Ten Waterfalls Hike

Behind the beach strip, the hills above Jaco hide a network of streams, cascades and swimming holes that make one of the best half-day adventures on the coast. The waterfalls hike linked here is a guided trip into the foothills, where you leave the road, follow a jungle trail and then walk and wade up a river past a series of waterfalls, with natural pools between them for swimming. The name promises ten cascades, and while counts and conditions vary with rainfall, the route offers a generous, steady chain of falls and plunge pools. The scenery changes at each turn: dark rock walls draped in ferns, shafts of light through the canopy, the sound of water echoing in narrow gorges. A guide is essential, because the route follows slippery rock, changes with the water level and includes sections where you need to know where to step and where to swim. Guides set a comfortable pace, point out birds, butterflies and trees, help with tricky crossings and usually carry a small first-aid kit. Many trips also include lunch, which is typically a hearty Costa Rican meal served after the hike, and some departures add swim breaks, cliff-side lookouts or a simple tractor-style ride on the approach. Groups are generally small to medium in size, making it social and approachable for people who like to be active.

To enjoy the day, bring the right gear. Wear a swimsuit under quick-drying clothes, and use water shoes or sandals with a strap and a firm sole, since bare feet and flip-flops are a poor choice on wet rock. Carry a change of clothes, a towel, insect repellent, sunscreen and a dry bag for a phone or camera.

Leave jewellery and unnecessary valuables at the hotel, and follow the guide on every crossing. Fitness needs are moderate: you should be comfortable walking for a couple of hours on uneven ground and getting wet to the waist, but you do not need to be an athlete.

Conditions shift with the season. The dry season, from December to April, gives lower water, safer crossings and warm days, while the green season, from May to November, brings fuller waterfalls and more dramatic scenery but also stronger currents and, on rainy days, the risk that the trip is shortened or cancelled for safety. Check the weather and ask the operator what happens if heavy rain falls, because rivers can rise quickly, and trust the guide's judgement if the day is changed.

This is a good activity for friends, active couples and teenagers, and it contrasts nicely with a lazy beach day. Combine it with a sunset in town, or choose a different waterfall experience if you want an easier outing, such as a short hike to a single cascade. Respect the environment by carrying out your rubbish, avoiding soaps or sunscreen in the water and leaving rocks and plants as you find them.

Look after the river as you go. The streams here feed the local communities downstream, so avoid putting sunscreen, insect repellent or soap into the water, and pack out everything you carry in. Your guide will probably explain how the forest and the river depend on each other, and will point out medicinal plants and fruiting trees along the way. If you enjoy the day, consider asking about tipping customs, because guides rely on tips and appreciate recognition of their knowledge.