Most visitors to Monteverde spend their time in the main reserves and the canopy parks, which means the waterfall hike to El Tigre is a welcome change of pace. The tour takes you on foot through forest and farmland to a series of waterfalls tucked into the hills near Monteverde, led by a nature guide who points out birds, plants, insects and the signs of animals along the way. The hike is the main event, and the waterfalls reward the effort with cool spray, moss-covered rocks and a sense of being far from the coach parties, and the version of the tour reviewed here also includes lunch, which turns the outing into a relaxed half or full day. The tour has a rating of 4.9 from more than sixty travellers, which is excellent for a longer, more physical outing, and reviewers often mention the knowledge and friendliness of the guides and the feeling of seeing the countryside as locals know it. The trail is more demanding than a reserve loop, with muddy sections, some slopes and a few stream crossings, so it suits visitors who are comfortable walking for a few hours on uneven ground.
Why it is worth it
Monteverde's best-known sights are about the canopy and the reserves, but the area is also a landscape of small farms, rivers and waterfalls, and a guided hike shows you how these fit together. The guide can explain why some slopes are forested and others are pasture, how the rivers feed the valleys and which birds, butterflies and plants are typical of the edge of the cloud forest. The waterfalls themselves are the reward at the end, and the mist and sound make a memorable place for a rest and a photograph.
What to check before you book
Tours of this kind vary in length, difficulty and what is included, so confirm the meeting point, whether transport is provided, how long the hike is and whether lunch is part of your package. Ask whether swimming is allowed and safe on the day you go, because water levels change with the season and recent rain, and never swim unless your guide says it is safe.
The hike is best from the drier months, when the trail is firmer, but the falls are usually fuller and more dramatic in the green season, so each season has its appeal.Planning it: wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip, quick-drying clothes, a light rain jacket and insect repellent. Bring a water bottle, a small daypack and a change of socks, and a swimsuit only if swimming is confirmed.
Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. Because the hike can take a good part of the day, schedule it on a day with no other major plans, and follow it with a relaxed evening, perhaps with a coffee farm visit or a quiet dinner in Santa Elena.
Travellers with mobility problems or very young children should ask the operator about the terrain before booking. A good guide will set a steady pace, stop for rests and explain what you are passing, so do not worry if you are not an experienced hiker. Carry a little cash for tips and small purchases.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through forest and farmland to a series of waterfalls, with a nature guide and a meal depending on the package.
Best time
Morning start, ideally on a dry day, though the falls are fuller in the green season.
How long
Several hours, from a long half day to most of a day depending on the version.
Tips
Wear hiking shoes with grip, bring a rain jacket, repellent and a dry pair of socks, and ask the guide before swimming.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want a quieter, more local side of Monteverde.
- Families
- Best for older children who are comfortable walking for a few hours on muddy trails.
- Couples
- A romantic, away-from-it-all day with a waterfall as the reward.
- Pair with
- A relaxed evening at a coffee farm or a night walk.
- Time needed
- Half to full day.
Good questions
How hard is the hike?+
It is more demanding than a reserve loop, with muddy sections, slopes and some stream crossings. A reasonable level of fitness helps.
Is lunch included?+
The tour reviewed here includes lunch and a nature guide, but versions vary, so confirm what your package covers.
Can I swim at the waterfalls?+
It depends on water levels and conditions on the day. Only swim if your guide confirms that it is safe.
When is the best time to go?+
The trail is firmer in the drier months, while the waterfalls are usually fuller in the green season. Each season has its appeal.
What should I bring?+
Bring sturdy shoes, a light rain jacket, insect repellent, water, a dry pair of socks and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
