Costa Rica · WATERFALL TOURS

The 15 Best Waterfall Tours in Costa Rica

50 tours  ·  from $20

Some are a ticket and a staircase, some are a three-hour hike with a swim at the end, and a few you reach on a rope. These 15 compare them on price, how far you walk and whether the pool at the bottom is swimmable.

Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket - The 500-step route through the reserve
La Fortuna Tours, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

1.Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 609 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $20Our pick

Reserve entry to La Fortuna Waterfall and explore at your own pace without a guide. Walk through the Río Fortuna Ecological Reserve, descend roughly 500 steps, and reach a powerful 70-meter waterfall where swimming may be allowed. Admission costs $20, with parking, restrooms, changing areas, and rest stops near the top.

“Beautiful waterfall. Be prepared for all the stairs as it is not for everyone. The restaurant and gift shop were also nice. 4 stars only because of the stairs, but that’s not a reflection on the excursion. We did not swim at the base which might have given more rest”

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Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge - What the $63.28 admission includes
San José Tours, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in San José, Wildlife

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

2.Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 226 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $63

La Paz Waterfall Gardens gives you a flexible day pass to explore five waterfalls, rainforest and cloud forest trails, orchids, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, monkeys, snakes, and rescued cats. Plan on at least two hours, though four to five hours lets you slow down. You will need your own transport, and the waterfall trail includes many stairs.

“Awesome. Beautiful grounds. Beautiful up close experience with the animals. Gorgeous waterfalls. Was uncrowded.”

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Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls - The road is part of the experience, for better or worse
Coffee Experiences, Coffee Tours in San José, Food & Drink, Poás Volcano Tours, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in San José

Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

3.Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105

Travel from San José into Costa Rica’s highlands for a guided Poás Volcano visit, Doka Estate coffee tour with tasting, and a short La Paz Waterfall stop. Expect an early pickup, mountain roads, a group of up to 20, and a full day shaped by weather and traffic. Guides such as Marcela, Nela, Victor, and Percy have earned strong praise.

“the guide was very helpful and had great knowledge, explained lots of things about the volcano. The coffee tour was pleasant too. The waterfall is beautiful but it's just in the middle of a road. The activity itself was very easy. Just spend a lot of time in the van. It was a very nice trip, especially to see some activity of Poas.”

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Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included - Hiking ten waterfalls through the forest
Hiking & Trekking, Jacó Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Jacó

Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

4.Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55Top rated

At Finca Los Solís near Jaco, you hike upstream through ten waterfalls, pull yourself up rocky sections with ropes, swim in natural pools, and learn about rainforest plants and wildlife. Guides such as Jorge, Dustin, Marwin, and Coco are praised for patient help. A typical Costa Rican lunch, fruit, water, showers, parking, and a dry bag are included.

“Excellent but intense physical activity Gorge and his team were excellent guides knowledgeable and helpful trip was as advertised”

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Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall - Reaching the Pino Blanco Waterfall lookout
Arenal Volcano Tours, Horses, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

5.Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 127 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $94

Ride a tame horse from Arenal Mundo Aventura through reforested land and private farms, then walk steep steps to La Fortuna Waterfall for photos or a swim. Guides such as Otto, Kevin, Danny, Pablo, Carlos, Paz, and Crystal have earned praise for their patience. The ride suits beginners, but the waterfall hike is demanding.

“The experience was great! Our guide Otto was awesome and made the tour great. The horseback ride was a good length without getting too sore and the falls were beautiful”

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La Leona Waterfall Guided Tour+Transportation - Swimming, ropes, and the final approach
Guided, Shuttle Services, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

La Leona Waterfall Guided Tour+Transportation

6.La Leona Waterfall Guided Tour+Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 124 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $140

Travel from Tamarindo to La Leona Waterfall with a guide such as Verny, Alberto, Nacho, or Mariana. Expect a two-hour hike through caves, river crossings, rocky canyons, swimming, rope-assisted climbs, and a refreshing waterfall pool. Transport is included, but lunch in Liberia costs extra.

“This was our second “chance of a lifetime” excellent excursion with Verny and On the Road Costa Rica. This company takes care of every detail from pick up to drop off. “No worries, Mommy, Verny will take care of that.” My kids said that more than once. And as a single mom traveling abroad, what more could you ask for. We felt safe to explore which makes the experience even more exciting!! We felt accomplished and proud, United helping one another experience the best waterfall adventure I’ve ever done. Verny embodies the meaning of Pura Vida showing such grace and gratitude for all living beings. Cheers to the best mango…”

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Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary - Following the forest path to Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste Tours, Sloth Tours, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Wildlife

Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary

7.Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · 7 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $220

Leave Tamarindo at 6:30 a.m. for a private, air-conditioned ride to Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park. Walk 2 to 3 hours to the blue waterfall, then visit Spring Paradise Bijagua Tours, where sloths are guaranteed, followed by lunch at Doña Carmen and its butterfly sanctuary. Guides may include Verny, Hernan, Allan, or Eric.

“Hernan was amazing. The tour was great! We got to see a baby sloth up close, which was worth the price of admission by itself!”

