Stone Bridge & river pool, Río Jesús María (San Mateo)
Swimming spot · Jacó & Herradura · hidden gem
An old stone bridge over the Jesús María River in the village of Jesús María de San Mateo, with steps down to the riverbank and a pool where locals cool off.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 5 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.959302, -84.606988 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Swimming
- Yes
- Bring
- swimsuit
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Bring a swimsuit — the steps by the bridge lead right down to the pool.
Be careful
Do not swim after heavy rain, when the river rises fast and turns muddy.
Places nearby
- Bar y Restaurante La TrankaFood & CoffeeCasual country bar-restaurant on Route 131 just outside San Mateo, known among locals for rice dishes and seafood soup.
- El Jardín Orotina (buffet & souvenir stop)Food & CoffeeBig roadside stop near Orotina with a self-service Costa Rican breakfast and lunch buffet, a large souvenir hall, an ice-cream counter and live marimba music.
- Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
- Hotel Cerro LodgeParks & Wildlife · from $10A small lodge built for birders and photographers, a few minutes from the Tarcoles River and Carara National Park, with sea and mountain views.
- El Toledo Coffee Tour (organic coffee farm)Food & Coffee · from $30Small organic coffee farm in the hills above Atenas where a family walks you through the plantation, then roasts, brews and serves coffee and tropical fruit; coffee wine tasting is an add-on and farm lunches can be arranged.
Sources: https://www.komoot.com/highlight/4511317