pura vida passENES

Bijagual Waterfall

Parks & Wildlife · Jacó & Herradura · Nature tours

A rainforest hike or horseback ride in the hills above Jacó to one of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, ending with a swim in cool natural pools. Visitors rate it almost perfect and praise the patient guides and calm horses, while warning that the final descent is steep and slippery.

Hours
Morning starts (book ahead)
Takes
3 h–4 h
Best time
morning
Booking
Book ahead
Ratings
4.9 on Tripadvisor (29)

Highlights

  • Towering waterfall, listed by the operator at 328 m
  • Marked 7 km forest trail with river crossings and a viewpoint
  • Guided horseback ride with Pacific views for any riding level
  • Natural freshwater pools for swimming at the end

Tips

  • Wear closed shoes you don't mind soaking; there are two river crossings
  • Bring a swimsuit, towel, water and snacks: food and drinks are not included
  • Choose the horseback option if a steep hike is too much
  • Go in the morning, the only departure time offered
  • Shoes will get wet
  • Bring snacks and water
  • Swim in pools, not falls

Good to know

  • The last section to the falls is steep, narrow and slippery clay, especially after rain
  • Swim in the pools, not under the main fall, which visitors describe as dangerous
  • The uphill walk back is demanding; not ideal for people with limited fitness
  • Transport is extra and arranged on request

Prices (as published)

Hiking Tour (self-guided) — per person · 3-4 h · 7 km · natural pools included · transport not included$20
Horseback Riding Tour (guided) — per person · 3.5 h · ~8 km · no experience needed$75

Contact & directions

Secret spots nearby

  • Feria Nacional de la Lapa Roja (Scarlet Macaw Fair), Bijagual de TurrubaresLandmark · Free · hidden gemA free village fair in the hills above Carara National Park celebrating the scarlet macaws of the area: food made with local Turrubares ingredients, talks on wildlife and living alongside it, hands-on workshops, a cacao exhibit, games and races.
  • Catarata Manantial de Agua VivaWaterfall · hidden gemA waterfall near Tárcoles, Puntarenas province.
  • Carara National ParkTrail · about $11A transition forest where Costa Rica's dry north meets the humid south, famous for wild scarlet macaws plus trogons, monkeys and agoutis.
  • Pacific lookout above Quebrada GanadoViewpoint · Free · hidden gemA viewpoint at about 660 m at the top of the long climb from Quebrada Ganado into the Carara hills, with a view down over the Pacific coast.
  • Crocodile Statue, TárcolesLandmark · FreeA crocodile sculpture by the coastal highway at the fishing village of Tárcoles — a fun photo stop that goes with the real crocs under the Tárcoles bridge a few minutes north.
  • Playa PógeresBeach · Free · hidden gemA low-key beach between Tárcoles and Punta Leona, popular with Costa Rican families but rarely crowded, with local seafood spots nearby.

Sources: https://bijagualwaterfall.com/ · https://bijagualwaterfall.com/activities/bijagual-waterfall-hiking-tour/ (morning departure, no exact time) · 0014_jaco.sql · intel-C.json · traveler reviews checked 2026-10-10