A First-Timers Guide to Visiting El Tigre Waterfalls
El Tigre Waterfalls is an unexpectedly beautiful waterfall hike nestled into the cloud forest and I always bring my friends and family when they visit me in Monteverde.
Why? Aside from the stunning views of multiple waterfalls, hanging bridges, and a biodiversity-packed jungle, there is a good cause behind it. El Tigre Tours supports reforestation and wildlife sustainability here in Costa Rica. Let’s learn a bit about this awesome waterfall adventure!
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About the author! Originally from New York, Lindsay now lives in beautiful Costa Rica! She now works as a Travel Consultant to help people plan bucket list vacations to Costa Rica. Contact her on Instagram to start planning your getaway!
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El Tigre Waterfalls Quick Facts:
| Physical Address: El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde, Guanacaste Province, Los Olivos (use Google Maps or Waze) | Hours: 7:30 AM – 1 PM | Price: Self-guided hike $33 for adults, $22 for children Hike, ride back in 4×4 or horseback, lunch included $66 for adults, $56 for children | Length of hike: 3-5 hours |
Getting to El Tigre Waterfalls
El Tigre Waterfalls are about 25 minutes from the town center of Monteverde. You have several different options as to how to reach these beautiful falls.
Via Car
The road to El Tigre from Monteverde by car is mostly unpaved, so expect some bumps along the road! That said, the drive is absolutely beautiful. Use either Google Maps or Waze and put in ‘El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde’.
Via Shuttle
If you didn’t bring a car on your trip to Monteverde, you can still visit El Tigre. After you make your reservation online, coordinate with the staff via WhatsApp and schedule your pick-up for either 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, or 11 AM. The cost is $12 round trip per person.
Via Taxi
While there are taxis available in Monteverde, I wouldn’t recommend using a taxi to get to El Tigre. You’ll pay a higher amount round trip and may potentially be waiting around for a ride, as El Tigre is about a 25-minute drive from the town center. Coordinating directly with the El Tigre staff for pickup is the way to go here!
Best Time to Visit El Tigre Waterfalls
The best time to visit El Tigre Waterfalls is in the Costa Rica dry season (unless you don’t mind the rain!).
The rainy season in Costa Rica is from approximately May-November and when it rains here, it pours. Generally, Costa Rica experiences a tropical weather pattern which involves some sun in the morning and heavy rains in the afternoon and evening during the rainy season. That said, rain can come at any time.
The best advice is to always have a rain jacket and waterproof plastic for your phone. When my dad visited, we hiked El Tigre, and his phone was completely ruined in a rainstorm. The best course of action is to always be prepared for anything.
If you do visit Costa Rica in the rainy season, don’t worry, El Tigre is still a beautiful and worthwhile hike. In fact, the trails are generally less crowded and the waterfalls much fuller. Just pack a swimsuit!
El Tigre Waterfall Tour Options
- Full Package: The full package tour ($66 for adults and $56 for children) includes a 5 km self-guided hike, a ride back to reception in a 4×4 or on horseback, and a delicious lunch with drinks provided.
- The Big Hike: The self-guided hike ($33 for adults and $22 for children) is a good option if you are in great physical shape and want a long day of hiking, as this hike is 8 km in total with changing elevation. It’s best to start this hike early in the day and pack plenty of snacks and water.
Or, book on GetYourGuide (with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior!)
What to Expect: The Hike and Waterfalls Explained
You’ll start the hike off at the El Tigre Waterfalls reception area where they will provide you with a map and basic information regarding the hike. The receptionists speak both English and Spanish, which helps a lot if you’re still learning.
After leaving the reception area, you’ll start on the approximately 5 km hike of waterfalls and hanging bridges. The hike is moderately difficult and involves changes in elevation including many stairs. That said, the reward is worth the work.
Along the way, you will encounter 10 hanging bridges, 4 beautiful waterfalls, and a rugged jungle full of wildlife such as monkeys, exotic birds, and tropical plants.
If you elect for the Full Package tour, after 5 km you will meet the staff at the station where you will either board a 4×4 or horse to ride back to the reception area.
Or, if you choose for a full day of a self-guided hike, you’ll continue another 3 km to make your way back to reception. The latter is a very long, moderate-to-difficult hike, so be prepared with plenty of snacks and water!
Other Things to do (Besides hiking) at El Tigre Waterfalls
- Zipline Bike: A unique offering in Monteverde, where zipline tours are very popular, is this zipline bike tour at El Tigre Waterfalls. You bike on the zipline cables high in the tree canopy and can either add this to your hiking tour or do it as its own activity for $35 and they will bring you to and from reception in a 4×4.
- Swimming: If the weather permits and the waterfall isn’t too grand due to the rainy season, El Tigre Waterfalls can be a good spot to swim. Take care not to swim alone or if the waterfall is full due to the rainy season. If you are considering swimming in the falls, please check with reception beforehand to ensure it is safe to do so.
- El Tigre Cafe: The lunch at El Tigre Waterfalls is exceptional with options for traditional Costa Rican dishes, vegetarian or vegan options, and an array of drink choices like coffee, natural fruit juices, and agua dulce (a hot sugar cane drink). The view from the cafe overlooks the beautiful mountains and you’ll truly feel above the clouds.
El Tigre Waterfalls FAQ’s
- What should I wear to the hike?
Wear a swimsuit, hiking clothes, a raincoat, and good waterproof hiking shoes. Also be sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, a plastic bag for your phone, snacks, and water.
Here’s a full Costa Rica Packing List!
- Do I need a 4-wheel drive?
The terrain on the road to El Tigre from Monteverde is mostly unpaved with steep elevation. You may want to rent a 4×4 car especially if you’re coming in the rainy season when the roads are more slippery.
- Are advanced reservations required?
Make reservations up to a day or two in advance on the El Tigre website and be sure to message the staff on WhatsApp if you need a ride.
You can book on their website or on GetYourGuide!
- What is the parking like?
There is plenty of parking at El Tigre! When you arrive, park your car in the large parking lot directly next to the reception area.
- Is the hike accessible?
The hike is moderately difficult with lots of elevation changes and it’s best to be in relatively good physical shape. My 63-year-old dad has knee problems and had a difficult time with the number of stairs and steep elevation changes. He was able to complete the hike by using a walking stick to balance himself.
The staff has arranged walkie-talkies along the way if any concerns or needs arise on the hike.
- Is it safe to swim?
Please check with the reception desk before deciding whether or not to take a swim in El Tigre Waterfalls. They will give you the best information on the safety and feasibility of taking a swim in the falls depending on the season in which you are visiting Costa Rica.
Is visiting El Tigre Waterfalls worth the cost?!
El Tigre Waterfalls is a spot that cannot be missed on your visit to Costa Rica! Monteverde is a famous tourist spot known for hiking the cloud forest, wildlife night tours, coffee and chocolate tours, and adventure activities like the zip-line and Tarzan swing.
Most people might not think to visit waterfalls while in Monteverde but El Tigre, with its gorgeous waterfalls and hanging bridges, is an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem you’ll be disappointed to miss.
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