Horseback riding in Jaco rainforest with waterfall hike

Ride through the rainforest after hiking to a private waterfall

A three-hour rainforest tour in Jaco combines an educational hike past waterfalls with a horseback ride through the park, led by a guide who points out over 100 native bird species. The experience includes transportation from downtown Jaco, lunch, and all safety equipment. Guides speak English and Spanish, and children from age 2 are welcome.

The experience

The park spans 850 acres and sits as a bird lover's destination because of its abundant water sources. Your guide leads you to hidden bird havens and strategic locations where you can watch tropical species in their natural habitat: toucans, scarlet macaws, oropendolas, roseate spoonbills, sunbitterns, king vultures, crested guans, spectacled owls, red-lored parrots and pale-billed woodpeckers move through the canopy. The waterfall called El Encanto is the centerpiece of the hike, and you'll pass private waterfalls on the trail, each one offering a moment to stand in the raw beauty of the park and listen to the rush of water.

After the hike, you finish the tour on horseback, riding through the middle of the rainforest. The three-hour experience includes bottled water, lunch, and transportation from downtown Jaco to the park entrance and back. Safety equipment is provided, and the guide handles the educational narration throughout. Most departures run as private tours, so the pace and stops follow your group's interests rather than a fixed schedule.

What’s included

• Educational rainforest hike with waterfall visits.
• horseback ride through the park.
• bird watching with expert guide narration.
• bottled water and lunch.
• transportation from downtown Jaco.
• safety equipment.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 to 82 years) · Infant (2 to 9 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 26 pickup points.

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Park at Ocean Ranch

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine hiking and horseback riding in one outing. The three-hour structure lets you experience both the waterfalls on foot and the rainforest canopy from horseback without either feeling rushed.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (2 to 9 years).

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 bird species can I expect to see on the rainforest hike in Jaco?

The park attracts over 100 native bird species. You're most likely to spot toucans, scarlet macaws, oropendolas, roseate spoonbills, sunbitterns, king vultures, crested guans, spectacled owls, red-lored parrots and pale-billed woodpeckers, though the guide will point out whichever species are active on the day of your visit.

Is transportation from my hotel included, or only from downtown Jaco?

Transportation is included from downtown Jaco. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the downtown pickup point from your accommodation.

How long is the horseback riding portion compared to the hike?

The entire experience takes three hours. The hike to the waterfalls and the horseback ride through the rainforest together make up the full tour. The guide structures the timing so both elements fit comfortably inside the afternoon.