Nauyaca Waterfall tour from Quepos: Jump, swim, hike

Jump into pools, then hike to a waterfall in the mountains

A full-day tour from Quepos to Nauyaca Waterfall with stops at Portalon pools, Playa Linda and the town of Dominical. You jump into the pools under your guide's instruction, walk a short path through forest to reach the waterfall, and swim in its basin. Lunch and fresh fruit are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nauyaca Waterfalls Adventure

• Pickup from location
• Jump in Portalon pools
• Relax at Playa Linda
• Walk and shop in Dominical
• 4x4 ride to Nauyaca Waterfall
• Swim at Nauyaca Waterfall
• Snack on fresh fruits and cookies
• Enjoy typical Pura Vida lunch

The experience

The tour starts with a pickup and heads straight to Portalon pools, where you have the option to jump 8 feet into the water after your guide gives you instructions. The pools sit in thick forest, and the jump is the first adrenaline point of the day. From there, you drive to Playa Linda in Matapalo for a few minutes to rest and take photos, then continue into Dominical, the small surf town where you can walk the boulevard and browse local shops.

The main event is the drive up the mountain in a 4x4 vehicle. The road itself is part of the experience. You pass through dense vegetation and get panoramic views as you climb. Once you reach the trailhead, the walk to Nauyaca Waterfall is short and minimal, so you're not hiking for hours to get there. You swim in the waterfall basin, then the guide serves fresh fruit and cookies as a snack before heading back down the mountain.

Lunch is a typical Costa Rican meal served Pura Vida style, and the whole day, including travel time between stops, runs about 6 hours. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and the tour handles pickup and drop-off from your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• entrance fees to all stops.
• fresh fruit and cookies.
• typical Costa Rican lunch.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

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 17 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Costa Pacífica Adventures

Is this one for you?Six hours door-to-door leaves room for another activity or a meal elsewhere in your day, but plan the rest of your schedule around the morning or afternoon departure. Moderate fitness helps. You'll jump into water, swim and walk a short forest path, so comfort in the water and basic mobility matter.

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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 (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

Can I really jump into Portalon pools, or is it optional?

Jumping is optional and happens at Portalon pools after your guide gives you instructions. You choose whether to jump the 8 feet or stay in the water below.

How hard is the walk to Nauyaca Waterfall?

The walk is minimal: the operator describes it as a short path through forest to reach the waterfall, not a long hike. You'll be in the water soon after you arrive at the trailhead.

What is Dominical like, and how long do we spend there?

Dominical is a small surf town where you can walk along the boulevard and buy souvenirs from local artisans. The tour gives you a few minutes to explore before moving on to the mountain drive.

Is lunch included, and can you handle dietary needs?

Yes, lunch is included and served in typical Costa Rican style. The operator can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary restrictions if you note them when you book.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a change of clothes, as you'll be jumping and swimming. Bring a towel, sunscreen and water shoes or sandals that can get wet. The operator provides bottled water throughout the day.