Monteverde: Waterfalls Trek & Horseback Ride with Lunch

Trekking to waterfalls in monteverde then riding back up

You’ll hike down Monteverde’s lush trails with a local guide, pause by riverside waterfalls for snacks (and maybe a swim), then ride horseback back up the mountain before sitting down to a Costa Rican lunch. Expect muddy boots, laughter on creaky bridges, and views of distant volcanoes you’ll remember long after the day ends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking Waterfalls and Horseback Ride

• Hike from mountain top to river and waterfalls
• Horseback ride uphill

The Experience

We met our guide, Carlos, right where the road turns muddy outside Santa Elena. He handed me a plastic bag for my phone — “just in case you want to swim,” he grinned. I laughed but kept it anyway. The air smelled like wet leaves and coffee from someone’s thermos nearby. We started down the trail, which was steeper than I’d pictured (my knees noticed), and Carlos pointed out a tiny blue bird hopping along the fence wire. He called it a motmot — I probably said it wrong, but he just smiled.

The path twisted through cloud forest that felt half-misty, half-sunlit. At one point we stopped by the river for snacks — fresh pineapple and something like banana bread. You could hear the waterfalls before you saw them: four of them, all crashing over rocks into deep pools. Some people jumped in (I just dipped my feet; that water is cold). There was this old wooden bridge that creaked when we crossed — honestly, I hesitated for a second, but Carlos just walked across like it was nothing.

After climbing back up a bit (my legs were jelly), we met the horses waiting under some trees. Mine was called Luna and she seemed to know exactly where she was going even if I didn’t. The ride up lasted maybe half an hour? Hard to say because I got distracted by views of Arenal and those other volcanoes in the distance — clouds moving so fast you’d blink and miss them. Lunch at the end was rice with beans and some kind of chicken stew; simple but perfect after all that walking. Still think about that pineapple snack sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Monteverde or Santa Elena, all entry fees for both horseback riding and waterfall access, snacks by the river during your hike, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back home with muddy boots but happy legs.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Faro Travel Costa Rica

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Top questions

How long is the Monteverde waterfalls trek?

The hike goes from the top of the mountain down to the river with four big waterfalls; horseback riding back up takes about 35 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Monteverde tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Monteverde or Santa Elena only.

Can you swim at the Monteverde waterfalls?

If weather allows, you can swim in the river near the waterfalls during the tour.

What food is included on this day trip?

The tour includes snacks by the river and a traditional Costa Rican lunch at the end.

Are there any health restrictions for this trek?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Do you need horseback riding experience?

No previous horseback riding experience is needed; guides will help you get comfortable.

What volcanoes can you see on this tour?

You may see Volcán Arenal, Rincón de La Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles if weather is clear.

Is entry/admission included in the price?

Yes, all entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.