El Tigre Waterfalls Excursion, Monteverde
Trek through dense primary forest and discover four beautiful waterfalls, followed by a horseback ride back to the trailhead.

Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about our hiking area! We were a group of five, and two others were also in our group. We... Read more

We were hesitant at first since we had seen a waterfall in La Fortuna. However this is a must do hike. It is very strenuous and... Read more

It was wonderful to actually be hiking in this landscapes and get the feeling of what it's like. there were not as many people. I appreciated... Read more
Very cool hike. Unique. Take the horses.

its a moderate hike, really beautiful place. I would repeat. Guide was knowledgeable but did not seem interested in us or anything else.
Overview
Highlights
- Navigate a scenic trail featuring hanging bridges and waterfalls
- Refresh with a dip in the chilly waters beneath the cascading waterfalls
- Spot wildlife with the help of your naturalist guide
- Thrill to riding horseback through rivers and following stone paths
- Appreciate stunning viewpoints with glimpses of distant volcanoes and Lake Arenal
Know before you go
5h
13 years old & up
Small group
Lunch Included
What you'll do
Embark on a memorable adventure through the picturesque Cataratas El Tigre (El Tigre Waterfalls) area, an expansive 148-acre (60 ha) stretch of lush primary forest. After a quick transfer from your hotel in Monteverde, you'll arrive at the starting point and gear up for your journey. Accompanied by a guide, you and a small group of like-minded travelers will explore this vibrant ecosystem, home to monkeys, snakes, peccaries, and various colorful insects and tropical birds. Your guide will help you spot these creatures as you traverse the trails and share insights into the area's rich biodiversity.
The mostly hike spans approximately 3 miles (5 km) and takes about three hours, leading you over natural stone paths and past four waterfalls, each ranging from 49 feet to 98 feet (15 m to 30 m) in height. There's even a chance to reward yourself with a refreshing swim at the base of a waterfall. As you continue, you'll cross hanging bridges that offer some pretty exceptional views of the lush landscape, and if the weather is clear, you might even glimpse distant volcanoes from a scenic viewpoint, including Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles, and the picturesque Lake Arenal.
As your mostly downhill trek concludes, you'll enjoy the return journey via horseback (best for those with some horseback riding experience), which will take about 35 minutes to return to the trailhead. You'll have fun leading your horse over a few rivers and rocky paths, and always through dense greenery. If horseback riding isn't your thing, there's the option of returning via 4WD or continuing back up on foot, another 2 miles (3 km).
Start times
-
Daily7:00 am, 12:00 pm
What's included
- Round-trip transportation from/to your hotel
- Entrance fees
- Guide
- Lunch
- Horseback ride
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Like what you see?
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