Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike from San Jose: Swimming & Lunch
Nine hours of hiking, swimming and eating in a hidden valley between volcanoes
This full-day hike from San Jose travels through Valverde Vega and into the remote Bajos del Toro valley to reach waterfalls that shift between blue and turquoise depending on volcanic activity at Poas. You hike roughly 6–7 km on dirt roads and rain forest trails, swim at one of the falls, and eat breakfast, snacks and lunch alongside the water. A guide leads in English or Spanish, and hotel pickup starts the day at 5:30 a.m.
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2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Hiking and waterfall visit in Bajos del Toro
- Guide picks up from hotel
- Travel to Bajos del Toro with scenic views
- Typical Costa Rican breakfast near Bajos del Toro
- Start hike to Bajos del Toro waterfalls
- Enjoy healthy snacks during hike
- Arrive at waterfalls and swim
- Free time at waterfalls
- Lunch by the waterfalls
- Return to hotel
What’s included
- Trekking poles.
- hotel pickup and drop-off.
- a typical Costa Rican breakfast.
- lunch.
- snacks.
- bottled water.
- a live guide in English or Spanish.
Times
- Monday 06:00
- Tuesday to Sunday 05:30 06:00
Before you book
Operated by DoTicoTours
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The drive from San Jose takes you through sugar cane and coffee farms toward the valley views. On clear mornings you can see the back of Poas Volcano rising above the landscape. Breakfast waits at the trailhead near Bajos del Toro around 7:30 a.m., a typical Costa Rican meal before the hike begins. The terrain mixes dirt roads, mountain trails through rain forest and stream crossings. Nothing technical, but the elevation and forest canopy mean the pace depends on fitness, weather and how the group moves together.
The hike itself runs roughly two hours to the waterfalls, with healthy snacks along the way. Once you arrive, you have free time to swim in one of the falls. The water color shifts between blue and turquoise depending on the season and volcanic minerals from Poas. Lunch happens in a spot right alongside the water around 1:30 p.m., then you make the return hike back to the trailhead and the drive home, arriving at your hotel by mid-afternoon. Trekking poles come with you, and the guide carries the route knowledge. They know the terrain, the water levels and which falls are safest to enter on any given day.
The full day runs 8–10 hours from pickup to drop-off. Distance can be shortened or lengthened if you request it ahead of time, as long as the schedule stays the same. Difficulty sits between easy and medium. The operator notes that fitness level, terrain, elevation, weather and pack weight all affect how the hike feels.
Is this one for you?The early 5:30 a.m. pickup and full 8–10 hour day mean you're committed to a long outing, but it's what lets the hike reach the remote waterfalls and gives you real time to swim and rest at the falls instead of rushing through. Choose this if you want a full immersion in the valley and don't mind starting before dawn.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What are the Bajos del Toro waterfalls like when I get there?
Bajos del Toro waterfalls shift between blue and turquoise colors depending on the season and volcanic activity at Poas Volcano. The water is deep enough to swim in, and you get free time to enter the water once the hike arrives. The exact shade and flow change with the time of year: summer and winter bring different mineral concentrations from the volcano.
How much hiking is actually involved on this day?
The hike to the waterfalls takes roughly two hours each way on mountain trails through rain forest and along streams, covering approximately 6–7 km total. The pace depends on the group's fitness level, the terrain conditions and weather that day. You can request a shorter or longer distance ahead of time if the schedule allows.
What time do I need to be ready for pickup?
Your guide picks you up from your hotel or meeting point at 5:30 a.m. You'll arrive at the trailhead by 7:30–8:00 a.m. for a typical Costa Rican breakfast before the hike begins at 9:00 a.m.
What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, trekking poles, breakfast, lunch, snacks, bottled water and a guide in English or Spanish are all included. Tips and travel insurance are not included. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection and a swimsuit. The guide and included water keep you hydrated through the day.
Is this hike suitable for someone who's reasonably fit but hasn't hiked in a while?
The hike is rated easy to medium difficulty. The operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness and notes that the terrain, elevation and pace all affect how the day feels. If you have concerns about your fitness or any health conditions, contact the operator before booking to discuss whether this hike suits you.
Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike from San Jose: Swimming & Lunch
9h–10h · EN · ES
from US$ 250 per person
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