Guided Waterfall Treks
Hiking Tours in Costa Rica
Guided treks to some of the tallest, least-visited waterfalls in the Northern Zone — from a 5-kilometer route past ten-plus cascades near San Carlos to a longer 13-kilometer trek through the cloud forest of Bajos del Toro.
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3 Treks · All Levels
Why Hike With Us
Waterfalls You Won’t Find on a Map
Our hiking routes reach cascades that rarely show up in guidebooks — from the ten-plus waterfalls of Quebrada Gata near San Carlos to the cloud-forest cataracts of Bajos del Toro.
Ten-Plus Waterfalls, One Trail
Quebrada Gata alone passes more than ten waterfalls ranging from 40 to 205 meters tall, fed by six different rivers that all flow into the Rio Toro.
Bilingual Guides Included
Every trek includes bilingual guides, hydration, a trail snack and a photo package — the same standard on every route, whether it is 5 kilometers or 13.
Two Regions, Different Terrain
Routes near San Carlos and Venecia sit in lowland rainforest, while Bajos del Toro climbs into cloud forest on the slopes of Poás Volcano — two very different hikes within reach of San José.
Most Booked
Featured Hiking Tours
Quebrada Gata Waterfall Hike
Venecia, Alajuela
A 5-kilometer round-trip route passing more than ten waterfalls between 40 and 205 meters tall, fed by six different rivers that all flow into the Rio Toro.
- Distance5 km round-trip
- Minimum pax2
- DifficultyMedium
- Highlights10+ waterfalls · 6 rivers
Included Bilingual guides, hydration, snack, photo package.
$110 per person
San Fernando Waterfall Trekking
San Fernando, Alajuela
A 6-kilometer round-trip route through forest alive with exotic birds, passing four waterfalls between 40 and 80 meters tall.
- Distance6 km round-trip
- Minimum pax2
- DifficultyMedium
- Highlights4 waterfalls · Birdwatching
Included Bilingual guides, hydration, snack, photo package.
$110 per person
Before You Book
Hiking FAQs
Experience, group size, safety, pricing and what to bring — everything before you book Quebrada Gata or San Fernando Waterfall.
No. Both Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall are rated medium difficulty — steady trails with some elevation change, but no technical climbing or rappelling. Reasonable fitness is enough.
Two people (2 pax) for both Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall.
Both Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall are $110 per person, minimum 2 people, including bilingual guides, hydration, a trail snack and a photo package.
Not necessarily. The Vuelta al Cañón route on this page does not have a fixed price published yet — message us on WhatsApp with the hike name and your group size for a quote.
Yes, with a guided operator. Our bilingual guides know each trail’s conditions and carry hydration and first-aid on every departure.
Comfortable closed-toe hiking shoes, quick-dry clothing, a swimsuit if you plan to swim at a waterfall, sunscreen, insect repellent and a rain jacket — conditions in the rainforest and cloud forest change quickly.
Yes, though trails can get muddy. Guides check conditions before every departure and will advise on footwear and pacing accordingly.
Quebrada Gata (5 km) and San Fernando Waterfall (6 km) typically run four to five hours round-trip, including stops at the waterfalls. Longer routes like the 13-kilometer Vuelta al Cañón take a full day.
The Full Lineup
All Hikes, Sorted by Distance
Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall have their own tour pages and can be booked directly. Vuelta al Cañón is available on request — message us on WhatsApp with the hike name and your group size for a quote.
Quebrada Gata
Venecia, Alajuela
5 km round-trip · 10+ waterfalls · 6 rivers
$110 per person · min. 2 pax
San Fernando Waterfall
San Fernando, Alajuela
6 km round-trip · 4 waterfalls · Birdwatching
$110 per person · min. 2 pax
Vuelta al Cañón
Bajos del Toro, Alajuela
13 km round-trip · Cloud forest
Message us for pricing
Choose Your Hike
Which Hike Should You Book?
Two questions decide it: which region fits your trip, and how much distance you actually want to cover.
San Carlos vs. Bajos del Toro
Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall, both near San Carlos, sit in lowland rainforest — warmer, with easier access from La Fortuna. Vuelta al Cañón, in Bajos del Toro on the slopes of Poás Volcano, climbs into cooler cloud forest and is a longer, more demanding day.
Short Hikes vs. Long Hikes
Quebrada Gata (5 km) and San Fernando Waterfall (6 km) both run four to five hours round-trip — a solid half-day commitment. Vuelta al Cañón (13 km) asks for more time and stamina, running a full day.
Not sure which hike fits your group? Message our guides directly and get a real answer, not a sales pitch.
Chat with Expert GuidesQuick Answers
Costa Rica Hiking, Quick FAQs
The questions people ask before they have even chosen a hike — safety, cost, timing and who it is for.
Is hiking safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, when booked with a certified operator. Reputable companies use bilingual guides who know each trail’s conditions and carry hydration and first-aid on every departure.
What is the best time of year for hiking in Costa Rica?
Hikes in the Northern Zone run year-round, though trails are driest and easiest from December through April. The rainy season, roughly May through November, brings fuller waterfalls but muddier trails.
How much does a guided hike cost in Costa Rica?
Guided waterfall treks typically run $80–$150 per person, depending on distance, group size and what is included.
Can beginners go hiking in Costa Rica?
Yes. Medium-difficulty routes like Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall are steady trails without technical climbing, suited to hikers with reasonable fitness.
What is the minimum group size for these hikes?
Two people (2 pax) for Quebrada Gata and San Fernando Waterfall.
Where is the best waterfall hiking in Costa Rica?
The Northern Zone around San Carlos and Bajos del Toro is known for waterfall-dense trails within reach of La Fortuna and San José.
What is the difference between hiking and canyoning?
Hiking follows trails on foot to reach waterfalls from the outside; canyoning descends directly through a waterfall canyon using rappelling and natural waterslides.
What should I wear for a waterfall hike?
Closed-toe hiking shoes, quick-dry clothing, and a swimsuit underneath if you plan to swim at any of the waterfalls.
Choose Your Next Costa Rica Adventure
Explore hiking, canyoning and rafting tours or send us your preferred date and group size.