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Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose - Poás Volcano at 2,708 meters
Coffee Experiences, Coffee Tours in San José, Poás Volcano Tours, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in San José

Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

8.Poas Volcano waterfalls and coffee tour from from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $149

Travel from San José to Poás Volcano, Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Farm, La Paz Waterfall, and Mi Cafecito near Sarapiquí. Guides such as Carlos, Ricardo, and Charlie explain coffee growing, processing, roasting, and brewing. Lunch, transport, activities, and hotel pickup are included, but weather can hide the crater and the day may run beyond 10 hours.

“Rick (Ricardo) was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable provided an excellent experience. It was a long day but very enjoyable!”

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Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch - Why the guide makes such a difference
Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

9.Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $79

Follow a shaded river trail through Rincon de la Vieja’s canyons with a private guide such as Jason, Dylan, Steven, or Noel. You’ll cross pools, scramble over rocks, use ropes, and swim the final stretch to La Leona Waterfall. Lunch, drinks, park fees, pickup, and a life jacket are included. Expect a real intermediate hike, not a gentle stroll.

“Our guide Jason was terrific. The hike was beautiful. The early water crossings were easy. The last rope swim/pull into the waterfall area was much more difficult. I would not recommend for people that are older and overweight. A couple in front of us struggled mightily and concerned for them. A lot of upper arm strength and good swimming ability is needed. Well worth it when you reach the falls”

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Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano - Swimming below the 70-meter waterfall
Arenal Volcano Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano

10.Best of La Fortuna: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall and Arenal Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · from $124

Start at 7:30 a.m. with a guided Arenal lava-trail hike, then swim at La Fortuna Waterfall and cross Mistico’s rainforest bridges. Add hot springs for a relaxing finish. Guides may include Diego, Gabriel, Ivan, Harvin, or Daniela. Hotel pickup, snacks, and park fees are included, with lunch available as an option.

“This hit all the major attractions in the area in a single day. Daniella was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

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La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing - Tubing through the Rincon de la Vieja river channels
Guanacaste Tours, Hiking & Trekking, River Tubing, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

11.La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $90

You’ll hike through forest and river channels to La Leona Waterfall, crossing streams, climbing short ladders, and pulling yourself by rope into a cave for a swim. Then you’ll spend about 90 minutes tubing through the Rincon de la Vieja region. Guides such as Ronnie, Brandy, Victor, and Diego lead the route and handle safety.

“Well organized experience, we started with tubing down a river which was a lot of fun! The guides were cool and professionnal. Then, we did the 30mns hike to the waterfall which involves some swimming on the way. Of course, you have to wear life jackets all the time. I've been told it can be pretty busy in the morning, but being there around 2-3 pm worked out great for us since we didn't see many people.”

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Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike - La Fortuna Waterfall and the 500-step climb
Full-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

12.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210

You’ll combine four La Fortuna highlights in one small-group day: a gentle safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, La Fortuna Waterfall, a traditional lunch with the Rodríguez family, and a slow hike around Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Tony, Pepe, Oscar, and Carlos are known for spotting wildlife and explaining local nature and culture.

“Edgar and Tony were great! The family restaurants food was amazing and all staff was just so nice. Finished super tired and weather wasn’t ideal but overall great time. :)”

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5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour - Waterfall rappelling: the tour’s wet centerpiece
Canyoning & Rappelling, Jacó Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Jacó, Zip Lines

5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour

13.5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about five hours at The Park at Ocean Ranch near Jaco, combining muddy ATV trails, a tractor ride, waterfall rappelling, and more than 2,000 meters of zipline. Guides such as Jesus and Carlos lead the activities in English and Spanish. Expect wet clothes, short steep hikes, and an optional lunch at extra cost.

“Rappelling from the waterfall was so much fun!! Wish there was more of it. Our teenager really enjoyed the ATV tour. You'll have the option to order a lunch with this activity. Guides were excellent and you can tell they love their jobs. 100% would book this again. Great communication prior to the activity. Guides speak English and Spanish.”

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La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day - Meeting in Curubandé and riding to the trail
Guanacaste Tours, Half-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day

14.La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Meet near Curubandé, ride five minutes by 4WD, then follow a shaded 1.3-mile trail through streams and rocky passages to La Leona Waterfall. Guides such as José, Ramses, Carlos, and Pablo adjust the route to your ability, help with ropes and crossings, and share local plants and wildlife. Plan to get fully wet.

“This tour was AMAZING! Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly and funny! Knew a lot about the area and the plants and animals! They truly cared about the area and environment and culture. Highly recommend”

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Combo Arenal : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs + Fortune Falls - Hanging bridges above the rainforest
Arenal Volcano Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours, San José Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in San José

Combo Arenal : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs + Fortune Falls

15.Combo Arenal : Suspension Bridges + Hot Springs + Fortune Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $249

Travel from San Jose to Arenal with a small group of up to 15 people. Walk to La Fortuna Waterfall, cross rainforest suspension bridges, spot wildlife with guides such as Hayro or Leni, then relax in more than 15 Los Lagos hot-spring pools. Breakfast and lunch are included, but expect a long day with plenty of stairs.

“Be prepared for rain if you are going in October/November! The rain was light but steady. Wear good shoes w/ grip; there are quite a bit of inclines on the hanging bridge tour. Ask for Hayro! He was super knowledgeable about the animals, plants, history and Costa Rican culture. We happened to go on a really great day with several clear views of the volcano. Hayro let’s you tailor the trip to your liking; more time here or less time there depending on what interests you :) Breakfast and lunch were provided and we stopped for souvenirs and fruits”

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