A Wilder Way to Experience Monteverde

El Tigre Waterfalls is a private nature reserve set deep in the mountains of Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Here, the experience is less about following the usual tourist route and more about getting into the forest itself: hiking alongside rivers, crossing rustic and hanging bridges, and reaching a series of waterfalls surrounded by dense cloud forest.

The main hiking section covers approximately 5 km, with the complete experience extending to around 8 km depending on the option you choose. The trail is self-guided, clearly marked, and designed for travelers who enjoy nature, movement, and a more adventurous side of Monteverde.

This is not a flat nature walk. Expect uneven terrain, climbs and descents, wet sections, bridges, and the changing conditions that come with exploring a real mountain environment.

The Experience

Your visit begins at our reception, where our team will explain the route, provide a trail map, and review the most important safety information before you start.

From there, you explore at your own pace.

Along the way you’ll encounter four waterfalls, nine rustic and hanging bridges, mountain streams, forest viewpoints, and sections of cloud forest that feel far removed from the busier attractions in town.

The hiking portion takes most visitors around 3 to 4 hours, depending on pace, weather conditions, and how much time they spend along the river and waterfalls.

Quick facts

• Hiking distance: approximately 5 km

• Full experience: up to approximately 8 km

• Difficulty: intermediate

• Typical duration: 3–4 hours

• Route: self-guided and clearly marked

• Highlights: 4 waterfalls, 9 bridges, rivers and cloud forest

• ID required: A valid ID is required for all participants, including minors. You may present the original ID or a clear photo of it.
  

Choose How Your Adventure Ends

After completing the main hiking route, you can continue according to the experience you booked.

For those choosing our Full Package, the final section can be completed with a scenic horseback ride or 4x4 transfer, followed by lunch at our restaurant.

Prefer to keep walking? Our hiking-focused options allow you to experience the trail without adding the horseback ride or 4x4 portion.

You can also add our Zipline Bike, a different way to experience the forest from above.

A Taste of Costa Rica

After the trail, slow down and enjoy the mountain from our restaurant.

Our Full Package includes lunch, with a selection of traditional Costa Rican dishes and other options prepared for visitors after the hike.

The restaurant overlooks the surrounding landscape, making it part of the experience rather than simply a place to stop for food.

Why Visit El Tigre Waterfalls?

El Tigre is a good fit for travelers who want something more active and less conventional than a traditional reserve walk.

The experience combines the freedom of a self-guided trail with the feeling of being deeper in the mountains: rivers, waterfalls, bridges, changing terrain and fewer distractions from the forest itself.

We are a locally operated experience, and our team is available before and during your visit to help you choose the route that best matches your group, fitness level and travel plans.

Why Is It Called “El Tigre”?

The surrounding area has long been known as Los Bajos del Tigre.

In Costa Rica, jaguars were historically referred to as tigres by local hunters and rural communities. That connection between the landscape, its history and one of its most powerful native animals inspired the name El Tigre Waterfalls.

Plan Your Visit

El Tigre Waterfalls is located in the mountains outside Santa Elena, Monteverde.

Search “El Tigre Waterfalls” on Google Maps or Waze and follow the route through Monte de los Olivos.

Free parking is available at reception, and most vehicles can reach the property.

We are open daily, with last trail entry at 1:30 PM. For the best experience, we recommend starting before 12:00 PM, as weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly throughout the afternoon.

Reservations can be made online or by WhatsApp at +506 8391-9625.