Jaco: Waterfalls trek with guide & lunch in Osa jungle

Summary

Chasing waterfalls near Jaco with a local guide and real rainforest lunch

You’ll hike through lush rainforest near Jaco with a local guide, swim beneath five different waterfalls in the Osa area, share a traditional Costa Rican lunch outdoors, and feel the thrill of jumping into cool jungle pools—a day you’ll remember long after your feet dry off.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to stand under a waterfall deep in the Costa Rican jungle? I didn’t really know until we left Jaco early that morning—windows down, air thick and green-smelling, our guide José humming along to some old cumbia on the radio. The drive south toward Osa felt longer than I expected (maybe because I kept craning my neck for monkeys), but honestly, that’s when it hit me—this wasn’t just another day trip from Jaco. It was more like sneaking into nature’s own backyard.

First stop: boots muddy, sun barely up over the trees, José handed out bug spray like it was gold. We hiked through this tangle of vines and ferns—my shirt stuck to my back, but the sound of water got louder every step. The first waterfall was smaller than I pictured, but the pool was cold enough to make me yelp (which made everyone laugh). By the third spot, I’d stopped worrying about how I looked in my swimsuit; we were all just climbing rocks and jumping in together. There was this one moment—sunlight flickering through leaves, water pounding in my ears—where time kind of paused. You know?

Lunch happened somewhere between waterfalls four and five—a picnic table under a tin roof, steam rising off plates of casado. Rice, beans, plantains, chicken that tasted smoky-sweet. José told us about his grandmother’s recipe while we tried not to drip water everywhere. My Spanish is terrible but he smiled anyway when I tried to thank him (“gracias por todo”—I probably said it wrong). After that last big jump (I hesitated at the top—my knees still remember), we just lay on warm rocks for a while listening to birds and not saying much.

I still think about that day sometimes—the way my shoes squelched all afternoon, or how quiet it got after each splash faded away. If you’re looking for a real waterfalls adventure from Jaco—not just photos but actual mud-under-your-nails kind of memories—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waterfalls Adventure and Swimming

• Pick up location to start the tour
• Visit 3 remote waterfalls to relax, swim, and jump

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you visit on this tour?

The tour includes visits to five different waterfalls across three locations.

Is hotel pickup included from Jaco?

Yes, pickup from your location in Jaco is included at the start of the tour.

Do I need to bring my own lunch or snacks?

No, an authentic Costa Rican lunch is provided during the tour.

Can I swim at all the waterfalls?

You can swim in natural pools at each waterfall location if you wish.

Is there a guide on this waterfalls adventure?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the entire experience.

What should I bring for this day trip from Jaco?

You should bring shoes or strap-on sandals (no flip-flops), a bathing suit, water, camera, and bug spray.

How physically demanding is this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to hiking and swimming activities.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your location in Jaco by private vehicle, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout three remote waterfall spots in Osa, swimming opportunities at each site, plus an authentic Costa Rican lunch served right in the rainforest before heading back home together.