Playa Hermosa: 3 Waterfalls & Coyotes Cave Swimming Day Trip

Three waterfalls, one private trail, and a river you have to swim through to reach them

You swim into two canyons, hike 2.5 miles through jungle to a third waterfall, jump from rocks into pools, eat lunch in a banana plantation, and watch the sunset from a mountain: all on private land you couldn't reach without a guide and a vehicle. Transport, lunch, water and entry are included. Bring a swimsuit and waterproof shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit three secret waterfalls

• Go to Coyotes Cave canyon
• Swim 300ft to waterfalls
• Enjoy river jacuzzi and jumps
• Travel to banana plantation lunch
• Hike 2.5 miles to waterfall
• Cross river and swim 50ft
• Return home and watch sunset

The experience

Someone is lowering themselves into a canyon pool, the water so clear you can see the riverbed. Another person is climbing the rocks beside a waterfall, getting ready to jump. That's the Coyotes Cave stop: the first of three waterfalls on this full-day trip from Playa Hermosa. You start early, drive to private land where the canyon opens up, and spend the morning in and around the water. There's a jacuzzi-like section where the river pools, and if you want to jump from different heights into the crystal water, you can. The guide will show you where it's safe. To see the main waterfall here, you swim about 300 feet upstream. It's not a long swim, but it's the kind of thing you can't do on your own. The property is private, and there's no public access.

After Coyotes Cave, you hike back out and eat lunch in the middle of a banana plantation: a typical Costa Rican casado with your choice of beef, pork, chicken or fish, rice, beans, and vegetables. The guide eats with you, and the forest is loud with birds and insects. Then comes the second part: a 2.5-mile hike deeper into the jungle to a waterfall that most tourists never see. You cross the river twice and swim about 50 feet to reach the base. The hike isn't technical, but it's wet and muddy, and you're moving through real rainforest, not a manicured trail. The waterfall at the end is the kind of place that makes you stop talking for a minute.

The day ends with a drive back toward Playa Hermosa, timing it so you see the sunset from a big mountain overlook. Private transportation is included the whole time (pickup, all three stops, and the ride home), so you're not renting a car or figuring out how to get to land that doesn't have a road sign. Bottled water comes with you, entry fees are covered, and the guide knows which jumps are safe and which aren't. The whole thing runs about eight hours, and you'll be wet and tired and probably sunburned in places you forgot existed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Playa Hermosa to all three waterfall sites and back, a typical Costa Rican lunch (casado with your choice of beef, pork, chicken or fish) eaten in the banana plantation, bottled water throughout the day, and all entry fees and taxes. The guide leads you through the swims, hikes and jumps, and timing is arranged so you see the sunset on the return drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Private Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see waterfalls that aren't on the main tourist circuit and don't want to spend the day figuring out how to get there: the private land and jungle terrain mean you need both a guide and transport, which is what this trip provides.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

The swims are short (300 feet and 50 feet) in calm water, and you can wear a life jacket if you want. The guide will be with you.

What's the fitness level required?

The hike is 2.5 miles on muddy, wet terrain with river crossings, but it's not steep or technical. Most people at any fitness level can do it at their own pace.

What should I wear?

A swimsuit, water shoes or sandals with grip, and clothes you don't mind getting wet and muddy. Bring a dry change for the drive home.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A typical Costa Rican casado with your choice of protein, rice, beans, and vegetables, eaten in the jungle.

Can I do this if I'm not comfortable with heights?

The cliff jumps are optional. You can stay in the water and watch others, or skip that stop entirely.

Is this a private tour or a group?

Groups stay small, and the land is private, so you won't be sharing the waterfalls with crowds.