Discover the Wonders of Maderas

You definitely don't need a guide up here if you've already hiked once in your life. I even did the tour all alone without any problems. I started from Finca Magdalena, where you also pay $3 for the route. At the end of the dry season (mid-March) the mud went away. Most of the time you could easily avoid it, but you still have to be careful when going down. A good hiking stick (found at the beginning of the trail near the information sign) is very helpful here. It took me 2.45 hours to get to the lake and about 3 hours back. I wouldn't start running before 8 a.m. otherwise it would still be too cloudy up there. On the way back you just have to be careful that you take the right path at the fork so that you come back out at the finca.

I took away a star for the fact that the trails are poorly marked. However, with the trail map it is easy to find the right path to follow. He recommends (or even requires) taking a guide. I am absolutely not experienced accompanied by 2 good hikers and that is very well done. In no case did I feel the usefulness of having a guide. You have to pay 100 cordobas (US$3) each at the hotel at the beginning. The hike at the beginning is very simple. We saw monkeys, parrots and a multitude of unusual insects. Then it starts to To be apic. I highly recommend sticks that will be useful throughout! Yes, it’s muddy, yes it’s steep, yes there are a lot of clouds and rarely a beautiful view. But for the experience of climbing the summit in the middle of the jungle, for me it’s worth it! For an idea, 6 hours for the ascent and descent. With several breaks and a visit to the 2 large viewpoints. 2 seasoned hikers and 2 VERY novices but in good shape!! An incredible experience!

Hiking Volcano Maderas was a real challenge due to how slippery and muddy the trail was—it’s definitely not a hike for running shoes. Some parts, especially near the lake, were quite tricky, requiring a lot of climbing up and down. We started the hike from El Porvenir Albergue Ecológico and finished at Hostel Finca Magdalena, which is said to be the best and cheapest place to find a guide. The entire hike took us nearly 10 hours. Unfortunately, the lake was covered in mist, so we couldn’t see much. Walking back was tough as my legs were tired, and my shoes weren’t ideal, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The cloud forest was stunning and absolutely worth visiting!

If you have even the slightest doubt about hiking, don't do it!! The route is very difficult even for those in good physical shape. You walk 4 hours one way in the mud and will constantly slip and fall. The road down will kill your knees if you don't take poles for support. Most likely the view will be limited due to cloudiness and in this case it is absolutely pointless. From the top of the volcano you can only see the crater (if you're lucky). YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SWIM IN THE CRATER. The lake is too swampy. To view the entire island you need another volcano. But it's even more complicated. Take at least 2 liters of water! In general, it is possible without a guide. But I wouldn't risk it. A guide can be found at the hostel. The rise begins at approximately 8:30 am But in general, think carefully from the beginning. I definitely wouldn't recommend going there. Honestly .

Itinerary not indicated. Relatively doable with a GPS track. No real viewpoint during the ascent. It took us 10 hours round trip. At the top you have a beautiful view of the lake but not of the island. Disappointing for all this effort. Very greasy and slippery ground in dry weather