Bijagual Waterfall · Carara · Costa Rica
Self-Guided & Guided Tours to the 2nd Highest Waterfall in Costa Rica
Self-guided hiking and guided horseback riding tours to Bijagual Waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in Costa Rica at 328 meters. Located near Jaco on the Central Pacific coast.
Our Tours
Choose Your Adventure
Two tours: one self-guided on foot through pristine rainforest, one guided on horseback across rivers and mountain trails. Both arrive at the base of Costa Rica's second-highest waterfall.
Hiking Tour Details
Bijagual Waterfall Hiking Tour
A self-guided 7 km journey through private rainforest trails maintained exclusively for Bijagual guests. Follow clearly marked trail signage at your own pace through dense tropical forest, river crossings, wildlife habitats and uphill sections before arriving at the base of the 328-meter waterfall.
- 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.
Horseback Tour Details
Bijagual Horseback Riding Tour
The horseback riding tour covers approximately 8 km through rivers, mountain paths, tropical forest and open ridges with Pacific Ocean views before arriving at the base of Costa Rica's second-highest waterfall. Fully guided by a certified local guide; no riding experience required.
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Distance
- ~8 km on horseback
- Difficulty
- Easy, no experience
- Start Time
- Morning
- Format
- Guided
- Min. Age
- No restriction
- 01
Ranch Start
Meet your horse and guide at the starting point. No experience required; the guides set the pace.
- 02
Mountain Trails
Ride along mountain paths with sweeping views of the Pacific coastline.
- 03
First River Crossing
Cross the first river on horseback through tropical forest. Wildlife sightings are common here.
- 04
Forest Canopy
Ride through a dense rainforest corridor where scarlet macaws and howler monkeys are frequent.
- 05
Ridge Viewpoint
An open ridge with panoramic views of the Central Pacific coast and surrounding mountains.
- 06
Second River Crossing
Cross the final river before the descent to the waterfall basin.
- 07
328 m Waterfall Arrival
Arrive at the base of Costa Rica's second-highest waterfall: 328 meters of cascading water.
- 08
Natural Swimming Pools
Dismount and swim in the natural pools while the horses rest nearby under the forest canopy.
Tour Comparison
Which Tour Is Right for You?
Choose the Hiking Tour if…
You enjoy walking rainforest trails at your own pace
You want the most affordable option ($20)
You prefer close-up wildlife observation on foot
You want direct immersion in the forest canopy
Choose the Horseback Tour if…
You prefer less walking effort
You want mountain and Pacific Ocean views
You'd like a certified guide with you the whole way
You want to arrive at the waterfall on horseback
| Hiking Tour | Horseback Riding Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20 / person | $75 / person |
| Duration | 3–4 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Distance | 7 km on foot | ~8 km on horseback |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
| Guide | Self-guided (marked trail) | Certified local guide |
| Experience needed | None | None |
| Natural pools | ||
| Wildlife observation | ||
| Ocean views | — | |
| Best for | Hikers & families | All levels & couples |
Tour Details
What's Included
Included in Every Tour
- Marked self-guided trail (hiking) or certified local guide (horseback)
- Exclusive private trail access
- 328-meter waterfall viewpoint
- Natural freshwater swimming pools
- Wildlife observation throughout
- 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
Wildlife You May Encounter
The private rainforest surrounding Bijagual Waterfall is part of the Carara biological corridor, one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica. Wildlife encounters are frequent on both the self-guided hiking tour and the guided horseback tour.
- Scarlet Macaws
- White-faced Capuchins
- Howler Monkeys
- Toucans
- Blue Morpho Butterflies
- Coatis
- Sloths
- 200+ Bird Species
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
Answers to the most common questions from travelers planning a tour at Bijagual Waterfall near Jaco, Costa Rica.
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