Bijagual Waterfall Hiking Tour · Self-Guided
Hike to the 2nd Highest Waterfall in Costa Rica
A self-guided 7 km journey through private rainforest trails to the base of the 328-meter Bijagual Waterfall, with natural pools, wildlife and river crossings included. From $20 per person.
About This Tour
A Private Rainforest Journey Near Jaco
The Bijagual Waterfall Hiking Tour follows 7 km of private rainforest trails on the slopes of the Carara biological corridor, one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica. The trail leads to the base of Bijagual Waterfall, the second-highest in the country at approximately 328 meters (1,076 feet).
- i.Second-highest waterfall in Costa Rica, 328 meters
- ii.Exclusive private trail access, no public crowds
- iii.Self-guided route with clear trail markers along all 7 km
- iv.Natural swimming pools included at no extra cost
- v.Suitable for beginners, families and all fitness levels
What You'll Experience
The Trail & the Reward
Two defining moments on every hiking tour: the journey through private rainforest, and the natural pools waiting at the end.
Step by Step
What Happens on the Hike
A 7 km self-guided route through private rainforest, with two river crossings, wildlife zones, the 328 m waterfall viewpoint and natural swimming pools.
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Distance
- 7 km
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start Time
- Morning
- Format
- Self-guided
- Min. Age
- No restriction
- 01
Trailhead Briefing
Receive your trail map and a safety and wildlife briefing at the trailhead before entering the private forest on your own.
- 02
Rainforest Entrance
Enter trails maintained exclusively for Bijagual guests. The canopy closes overhead within minutes.
- 03
First River Crossing
Wade through the first crystal-clear mountain river. Shoes get wet; it is part of the experience.
- 04
Wildlife Observation Zone
The most biodiverse section. Scarlet macaws, capuchin monkeys and toucans frequent this area.
- 05
Uphill Section
A moderate climb through dense old-growth vegetation before the final descent.
- 06
Second River Crossing
Cross near the waterfall basin; the sound of the falls becomes audible from here.
- 07
328 m Waterfall Viewpoint
Arrive at the base of Costa Rica's second-highest waterfall. The defining moment of the tour.
- 08
Natural Swimming Pools
Time at freshwater pools at the base of the falls. Crystal-clear water surrounded by rainforest.
- 09
Return Hike
The same scenic trail back to the trailhead. Total round trip: 7 km.
Tour Details
What's Included
Included
- Self-guided marked trail in the Carara region
- Exclusive private trail access
- 328-meter waterfall viewpoint
- Natural freshwater swimming pools
- Wildlife observation throughout
- Self-paced, small-group experience
Not Included
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- Food, snacks or drinks
- Gratuity for guides (optional)
- Personal travel insurance
Transport from Jaco, Manuel Antonio or Quepos can be arranged on request.
WhatsApp · +506 8608 9990What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
- Change of clothes & swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Hat & small backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera in a waterproof case
Flora & Fauna
Life in Every Direction
The private trails pass through the Carara biological corridor, one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica. Wildlife encounters are frequent along the river banks and in the forest canopy.
- Scarlet Macaws
- White-faced Capuchins
- Howler Monkeys
- Toucans
- Blue Morpho Butterflies
- Coatis
- Sloths
- 200+ Bird Species
The Alternative
Prefer to Arrive on Horseback?
The same 328-meter waterfall and natural pools, but the journey includes rivers, mountain trails and Pacific Ocean views on horseback. Fully guided by a certified local guide; no riding experience required.
3.5 Hours on Horseback
Rivers, mountain trails and tropical forest, with Pacific Ocean views from the ridge.
Guided, No Experience Required
Fully guided by certified local experts from the Carara region. All levels welcome.
Same Pools, Same Waterfall
Natural swimming pools at the base of the 328 m waterfall, included with every ride.
Getting Here
How to Get to Bijagual Waterfall
Bijagual Waterfall is ideally located for day trips from Costa Rica's most popular Central Pacific destinations. Transport can be arranged via WhatsApp.
GPS · 9.741714, -84.575413
- Jaco~25 min
- Playa Herradura~20 min
- Carara National Park~20 min
- Manuel Antonio~50 min
- Quepos~55 min
- San Jose Airport~90 min
TripAdvisor Reviews
4.9 / 5 Stars, Travelers' Choice
Bijagual Waterfall holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor with a Travelers' Choice award. Visitors consistently highlight the well-marked self-guided trail, the quality of the horseback guides, the 328-meter waterfall and the intimacy of the private-access experience.
FAQ
Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need before booking. Still have questions? We usually reply within the hour.
Ask on WhatsApp
Ready to Book?
Your Adventure Starts Here
Pick your date and head into the rainforest. Secure booking via WeTravel with instant confirmation.