Hola 👋
The El Tigre Waterfalls and nature park were the highlight of our last trip to Monteverde. It was on my short list of activities, and I’m so happy we made it work the morning we departed before heading to Paquera by way of the Puntarenas Car Ferry.
In our guide, you’ll find info on how to get to the falls, reserve tickets, and what to expect along the way. Let’s go!
A highlight of Monteverde
Getting to El Tigre Falls
Driving
The El Tigre Falls are located about 30 minutes outside of Monteverde and Santa Elena. The Google Maps directions below highlight the route. Cell service is patchy along the way, but there are numerous signs that tell you when and where to turn. It’s pretty straightforward so follow the dirt road for 30 minutes and enjoy the view.
Follow the black and orange El Tigre signs
The Ticket Office
Finally… the ticket office. Follow the marked signage to where to park and head into the office to check in. Did you make a reservation? We didn’t, but we got there at 8am and there were the first ones there. The parking lot was packed when we got back, so we recommend making reservations.
There are a few different options for hiking and other optional activities.
Hiking Options:
- Hike In and hike out
- Hike in and ride horses out
- Hike in and take a 4×4 shuttle out
Optional Activities:
- Zip Lining
- Zip Line Biking – yeah it’s as crazy as it sounds
We opted to hike in and and take the 4×4 out because we were a little pressed on time. And also I just love riding in 4x4s. The ticket office also has bathrooms and lockers if you need to store anything before the descent.
Finally got there
Check in at the counter
The Hike Down
The hike is 8KM round trip if you go all in. The first 1.5KM is steep downhill terrain, and it’s often muddy and slippery with the frequent rain. Be sure you’re up for it because there’s no emergency route back up to the office. You’re either going all the way, or you’re walking back up the hill.
Good To Know
Bring sturdy shoes with good traction. Otherwise you’ll be gambling with an ankle sprain.
Slow and steady
Viewpoint right, trail left
In case of emergency
We have data roaming in Costa Rica, and neither of our phones had cell service during the hike. It was amazing. But you’re pretty deep in the wilderness, so what if something goes wrong and you need to call for help?
You’ll see 4 yellow aid boxes throughout the hike. Inside is a waterproof case with a radio that you can use to call the office if there’s an emergency. They go over this at check-in before the hike starts. Be sure to ask any questions about the radios because you’ll be on your own out there. We always recommend affordable travel insurance if you’ll be doing anything with this activity level.
The first aid box
Elevation level in bottom corner
Exploring the Park
This is the fun part. Even though it’s an 8KM self-guided walk, it’s hard to get lost with all of the signage. Take your time and enjoy tons of waterfalls, suspension bridges, and dip pools.
Watch the old wood planks
An empty hike
Swimming in the pools
You can swim in the pools under the bigger waterfalls, but the more relaxing pools are about .5KM after the last waterfall. Don’t forget a quality daypack and quick-dry towel.
A cool dip on a hot day
Our new favorite quick-dry towel
Returning to the office
You’ll have a a few different options for making your way back up the hill, and you would have already paid for the specific method when you checked in earlier. What’s nice about choosing the full walk option is that you can add the horseback riding and 4×4 shuttle later and then pay the difference when you get back.
I love riding in 4x4s and we were crunched on time. Otherwise we would have hiked back up.
Always a fun time in a 4×4
Optional Activities
The optional activities include zip lining, a bicycle zip line, and having lunch at their restaurant in the main building.
The biking seemed a little overhyped, and if you’re going to zip line in Monteverde, we recommend going with 100% Aventura. They are located about half way back in to town so you could go on the 8am zip line tour with them, and be done at 10am to head over to El Tigre after.
Local food and a good view
Tips for El Tigre Waterfalls
Arrive early or late
Plan to start your hike early or late to avoid the crowds and enjoy the falls. We got here without a reservation right at 8am and didn’t have any trouble getting in. We still recommend reservations because it filled in quickly and we would have been so sad to miss out on this.
Judge your physical ability
The initial 1-kilometer hike down was tough, and we were prepared for it. Anna slipped and tweaked her ankle in the first 20 minutes. Make sure you’re up for it and consider affordable trip insurance if you have any doubts about the safety of your planned activities.
Don’t forget the essentials
Expect to see mosquitos, so pack your day bag with a good insect repellant, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks for your visit.
Bring The Right Footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals with good traction are essential for this hike. I love my Salomon Hiking Shoes that I bring on every trip.
Practice sustainable tourism
There are no trash cans when hiking El Tigre, so anything you bring in must return with you. We didn’t see one piece of trash in the park, so let’s keep it that way.
Let’s go!
Exploring the El Tigre Hiking Trail and Waterfalls should be on your list of must-do activities when you’re visiting Monteverde and Santa Elena.
Don’t miss our full guide to Monteverde and drop us a comment below if you have any questions.
