Jurassic Canyon Waterfall Tour Costa Rica: Quebrada Gata Hike

Hike through canyon walls and swim in pools beneath waterfalls

A guided walk through Jurassic Canyon in Costa Rica takes you across trails, rivers and massive rock formations to reach Quebrada Gata and Barroso Falls, surrounded by tropical forest and natural pools. The tour runs three hours with a live guide in English or Spanish. Moderate physical fitness is required. The hike involves walking, wading and climbing over uneven terrain.

The experience

The tour starts with a walk into Jurassic Canyon, where you move through trails and across rivers beneath rock walls that tower like something from a prehistoric landscape. The guide leads you past crystal clear pools and over uneven ground toward Quebrada Gata, the main waterfall hidden deeper in the forest. The rock formations frame the whole route: massive walls on either side as you work your way upstream.

Quebrada Gata and Barroso Falls appear as you reach the heart of the canyon. The pools below them are cold and deep enough to swim in, and most travelers stop here to cool off before the walk back out. The three-hour timeframe includes the full route in and out, so you're moving at a steady pace rather than lingering for hours at any single spot.

Your guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. The terrain is uneven and wet in places. You'll be stepping over rocks, wading through shallow water, and using handholds on some sections. Wear shoes with grip, bring a change of clothes, and come with at least moderate fitness. The combination of elevation, river crossings and scrambling over rock makes this different from a flat forest walk.

What’s included

• Guided walk through the canyon and to both waterfalls.
• access to natural pools for swimming.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 to 65 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by CATARATA Y SENDEROS DE COSTA RICA

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that matches your comfort level. This hike demands moderate fitness and involves scrambling over wet rock and wading through rivers, so it suits travelers who are comfortable with uneven terrain and physical effort rather than those looking for an easy forest stroll.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

14 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the Quebrada Gata waterfall like when you get there?

Quebrada Gata is a spectacular waterfall surrounded by tropical forest, with a natural pool below it deep enough to swim in. The rock formations around it are dramatic and the water is cold and clear.

How much climbing and scrambling is involved in this hike?

The route crosses rivers, moves over uneven rock terrain, and includes some sections where you'll use handholds to climb. It's not technical climbing, but it requires balance and moderate fitness to manage the wet, uneven ground safely.

Can I bring my own transportation, or do I need to arrange a pickup?

The tour does not include private transportation to the canyon. You'll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. The operator does not provide transfers.

What should I wear and bring for this hike?

Wear shoes with good grip since the terrain is wet and rocky. Bring a change of clothes and a towel because you'll be wading through water and most travelers swim in the pools. Sunscreen and water are also recommended.