Waterfalls & Cavern Tour from San José: 4WD Private Access

Four waterfalls, a cave, and a turquoise spring in one morning from San José

A six to eight hour private tour from San José to Bajos del Toro, a village on the backside of Poás Volcano, where you hike over an hour to reach four waterfalls, a Crying Cave, and natural swimming spots. A personal driver in a 4WD vehicle picks you up and adjusts the route on the fly: stops for pictures, coffee or food are built into the day, not squeezed around it. Bottled water and a rustic picnic lunch are included. Admission fees and restaurant meals are separate. The tour operates with one to four passengers in a private car or up to twelve in a van.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore waterfalls and local towns

• Depart from San Jose
• Drive to Bajos del Toro village
• Hike to first waterfall
• Visit three more waterfalls
• Explore Crying cave
• Swim in natural spots
• Lunch at Silencio lodge (optional)
• Stop for pictures, food, or coffee

What’s included

• Private 4WD transportation with pickup from San José.
• access to all trails, four waterfalls, the Crying Cave and natural swimming areas within the private reserve.
• bottled water.
• a rustic picnic lunch with a wrap or sandwich, chips and a beverage.
• fuel and parking fees.
• a personal driver who adjusts stops and pacing to your preferences.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Before you book

Group Private 8 group tours ›

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Confirmation Confirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Stroller-friendly Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Host by locals CR

Prices and times updated yesterday

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 2 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The drive from San José to Bajos del Toro takes you through typical Costa Rican towns and small-town life before reaching the village tucked behind Poás Volcano. From there, the hiking begins: a trail that runs over an hour alongside the river, moving from one waterfall to the next. You'll pass three more waterfalls after the first, each one a stop to rest, photograph or wade into the water. The Crying Cave sits along the route, and there are designated spots safe for swimming in the natural pools.

The route itself is not fixed. Your driver knows the terrain and the best light for each spot, but you decide the pace. Want to linger at a waterfall for twenty minutes or an hour? Stop for coffee at a local café? Skip a section to spend more time in the water? The itinerary bends to what you want to do that day. Bottled water travels with you. A rustic picnic lunch (a wrap or sandwich, chips and a beverage) is included, though the operator can arrange a proper reservation at Silencio Lodge if you prefer to eat there instead.

The 4WD vehicle handles the rough roads to reach the trailhead, and your driver stays with the group throughout, pointing out details and adjusting stops as the day unfolds. Admission to the private property and the trails is included in the price. You pay separately only for any restaurant meals or tips. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the terrain suits all fitness levels, though the hour-plus hike and water crossings mean sturdy shoes and comfort with wet conditions are practical.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 long is the hike to the waterfalls from Bajos del Toro?

The trail to the first waterfall takes over an hour, running alongside the river and passing through the natural reserve. You'll encounter three more waterfalls, the Crying Cave and swimming areas as the hike continues.

What's included in the price and what do I pay separately?

The tour includes private transportation, access to all trails and natural sites, bottled water, a rustic picnic lunch, fuel and parking. Admission fees, restaurant meals and gratuities are not included and are paid separately.

Can I change the route or stop somewhere else during the tour?

Yes, there's nothing written in stone for this tour. Your driver can stop for pictures, food or coffee at any point, and you can adjust which sites to visit based on what interests you that day.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels, though it does include over an hour of hiking and water crossings. Sturdy shoes and comfort with wet conditions are practical. The pace is yours to set.

Is the tour private or shared with other travelers?

You can book a private 4WD car for one to four passengers, or a van for up to twelve people. Either way, your group travels together with a personal driver who adjusts the route to your preferences.