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
- Website: https://bijagualwaterfall.com/
- Phone: +506 8608 9990
- WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50686089990
- Location: 9.7417149, -84.5754126 — Google Maps · Waze
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