Cañon Macho de Monte

This dramatic canyon, which features sheer faces, waterfalls, and the boulder-choked Río Macho de Monte at the bottom, is a prime bird-watching area. You have a decent chance of spotting orange-collared manakins, riverside wrens, fiery-billed aracaris, and orange-bellied trogons. Those into higher adrenaline outings might be interested in the inner-tube rafting or rappelling trips offered by High Lands Adventures. It’s also just a great place for photos. The turnoff to Macho de Monte is about 12 kilometers south of Volcán at the tiny community of Cuesta del Piedra. If you’re heading downhill, the unmarked turn will be on the left. Look for Restaurante El Porvenir and Mini Super Meinor; the road to the canyon is between them. Head down this road for less than three kilometers, past the guardhouse for the hydroelectric plant. You’ll cross two bridges. Park by the tin-roofed rancho on the right. For a spectacular vista, walk down the slippery path, climb over the barbed wire fence, and scramble over a few boulders until you come to a vertiginous drop-off. Needless to say, watch your step. There’s also a path near the guardhouse that leads down to the river. Ask the guard to point it out.