Waterfall Hikes in Costa Rica: Our Top 4

1.Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

At Finca Los Solís near Jaco, you hike, wade, swim, and use ropes to reach about 10 waterfalls and natural pools. Guides such as Jorge, Dustin, Marwin, and Coco lead the route, explain local plants and wildlife, and help on steep sections. A typical Costa Rican lunch, fruit, water, parking, showers, and a dry bag are included.

“This was not an easy walk in the jungle. The pace was brisk and steeply uphill. You need to be able to swim and be able to pull yourself up slippery rocks with a well worn knotted rope. But the waterfalls, pools and scenery were great and well worth it”

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2.Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $79

From Tamarindo, you’ll hike beside the blue Rio Blanco through pools, caves, ropes, and rocky river crossings to La Leona Waterfall. The final approach includes a short swim, with life jackets supplied. Guides such as Jason, Steven, Dylan, and Noel are praised for patience and local insight. Lunch, drinks, park fees, and transport are included.

“This is a must do excursion! This travel group was awesome! We ended up having a private tour with Jason. He is a younger guy that knew a lot about the area. He was a pleasure to hike with, and the area is absolutely beautiful! We went in June which is the beginning of the rainy season so it was not super busy. Jason says sometimes in the hotter months there can be lines to get up to the waterfall. We thankfully didn’t have to wait and got to spend time enjoying the waterfall with just a few others in another group. The hike does involve climbing over large boulders,…”

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3.La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $90

Spend 4 to 5 hours near Rincón de la Vieja hiking through forest and river channels to La Leona Waterfall, then tubing through scenic canyons. Guides such as Ronnie, Victor, Diego, Brandy, and Ponchino handle safety, ropes, ladders, and river sections. Expect a moderate workout, wet clothes, and no included food.

“Beauti nature! Alejandro was an excellent guide for our family. Learned a lot. No animals in the afternoon tour. Hike to the fall is not hard. Tubing is very safe. Water refreshing. The guides will help you if you need it.”

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4.3-in-1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Waterfalls, Wild Trekking and Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 56 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $116

Spend about five hours hiking from a mountain ridge through Monteverde forest, crossing rustic bridges and visiting four large waterfalls. If weather allows, swim in the river before riding horseback for about 35 minutes uphill. A typical Costa Rican lunch, snacks, hotel transfers, and a driver are included. Miguel is one of the guides associated with the horseback ride.

“Our favorite tour in Costa Rica!!! Since my friend and I decided to not go to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, we found this tour. We were picked up from our lodging in Monteverde in a shared a shuttle. The hike was amazing! So many waterfalls and also the hanging bridges were very scenic. It was not too crowded. We were able to explore on our own pace (the hike is not done with a guide). The trails are well maintained. Riding horses at the end of the hike was really fun! The horses are well trained and seem to be well taken care of. The lunch was delightful and was…”

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