosquitoes are common
- Healthcare options are more limited than in bigger cities
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Los Chiles
Visit one of these nice places.
A flooded wetlands reserve where boardwalks and boat trips offer sunset silhouettes of herons, storks, and caimans.
Iconic border bridge with views of the Río San Juan and activity on the water.
Soft morning light over the river with boats and birds in flight.
Shallow banks and mangroves offering reflections and wildlife glimpses.
Food in Los Chiles
Los Chiles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh river fish fried crisp and served with fried plantains; a riverbank specialty.
Must-Try!
Rice and beans with onions and peppers, a staple for breakfast and all-day meals.
A balanced plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of meat.
Beef stew with vegetables, slow-simmered for comforting flavor.
Fried plantain slices topped with melted cheese, a popular snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small, lively market offering fresh produce, river fish, dairy, and ready-to-eat dishes.
Street stalls with fresh fruit juices, snacks, and local bites near the town center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' Show respect when speaking with elders, and avoid loud behavior in public spaces; ask permission before taking photos of people or homes.
Safety
Tipping in Los Chiles
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of 5-10% in restaurants for good service; guides and drivers often appreciate USD if service is satisfactory.
Cash in Costa Rican colones or USD widely accepted; many places accept credit/debit cards; ATMs widely available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season (roughly November–April). Expect hot days, sunny skies, and lower river levels; great for wildlife viewing on open wetlands but carry water and sun protection.
Green landscapes with regular afternoon showers (May–October). Trails can be muddy; river levels rise and bird activity changes; pack rain gear and insect repellent.
Los Chiles at Night
Hiking in Los Chiles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate boardwalk and marsh trails offering birding and nature photography near the refuge.
Forest trails in the nearby Sarapiquí region offering rainforest scenery and wildlife.
Popular day trip with volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and rainforest trails (distance from Los Chiles ~2-3 hours by car).
Airports
How to reach Los Chiles by plane.
Liberia, Costa Rica. The main international gateway for the northwest; approx. 2.5-4 hours by road from Los Chiles depending on border crossing and road conditions.
San José, Costa Rica. The country’s largest international airport; usually a longer transfer but many flights connect through here.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Mestizo and Indigenous-influenced communities with a mix of rural families and small businesses.
Border-area communities include Nicaraguan families; their presence adds cultural and culinary diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Costa Rica; local matches and informal play are common in towns like Los Chiles.
River fishing on the San Juan and nearby waters is popular with visiting anglers and locals.
Common in community centers and schools, especially among youths.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Los Chiles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy staples like gallo pinto, veggie casados, fresh fruit, and salads; ask for beans and rice with plantains or grilled vegetables.