$, guided hike or horseback ride, about 25 min from Jacó
Located on private land in the hills above Tárcoles, about 25 minutes from Jacó, Bijagual Waterfall drops from a cliff face and is marketed by its operators as one of Costa Rica's tallest, at roughly 328 meters (1,076 feet). Visitors reach viewpoints and natural pools via a guided hike of about 7 km or a horseback tour through rainforest and ranchland.
💡 Why go: A genuinely tall, dramatic waterfall close to Jacó, reached through private reserve trails without national-park crowds.
💵 PriceAbout $20 per person for the hiking tour, around $75 per person for the horseback tour.
📅 BookingBook through local tour operators in Jacó or directly with the reserve; advance reservation is recommended.
$, hanging bridges and waterfalls, 30 to 45 min from Quepos
A private rainforest reserve in the hills near Quepos, Rainmaker combines a network of hanging bridges through the forest canopy with a 1.5-mile trail leading to several waterfalls, including one with a natural swimming pool at its base. It is known for poison dart frogs and dense primary forest cover.
💡 Why go: Combines a canopy hanging-bridge walk with real swimming waterfalls, all within about 30 to 45 minutes of Manuel Antonio.
💵 PriceAbout $20 per person self-guided; guided tours with transportation run around $55 to $75 per person.
📅 BookingBook through tour operators in Quepos or Manuel Antonio, or arrange private transportation; reservations recommended in high season.
📍 LocationQuepos (Londres area)
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Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls
$, botanical garden plus waterfall trail, hills above Jacó
A 60-acre private botanical garden about 2,000 feet up in the hills above Jacó, near Carara, with walking trails through roughly 400 plant species that lead to a series of waterfalls and swimming pools. It is a gentler, more manicured option than a rainforest hike.
💡 Why go: Combines an easy garden walk with real waterfalls, good for travelers who want falls without a strenuous hike.
💵 PriceAbout $20 for adults, $10 for children over 12.
📅 BookingOpen daily 8am to 5pm; no advance booking required, though tours can also be arranged through Jacó operators.
📍 LocationTárcoles / above Jacó
Prices are approximate 2026 rates in USD per adult. Confirm current rates when booking.
