Private Waterfalls & Jungle Safari Tour: Hacienda Ébano

A double waterfall carved into solid rock, deep enough to jump from.

A private tour of Hacienda Ébano, a Costa Rican natural reserve near San Jose, combines a short or medium rainforest hike with 4x4 safari truck transport to reach two waterfalls, mountain and ocean views, and wildlife including birds, frogs and monkeys. The day ends with a swim at the Jade Waterfall and an authentic Costa Rican lunch wrapped in banana leaf by the river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfalls, jungle hike, and lunch

• Hike through rainforest trails
• See Ebano Waterfalls and swim
• Enjoy ocean and mountain views
• Stop at farm house for rest
• Swim at Jade Waterfall
• Eat authentic Costa Rican lunch

The experience

The 4x4 safari truck carries you 10 kilometers through the mountains to trailheads most visitors never reach. From there, you hike through rainforest on a path that crosses five streams and two bridges, moving at your own pace with a local guide who knows where the wildlife congregates. The Ébano Waterfalls sit hidden at the end: a double cascade where the first pool is 13 feet deep, carved into one piece of rock by centuries of water, with a 7-meter jump ledge for swimmers. The second pool spreads wider and shallower, safer for families with children.

Between the hike and the final waterfall stop, the truck takes you to the Big Mango Lookout, a ridge overlooking Punta Dominical Bay, Caño Island and the blue mountains beyond. You'll see colorful frogs, birds and monkeys depending on the season and their behavior, along with the tropical plants and massive trees that fill the reserve. A farmhouse stop lets you refill water or use facilities before the last leg.

The tour ends at the Jade Waterfall, where you swim again and then sit by the river for lunch: authentic Costa Rican food wrapped in banana leaves, with coffee included. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and the whole experience runs four to five hours. Bring hiking shoes, a swimsuit and insect repellent. The truck and lunch are part of the booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a 4x4 safari truck.
• lunch wrapped in banana leaf.
• coffee.
• local guide in English or Spanish.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private Tour - Starting PointGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Starting Point (No Pickup Service)

Private tour, pickup is includedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree 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.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Hacienda Ebano

Is this one for you?Choose the pickup option if your hotel is in or near San Jose and you'd rather not navigate to the reserve yourself. Pick the meeting point option if you have your own transport or prefer to arrange it separately. Either way, the small group size and private truck mean you set the pace through the hike and decide how long to spend at each waterfall.

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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: Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

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.

What's the difference between the short hike and the medium hike on this tour?

The short hike and medium hike both reach the Ébano Waterfalls through the same rainforest, but the medium option covers 2.5 kilometers while the short is 1 kilometer. You choose which suits your pace when you book.

Can I jump off the waterfall, or is it just for swimming?

The first Ébano Waterfall has a 7-meter jump ledge above its 13-foot-deep pool, so jumping is an option if you want it. The second waterfall's pool is shallower, ranging from very low to 2 meters deep, better for wading or floating.

What wildlife might I actually see on this tour?

The reserve is home to colorful frogs, birds and monkeys, along with a wide range of tropical plants, flowers and huge trees. What you see depends on the season and animal behavior, so sightings are not guaranteed, but the guide knows the reserve and where to look.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not in great shape?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. A seniors version is available if you want a gentler pace.

How does pickup work? Do I arrange my own transport to the meeting point?

You can choose between two options at checkout: Private Tour with Pickup Included, which means the guide collects you from your hotel, or Private Tour with Meeting Point, where you make your own way to Hacienda Ébano.