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Jaco is famous for its beach, but some of the best days you can have here start in the rainforest just behind town. The hills east of Jaco hide rivers, swimming holes and waterfalls you can reach on foot, on horseback, or by rappelling straight down them. Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for a full day of adrenaline, there’s a waterfall tour in Jaco, Costa Rica, that fits your group.
Here are the six waterfall tours we book most often, what each one is like, and how to choose.
Quick comparison
| Tour | Best for | Starts | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfall Explorer | Families, easy hike | 7:00 am or 1:00 pm | $79 |
| Bijagual Waterfall Horseback Riding | Scenic ride + swim | 8:30 am or 1:00 pm | $75 |
| Waterfall Canyoning | First-time canyoning (ages 10+) | 7:00 am or 1:00 pm | $99 |
| Canyoning & Horseback Combo | Two activities in one morning | 8:00 am or 10:00 am | $159 |
| Waterfall Extreme Canyoneering | Experienced adventurers | 7:00 am | $150 |
| Waterfall Extreme Adventurer | A full day, five waterfalls | 7:00 am | $175 |
Prices are per adult. Pickup from Jaco is available on every tour, usually for a small extra charge.
1. Waterfall Explorer: the easy, family-friendly hike
If you want waterfalls without the rope work, start here. The Waterfall Explorer is a guided hike through the rainforest above the Pacific, with several waterfalls to swim in and jump into along the way. The day begins at base camp with a traditional Costa Rican meal.
The trail isn’t technical. You just need to be able to hike on your own, which makes it one of the most family-friendly waterfall tours in Jaco. Your bilingual guide will point out wildlife and plants as you go.
Good to know: wear closed, non-slip shoes (no sandals), bring a swimsuit, and pack a rain jacket in the green season.
2. Bijagual Waterfall on horseback
Bijagual Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls near Jaco, and the ride there is half the fun. You’ll travel on horseback to the natural swimming pools for a refreshing dip, then walk down to a lookout (about 25 minutes each way) to see the main falls. The whole tour takes about four hours, and your horse, equipment and bilingual guide are included.
Good to know: the walk to the lookout takes some effort, so let us know if anyone in your group prefers to stay at the pools.
3. Waterfall Canyoning: rappel down the falls
Canyoning combines zip lining, waterfall rappelling, hiking, swimming and cliff jumping in one tour. On Waterfall Canyoning you’ll start at base camp with a Costa Rican meal, get a safety briefing and practice, then work your way down the canyon with your guides. No experience is needed, but you should be comfortable on a steady hike.
Good to know: the minimum age is 10. If you’re traveling with younger kids, the Waterfall Explorer is the better choice.
4. Canyoning & Horseback Combo
Can’t choose between a horseback ride and canyoning? The Canyoning & Horseback Combo gives you both in one outing, with all equipment, guides and fresh fruit after each activity. There’s also an on-site restaurant if you’d like to stay for lunch.
5. Waterfall Extreme Canyoneering
For those who’ve tried canyoning before, or simply want more of it, Waterfall Extreme Canyoneering takes the classic canyoning day further, with zip lines, bigger rappels and a typical Costa Rican lunch. Transportation and equipment are included, and it runs with a minimum of two people.
6. Waterfall Extreme Adventurer: a full day, five waterfalls
The Waterfall Extreme Adventurer is the big one: a full day visiting five different waterfalls, each bigger than the last. It’s built for adrenaline lovers, but you don’t need to be an extreme athlete to enjoy it. Round-trip transportation from most Jaco, Playa Hermosa and Herradura hotels, all equipment and lunch are included. It needs a minimum of four people; if your group is smaller, ask us and we’ll try to add you to another group.
Which waterfall tour should you choose?
- Traveling with kids under 10: Waterfall Explorer or Bijagual Waterfall on horseback.
- First time canyoning: Waterfall Canyoning.
- You want two activities in one morning: Canyoning & Horseback Combo.
- You’ve canyoned before: Waterfall Extreme Canyoneering.
- You want a full adventure day: Waterfall Extreme Adventurer.
What to bring on any waterfall tour
- Closed, non-slip athletic shoes you don’t mind getting wet
- Swimsuit and a change of clothes
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- A light rain jacket or poncho in the green season (roughly May to November)
- A little cash for tips, which guides always appreciate
When to go
Waterfall tours in Jaco run all year. In the dry season (roughly December to April) trails are easier and skies are clearer. In the green season the waterfalls are at their fullest and the forest is at its most lush, and mornings are usually the driest part of the day, so the 7:00 am and 8:30 am departures are a good choice.
Book your waterfall tour in Jaco
Prefer engines to hiking boots? Our ATV tours and side by side tours of 3 hours or more also stop at a waterfall. Compare them all on our Waterfall Tours in Jaco page. Requesting is free: add a tour (or a few) to My Trip, send one request, and our local team will confirm availability by email or WhatsApp. You only pay once everything is confirmed.
Planning the rest of your stay? Read our guide to things to do in Jaco.
