A couple of short trails and a mirador (scenic overlook) near the west entrance provide a great introduction to the park. However, the waterfalls and quebradas on the six kilometer (3.7 mile) long Río Negro trail through the primary rain forest are the main attraction. The trail starts out as a dirt road that drops steeply to the river. A suspension bridge keeps your feet dry for the moment but there are many rock hopping and log balancing water crossings ahead. It’s a great place to take a break and watch the multitude of bird species flitting in and out of the sun dappled branches of the tropical hardwoods. The ranger told us to look for a short (200 meters) side trail that follows the river to a giant rock wall which has eroded into pools at the bottom. At each end of the main Río Negro trail it is clear and well maintained but near the middle where it gets less use there are some segments that would be impassable for many people. It requires some athleticism and quite a bit of strength, skill and determination to negotiate the very steep mud slicked ravines where erosion has destroyed the trail. The drive is 75 km and takes around two hours from San José.