Hiking
Hiking around the area is the best way to observe the local wildlife and become familiar with the area. There are several enjoyable hikes with a pleasant destination at the end of your hike.
Hiking to the south you will find Arenas Bay just a short distance away. Arenas Bay offers excellent snorkeling and swimming. The large rock headland called Punta Gigante can be climbed by those experienced mountain hikers to gain an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean. Above Arenas Bay you will see modern private homes built on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. These homes are part of the Arenas Bay development which is just about complete.
Hiking north brings you through the village of Gigante where many of the fishermen live. As you continue past the village and up the hill you will see a dirt path leading to a beautiful and deserted beach called Playa Amarilla. This beach is generally calm and good for swimming except in the June thru October period when large southern swells wrap into the bay and provide surfable waves.
Hiking further north along Playa Amarilla you will come to another rock headland that is only passable for experienced hikers at low tide. Beyond this headland lies the surfing beaches of Playa Colorado and Panga Drop. Colorado is a river mouth beach break with the most consistent surf in the area. Panga Drop is a rock break located about 50 meters off the beach that can handle larger swell.
Two road hikes are worthwhile to observe wildlife: The first takes you thru the village of Gigante and then down the road that you came in on. Monkeys and many birds can be seen from the road. You can walk as far as the small river just before the Arenas Bay entrance or you can walk the 3.4 KM to the entrance to Gigante. You’ll see lots of wildlife if you go this far but be sure to take lot of water and wear your sunscreen. The second road hike starts in Gigante heading north just past the small dirt road leading to Playa Amarilla. Continue down this road and up the mountain along this old entrance to Gigante. The road is very rutted and muddy in the rainy season. Walking over the mountain and down the road brings you to the main Tola-Las Salinas road where you see the bus stop. This hike will take about 90 minutes from Gigante down to the Tola-Las Salinas road. The distance is unknown because this old road is foot or horse passable only.
Other Things to Do
Hiking Gallery
