Costa Rica: Waterfall Day Trip & Rainforest Lunch with Pickup

Summary

Swim beneath jungle waterfalls, share stories over fresh farm lunch, wander secret beaches with locals guiding the way

You’ll swim beneath jungle waterfalls, test your nerve on a natural rock slide, share an organic rainforest lunch with new friends, and end up on a quiet beach only locals seem to know. With easy pickup and guides who grew up here, this day trip feels less like a tour and more like being welcomed into someone’s favorite memories.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it out of Manuel Antonio when our guide Carlos started telling us about his childhood swimming in these rivers — he grinned and said, “My mom still yells if I come home muddy.” The van smelled faintly of sunscreen and wet earth. First stop was a waterfall I can’t pronounce (Carlos tried to teach me, but honestly I just nodded). The air was thick and green. You hear the water before you see it — not loud, more like a steady hush that fills your head. There were kids from another family already jumping in. My own daughter hesitated at first, then went for it; her laugh echoed off the rocks. I didn’t expect to feel so…light?

The day trip to Costa Rica’s waterfalls isn’t about hiking miles or showing off — most spots are just a short walk from the van. At one place there’s this natural water slide — twenty feet of smooth rock straight into a pool. A couple of us chickened out (I won’t say who), but Carlos slid down like he was ten again. He handed out dry bags for our phones and snacks for anyone who needed them. Lunch was at this open-air spot tucked in rainforest shade — rice, grilled fish, something spicy I couldn’t name. Even the vegan option got passed around for tastes. You could hear birds arguing overhead while we ate.

After lunch we hit a beach that felt almost secret — caves at one end, palm trees leaning over the sand like they were eavesdropping. The breeze smelled salty-sweet and you could see little crabs skittering sideways if you looked close enough. It’s funny how quickly strangers start swapping stories after a few hours of slipping on rocks together. By the last waterfall, nobody cared about wet shoes or messy hair; people were just floating in the cool water or sitting quiet under the spray. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day waterfall and beach tour

• Pick up from Quepos
• Travel south to waterfalls
• Visit first waterfall and swim
• Explore second waterfall and jump
• Enjoy third waterfall with water slide
• Visit semi-private beach with caves
• Relax and swim at beach
• Return to Quepos

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three different waterfalls during the day trip.

Is there much hiking involved?

No, each waterfall is easily accessible with very limited hiking required.

Are there swimming opportunities at each stop?

Yes, every waterfall has its own swimming hole where you can swim or relax.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, an organic farm-to-table rainforest lunch is included with fish, chicken, and vegan options.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included for your convenience.

Are children or older adults able to join?

This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; infants seats are available too.

What should I bring for the waterfall adventure?

You don’t need much—dry bags and safety gear are provided along with snacks and bottled water.

Is there any cliff jumping or slides?

One waterfall features areas to jump from and even has a 20ft natural water slide.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary equipment like dry bags and safety gear (even a med kit), bottled water and snacks throughout the adventure, plus an organic farm-to-table rainforest lunch with choices for fish lovers, chicken fans or vegans before heading back in comfort.