Jungle hike to hidden waterfall in Puerto Viejo

Ten kilometers through cacao groves, giant palms and a 45-meter waterfall on the Kekoldi river

A guided jungle hike from Puerto Viejo into Kekoldi indigenous territory, crossing an old cacao farm and walking 10 kilometers to a 45-meter waterfall on the river where you swim. The hike takes about five hours and covers muddy forest floor. A guide fluent in English or Spanish leads the way, and the minimum age is 14.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jungle hike to hidden waterfall

• Start walk from Playa Negra beach
• Cross old cacao farm
• Pass indigenous family huts
• Enter deep tropical rainforest
• Observe plants with healing properties
• See giant trees over 250 years old
• Descend to Kekoldi river
• Follow river to 45m high waterfall
• Swim and enjoy waterfall
• Return hike to starting point

The experience

The walk starts at Playa Negra, a short distance from Puerto Viejo, and moves straight into rainforest. You'll cross an old cacao farm first, then pass through the territory of indigenous families living in humble huts. The forest itself is the draw: palms of many kinds, giant trees over 250 years old, and plants with healing properties that the guide points out as you go. About two hours in, the canopy opens and you begin to hear the river.

The Kekoldi river appears below, and you descend to follow it upstream. The waterfall rises 45 meters high and the water pools deep enough to swim in. This is a remote place, few tourists reach it, and the jungle closes in around you. After time in the water and at the base of the falls, you head back the way you came. The total distance is 10 kilometers, and the ground is mud. Rain doesn't stop the hike, only adds to the mud on your shoes.

A knowledgeable guide leads the group and speaks either English or Spanish. The hike is five hours from start to finish. Public transportation options run near the starting point if you're arranging your own way there.

What’s included

• Knowledgeable guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• access to Kekoldi indigenous territory and the river.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (14 to 65 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Caribe Sur

Is this one for you?This is a guided hike where you walk the full distance yourself on muddy forest floor, so it suits hikers with strong fitness and comfort on steep, wet terrain. The five-hour commitment and 10-kilometer distance mean it's not a quick morning outing. Plan for most of a day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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 difficult is the jungle hike to the Kekoldi waterfall?

The hike covers 10 kilometers over five hours and requires a high level of physical fitness. Some sections are steep and the forest floor is muddy, especially after rain. The minimum age is 14.

What is the Kekoldi river waterfall like when you reach it?

The waterfall drops 45 meters into a deep pool where you can swim. It sits in remote rainforest, far from other tourists, and the river flows through territory belonging to indigenous families who live in the area.

What plants and wildlife will I see on this hike?

The guide points out palms, giant trees over 250 years old, and plants with healing properties as you walk. You'll also pass through an old cacao farm and see the homes of indigenous families living in the forest.