Las Monas Rainforest: 10 Waterfalls Hike & Home-Cooked Lunch

Summary

Las Monas rainforest hike waterfalls swim and grandmother’s kitchen

You’ll hike through Las Monas Rainforest with a local guide, stopping at ten waterfalls where you can swim or just listen to the water crash down around you. Afterward, share a home-cooked lunch at La Casita del Sabor prepared by a local grandmother — it’s as much about laughter as it is about food. You’ll leave feeling both tired and oddly refreshed.

What’s the experience like?

Muddy sneakers scraping against roots — that’s how we started, following our guide Julio into Las Monas Rainforest. He stopped every few minutes to point out leaves or bark he said his grandmother used for medicine. I tried to remember the names but honestly, I just remember the way the air smelled green and wet. There was this moment when he picked up a leaf and crushed it between his fingers, holding it out for us to smell — sharp, almost peppery. We laughed because my nose wrinkled so hard I nearly sneezed.

The first waterfall took maybe twenty minutes to reach, though I lost track after the second or third. Each one was louder than the last — like the jungle was cheering us on. Some folks jumped right in, no hesitation; others (me included) needed a minute before braving that cold water. Julio told us you could swim or just sit on the rocks if you wanted, no pressure. The pools were clear enough to see your toes wriggling under the surface, which felt kind of magical, honestly. I didn’t expect to feel so awake after that dip.

On the way back, we followed our noses more than our feet — someone was already cooking at La Casita del Sabor before we even saw it. The kitchen belonged to Julio’s abuela, who waved us in with hands dusted in flour and a smile that made me forget how tired my legs were. Lunch tasted like someone had been making it for years: rice, beans, something stewed and rich I couldn’t quite name but kept eating anyway. I tried to say thank you in Spanish — probably butchered it — but she just laughed and handed me another spoonful.

I still think about that walk back through Las Monas Rainforest with my shoes squelching and my stomach full. There’s something about sharing food after swimming under waterfalls that sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and swim at Las Monas waterfalls

• Hike 25 minutes into jungle
• Learn about medicinal plants
• Swim in 10 natural pools
• Jump from waterfall tops
• Taste local cuisine at La Casita del Sabor

Top questions

How long is the Las Monas waterfall hike?

The hike takes about 25 minutes into the jungle; total tour time is 2.5-3.5 hours depending on stops.

Can I swim at all ten waterfalls?

You can swim in natural pools at each waterfall if you want; swimming is optional.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included and served at La Casita del Sabor by a local grandmother.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip?

The tour includes pickup; air-conditioned vehicle transport is provided.

How difficult is the hike in Las Monas Rainforest?

The hike starts easy but gets more difficult; not suitable for travelers with mobility issues.

Are there guides on this rainforest waterfall tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the hike and shares information about native plants.

What kind of food will be served for lunch?

You’ll enjoy local cuisine—rice, beans, stews—cooked by a resident grandmother.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, a guided rainforest hike to ten waterfalls with swimming options along the way, plus a home-cooked lunch at La Casita del Sabor before heading back out of Las Monas town together.