Costa Rica waterfalls: Private hiking tour with lunch & pickup

Summary

Swim through hidden caves & hike to wild waterfalls in Costa Rica

You’ll swim through caves, leap into cool rivers, share lunch on a banana plantation, and hike deep into private rainforest to reach three secret Costa Rica waterfalls with your local guide. Expect wet shoes, laughter, and moments of quiet awe — plus a traditional casado meal along the way — all memories you’ll carry home long after your day trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the sound of water echoing inside Coyotes Cave — not loud, but kind of hollow, like it was bouncing off old stone. We’d barely started the day and already my shoes were soaked (should’ve just worn sandals). Our guide, Diego, grinned at us before showing how to jump into the river’s “jacuzzi” spot. The water was colder than I expected — sharp at first, then just clean. There’s this moment where you have to swim about 300 feet to reach the first waterfall, and honestly, I hesitated. But Diego just said, “Pura vida!” and splashed ahead. So I followed.

After that swim, we dried off as best we could and piled into the van for the next stop. Lunch was at a banana plantation tucked right into the tropical forest — you could smell earth and fruit everywhere. They served us casado (I picked chicken), with beans that tasted smoky somehow. There was a family eating nearby; their little girl kept waving at us between bites of plantain. It felt relaxed in a way I didn’t expect from an adventure tour.

The last hike was about 2.5 miles — not too tough but muddy in places (my socks never stood a chance). To get to the final waterfall, we had to cross another river and swim again, maybe 50 feet this time. The water here looked almost blue under the trees. Diego pointed out some birds I’d never seen before — he knew all their names in Spanish and English, which impressed me more than I let on. By the time we reached the big waterfall, everyone just stood there for a while without talking much. It’s weird how quiet it can feel even with all that rushing water around you.

On the drive back up the mountain, we caught glimpses of sunset through open windows — orange light flickering over green hills. Someone started humming something local on the radio; nobody really wanted to talk yet. I keep thinking about those cold swims and that feeling of being somewhere you can’t get by yourself, you know? Not sure my photos do it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 3 Waterfalls Adventure

• Visit Coyotes Cave canyon
• Jacuzzi in river
• Waterfall swimming and jumps
• Lunch at banana plantation
• 2.5-mile hike to waterfall
• Cross river and swim 50 ft
• Return ride and mountain sunset

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you visit on this Costa Rica hiking tour?

You visit three different waterfalls during this full-day tour.

Is lunch included on the Costa Rica waterfalls day trip?

Yes, a typical Costa Rican casado lunch is included during the tour.

Do I need to swim during this private waterfall tour?

Yes, swimming is required to reach some of the waterfalls (about 300ft at one spot and 50ft at another).

Is transportation provided for this Costa Rica waterfall experience?

Private transportation is included for all participants.

Are guides local on this Costa Rica hiking adventure?

Yes, tours are led by local guides familiar with the area and wildlife.

What should I wear for hiking to these secret waterfalls?

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet; sandals or water shoes are recommended due to swimming and muddy trails.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your location in Costa Rica, entry to all three secret waterfalls on private land (not accessible alone), guidance from a local expert throughout each hike and swim, bottled water along the way, plus a traditional casado lunch served fresh at a banana plantation before heading back as sunset colors hit the mountains.