5 Waterfall Hikes in Costa Rica to Build a Day Around

1.Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

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

At Finca Los Solís near Jaco, guides Jorge, Dustin, Marwin, and their team lead you up a river through 10 waterfalls, rope-assisted rock sections, natural pools, and rainforest plants. Expect wet shoes, steep climbs, fresh fruit, a typical Costa Rican lunch, and a small group of up to 15 people.

“We had a great time and we saw 10 beautiful waterfalls and got to swim in a few and we got some pineapple it was so good and fresh and guide was really informative”

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2.Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

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

Spend about eight hours traveling from Tamarindo to La Leona Waterfall with a private guide such as Jason, Dylan, Steven, or Noel. Expect a shaded, rocky hike beside Rio Blanco, several pools, caves, ladders, rope-assisted sections, and a final swim to the falls. Lunch, drinks, transport, and park fees are included.

“This is a great tour. Be prepared to swim, but it is so worth it! Even my 80-year-old Mom made it all the way like a champ (but she’s in great shape). Our guide Jason was great and we even got to see some monkeys in the trees at the end. Lunch was very good - classic Costa Rican Cosada plate cooked fresh. Highly recommend!”

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3.La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

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

Near Curubandé, this 4 to 5-hour outing pairs 90 minutes of river tubing with a waterfall adventure through rock canyons, streams, ladders, and a rope-assisted cave entry. Guides such as Ronnie, Victor, Diego, Brandy, and Rony lead the route and focus closely on safety.

“Well organized experience, we started with tubing down a river which was a lot of fun! The guides were cool and professionnal. Then, we did the 30mns hike to the waterfall which involves some swimming on the way. Of course, you have to wear life jackets all the time. I've been told it can be pretty busy in the morning, but being there around 2-3 pm worked out great for us since we didn't see many people.”

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4.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Spend about eight hours pairing Pure Trek waterfall rappelling with Balsa River rafting. You will rappel waterfalls, climb rocks, ride a zipline, tackle Class 2 to 3 rapids, stop for snacks, and enjoy lunch. Guides such as Byran, Myron, Augusto, and Mario are praised for calm safety support.

“Both parts of the tour were absolutely amazing! We didn't realize that the two parts were actually run by different tour companies but that coordinated really well together so it felt seamless. Just make sure to bring a change of clothes so you're not sitting around soaked during lunch!”

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

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

Start high in the Monteverde hills and hike about 5 kilometers downhill past four waterfalls, river crossings, and hanging bridges. Swim if weather permits, then ride horseback for roughly 35 minutes uphill before lunch. Hotel transport is included from Monteverde and Santa Elena.

“This is the BEST Monteverde hike! It is breathtakingly beautiful and just when you think it can’t get any better, you move to an even more fantastic location! There were stunning waterfalls, rope and wood suspension bridges that seemed right out of a scene from Jumanji. We swam in a pool of crystal clear fresh water and sunbathed on the rocks while gazing up at the towering trees of the rainforest. Spectacular! We finished the hike with a horseback ride back up out of the valley and walked into an awesome restaurant with a wall of windows overlooking the rolling hills from Lake Arenal to the Arenal Volcano! Brilliant!”

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