Jaco 4x4 Jungle Safari: Waterfall swim and rainforest lunch

Four and a half hours climbing to 2,000 feet, swimming in waterfall pools, and eating lunch in the backcountry.

A half-day 4x4 safari from Jaco that climbs into the rainforest behind the Central Pacific coast, stopping at Waterfall Pura Vida for a swim in its pools and ending with an authentic meal at Paz del Campo Restaurant. You travel in a custom safari vehicle with a bilingual guide, passing secondary rainforest and small waterfalls on the way up, then descend to the mountain restaurant where the owner and his staff serve a traditional Costa Rican lunch in a secluded setting.

Step-by-step itinerary

4x4 Jungle Safari and Waterfall Swim

• Ascend mountains near Jaco
• Pass small falls and teak farm
• Enjoy views of Nicoya Peninsula
• Photo-opportunity under rainforest canopy
• Swim at Waterfall Pura Vida pools
• Visit Paz del Campo Restaurant and Tilapia Farm
• Relax and enjoy authentic Costa Rican meal

The experience

The route starts in the mountains of Agujitas and Carara National Park just behind Jaco, climbing from sea level to 2,000 feet. On the ascent you pass a small waterfall, a teak farm and secondary rainforest. At the crest you get views of the Nicoya Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean framed by the Costa Rican countryside. The bilingual guide drives the 4x4 custom safari vehicle and narrates the terrain as you go, so the climb itself is part of the experience, not just transport to it.

Waterfall Pura Vida sits under the canopy with several natural pools for swimming. The water is spring-fed and cool. For swimmers who want more than a dip, there are jumping points around the pools. After the swim, the route heads to Paz del Campo Restaurant and Tilapia Farm, passing through the mountain village of Bijagual. Don Gerardo and his staff prepare an authentic Costa Rican meal on-site, included in the price, and you eat in the restaurant's secluded mountain setting. If you want to stay longer, you can fish the tilapia pond or relax with a cold drink (beverages beyond water are not included).

Hotel pickup in the Jaco area is included on request. The tour runs in all weather and operates daily except Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed. Bring closed-toed shoes, swimwear, sunscreen and bug spray. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. A minimum of two people is required to book, and there is a 250-pound weight limit per seat.

What’s included

• Swimmable waterfall with multiple pools.
• bottled water.
• bilingual guide.
• authentic Costa Rican meal at the mountain restaurant.
• hotel pickup in the Jaco area upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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 3 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 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ATV Adventure Tours Costa Rica

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour in a 4x4 vehicle with other travelers and a guide who drives and narrates the route, so it suits anyone who wants to see the rainforest and swim at the waterfall without driving themselves or arranging the logistics. The fixed schedule and included meal make it straightforward for visitors new to the area.

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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.

How long does the 4x4 safari take from start to finish?

The tour is four and a half hours total, including the drive up the mountain, the swim at Waterfall Pura Vida, and lunch at the restaurant.

What is Waterfall Pura Vida like when you get there?

Waterfall Pura Vida has several natural pools fed by spring water, set under the rainforest canopy. You can swim in the pools, and there are jumping points around them for anyone who wants to jump from the rocks into the water.

What kind of meal is served at Paz del Campo Restaurant?

An authentic Costa Rican meal prepared by Don Gerardo and his staff at the restaurant, located in a secluded mountain setting. The meal is included. Drinks are not.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Jaco?

Yes, pickup in the Jaco area is included upon request. Arrange it when you book.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes work), swimwear, sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. The guide is bilingual in Spanish and English.