La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike: Swim beneath the cascade
Hike to the waterfall, swim in the river, then eat what the farm grows
You hike to a 70-meter waterfall in a protected forest, swim in the river below, then tour an organic farm and eat lunch there. Your guide manages the route, timing, and all entry fees, so you show up ready to move. The steep path and river swim mean you need good fitness, but that's what makes the whole day possible in one morning.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Waterfall hike and farm lunch
- Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall viewpoint
- Walk steep path near waterfall
- Swim in river away from waterfall
- Visit La Finquita Farm & Restaurant
- Explore organic farming practices
- Enjoy traditional Costa Rican lunch
What’s included
Your morning includes a professional guide who leads you through the hike and farm tour, transportation between La Fortuna Waterfall and La Finquita Farm, entrance tickets to both sites, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch made from the farm's organic crops. The guide handles timing and logistics so you focus on the experience.
Times
- Every day 10:30 11:00
Before you book
Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You've just landed in La Fortuna, and the mist from the 70-meter waterfall is already in the air. The hike starts with your guide pointing out the protected forest around you. This isn't just a viewpoint tour. You walk about 300 meters down a steep but safe path to get close enough to feel the spray, and then you're allowed to swim in the river itself, just not directly under the cascade. The whole thing takes focus and decent fitness, but the payoff is real: you're in the water with that wall of white noise behind you, and the forest is doing its thing all around.
After you dry off, the day shifts. You head to La Finquita Farm & Restaurant, where the owner walks you through how they grow food without chemicals: microorganisms in the soil, compost made on-site, the whole regenerative agriculture setup. It's not a quick photo stop. You're actually moving through the fields, learning why the soil matters, and then sitting down to a traditional Costa Rican lunch made from what grows there. The farm sits in the same protected area as the waterfall, so the landscape you're eating in is the same one you just hiked through. Your guide handles the transport between both stops, and entrance tickets are already sorted.
The physical part matters here. You need real fitness for that steep descent and the swim, and the guide will ask about your health before you start. If you're solid on your feet and ready for a morning that's half adventure and half education, this one sticks with you.
Is this one for you?Right for travelers with solid fitness who want both nature and culture in one morning: the steep hike and river swim are what let you reach the waterfall's base and understand the forest around it, while the farm visit adds the agricultural story that makes the landscape make sense.
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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: Child (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.
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 steep is the path to the waterfall?
The descent is about 300 meters on a steep but safe pathway. You need good cardiovascular fitness and stability on your feet. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
Can you swim at the waterfall itself?
You can swim in the river, but not directly near or under the waterfall. The guide will show you the safe swimming area.
What's included in the price?
Professional guide, transportation between the waterfall and farm, and entrance tickets to both sites. Lunch at La Finquita Farm is included.
How long is the whole tour?
The itinerary covers the waterfall hike and farm tour in one morning, with lunch at the farm. Exact duration depends on your pace and fitness level.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, and water shoes or hiking boots with good grip for the steep descent. Bring water and sun protection.
Is La Finquita Farm just a restaurant, or do you learn about the farming?
You tour the farm's organic fields and learn about their regenerative agriculture practices before sitting down to lunch made from crops grown there.
Who is this not recommended for?
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, or pregnant travelers. The steep hike and physical demands require good fitness.
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike: Swim beneath the cascade
3h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 91.53 per person
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