So, you’re planning a vacation in Costa Rica? Good call. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to get your boots a little muddy and the peace of secluded landscapes, you’re in the right place.
Costa Rica is famous for its waterfalls, but many of them are packed with day-trippers. The good news? You don’t have to go far to find something different.
Just outside Jaco, you’ll find hidden cascades tucked deep in the rainforest – places that don’t show up on every blog or guidebook. If you’re willing to hike a little farther (and maybe get your feet wet), the payoff is real.
Let’s take a look at some of the best off-the-beaten-path waterfall adventures near Jaco. And while you’re with us, please check out our own Jaco Waterfall and Canyoning Tours.
Why Hidden Waterfalls?
There’s something different about finding a place that not everyone else has. No busloads of tourists. No selfie sticks. Just the sound of falling water and birds in the canopy above.
Hidden waterfalls offer more than a quiet swim, they give you a sense of discovery and adventure. When you arrive, it’s just you and the jungle.
These are the kinds of places we take our guests at Costa Rica Waterfall Tours. Remote. Untamed. Wildly rewarding.
Getting Off the Beaten Path (Without Getting Lost)
Let’s be honest, some of these waterfalls are hard to find on your own. That’s part of their charm. But going with a local guide makes all the difference.
We know the trails, the weather patterns, and the sweet spots that even Google Maps can’t pin down. We also take care of the gear, the transport, and the timing, so you can just focus on the experience.
You’ll want sturdy shoes, a good attitude, and maybe a towel. We’ll handle the rest! Read about our Private Waterfall Experiences in Costa Rica to learn more.
Hidden Waterfalls Near Jaco
The waterfalls near Jaco don’t get nearly the attention they deserve. Here are a few of our favorite lesser-known spots:
Bijagual Waterfall (El Manantial de Agua Viva)
Towering and dramatic, this waterfall plunges through dense rainforest just outside of town. It’s a hike to get there, but the trail rewards you with sweeping views and thick, unspoiled jungle. Far fewer people make the effort, so when you reach the pools, it often feels like your own private jungle spa.
El Encanto
This one lives up to its name – The Enchanted. A beautiful fall nestled in the hills above Jaco, accessible by ATV or a well-guided jungle trek. It’s not just the waterfall that makes it special, it’s the setting..
Tres Piscinas
Three natural pools, hidden in the forest and perfect for cooling off. This is a local favorite, not a tourist hotspot, which means you often have it all to yourself. It’s less of a “wow” in terms of height, but more of a gem for those who love swimming in clear, fresh water.
What It’s Like to Explore These Falls
You might hear the waterfall before you see it – a steady rumble that grows louder as the trail winds deeper into the forest. The air cools. The trees close in. And then it’s just there – whitewater crashing over rock, mist rising, vines hanging low.
Some waterfalls invite a swim. Others dare you to climb or jump. You might spot toucans, butterflies, or even monkeys watching from the trees. No pavement. No fences. Just raw, tropical beauty.
When to Visit
Dry season (December to April) means sunny days and easy trail conditions. The green season (May to November) brings more water, more jungle, and fewer people.
There’s no bad time to visit, but if you want these waterfalls at their wildest, come just after a rain. Everything glows green, and the falls are full and fast.
We run tours year-round and adjust for weather and trail conditions to give you the best experience.
A Few Smart Tips
- Wear shoes you can get wet – you’ll cross streams, walk on slick rocks, and climb where trails fade.
- Bring water and bug spray. The rainforest doesn’t play around.
- Don’t go it alone. Some trails are unmarked, and GPS doesn’t always help. That’s where our local guides come in.
- And always, always respect the places you visit. Take only memories. Leave only footprints.
Why Go With a Local Tour?
Because we don’t just take you to a waterfall, we take you somewhere you wouldn’t have found on your own.
At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we offer small-group and private experiences led by guides who grew up around here. We know which trails are worth your time, and which falls are flowing. We adjust every tour to match the day’s conditions and your pace.
From beginner-friendly Explorer trips to rugged Extreme Adventurer routes, we’ve got a way to get you there.
Ready to Get Off the Tourist Trail?
The best memories aren’t made where the buses stop. They’re made in the places you hike to, splash through, and stumble upon – places with no signs, no crowds, and no cell signal.
These hidden waterfalls near Jaco are waiting. Let’s go find them! Explore our Waterfall Tours in Costa Rica and start planning your off-the-beaten-path adventure.
