El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde is a family-owned nature park spanning over 60 hectares (148 acres). Perfect for families with little children, this excursion mixes beautiful waterfalls, rain forests, and many animals with a valuable reforestation project. Travelers can walk beautiful trails, cross many photo perfect bridges, and see four beautiful waterfalls. Choose either the Standard Expedition, an independent 8 km (5-mile) walk with a challenging uphill finish, or the Deluxe Version, with a horseback or 4x4 return and a delicious local meal. Educational signs along the way indicate the importance of preserving Monteverde's cloud forest. Visitors can then relax at the in-house restaurant, so that this is a real memory that combines the beauty of nature with conservation.
El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde was begun in 1985 by the Rodríguez family. Their land, originally for cattle ranching and agriculture, turned into a wildlife reserve after a life-changing encounter with a jaguar named 'El Tigre.' Their worldview was changed by this experience and so the Rodríguez family chose to reforest the land and aid in the endeavors to protect the wildlife in Monteverde. Currently, the passion for conservation is maintained by them through ecotourism.
El Tigre Waterfalls is not just a natural marvel; it's an expression of the Rodríguez family's commitment to keeping the environment safe. Visitors are able to trek along safe trails that lead them through the dense rainforests, cross over hanging bridges, and view the stunning waterfalls. Along the way, there are educational exhibits that highlight ongoing reforestation projects and they emphasize the importance of keeping Monteverde's unique cloud forest habitat intact. By visiting, families not only get immersed in the splendor of nature but contribute to preserving this valuable ecosystem for future generations.
The well-maintained trails are family-friendly and full of wonder. Children will love crossing suspension bridges, discovering waterfalls, and discovering the world around them. For an exciting family outing, Tourist in Monteverde offers two action-packed options:
El Tigre Waterfalls Expedition: A scenic hike through dense jungles with stunning waterfalls, ideal for families looking for adventure and nature exploration. It is suitable for more active children as it is more physically demanding.
El Tigre Waterfalls Expedition - Deluxe Version: Get the same beautiful trails but with added luxuries, such as a guided experience and additional amenities for an individually tailored experience. This trip shares the same thing as El Tigre Waterfalls Expedition except that it is not as physically challenging on the body since you do not need to do the final hike. You can do it on horseback or 4x4 vehicles.
Both tours are family-friendly and designed to create lifetime memories among Monteverde's natural beauty. But we recommend the deluxe version for families with small children to decrease the hiking distance.
El Tigre Waterfalls is a wildlife heaven, with an incredible array of species inhabiting its cloud forest. While hiking on the trails, you can catch a glimpse of the blue morpho butterfly soaring through the air or the quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds of Costa Rica. Look around the trees because you can spot white-faced capuchin monkeys jumping from tree to tree or a sloth all tucked away in the leaves. If you are lucky, you might even get to listen to the howler monkeys' bellows echoing through the woods. If you are a bird watcher you can catch photos of the black guan, the collared trogon, and the emerald toucanet in the trees.
Hanging bridges of El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde offer some of the most panoramic scenic views of waterfalls in Monteverde. As you walk across these bridges, you will be among the thick cloud forest, with enormous trees all about, and soft calls of nature. Standing high above on these bridges, you can see the waterfalls plunging below, their mist winding into mountain air, to create a genuine spell of enchantment. These bridges also provide the best opportunity for beautiful pictures, which not only capture the breathtaking view, but also irreplaceable family moments, the experience is as photogenic as it is spectacular. Do not forget to pull over, take a deep breath, and fully immerse in the beauty of Monteverde's untamed wild from these excellent vantage points!
- "A magical place! My kids enjoyed every step along the trail." – Ana M.
- "Safe trails and friendly employees—perfect for a family visit!" – Luis R.
- "This site was absolutely marvelous—my absolute favorite hike! The people were so friendly and cooperative, and the Tico-style traditional meal was divine. Completely unforgettable!" – Jill M.
What to Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good tread for hiking. Be sure to bring a rain jacket, wind breaker or poncho, as the weather in Monteverde can be quite volatile!
Best Time to Go: The early morning hours are best for a peaceful hike with less crowding and cooler weather. The soft morning light also accentuates the waterfalls' beauty and makes the hike more comfortable, making it best for photography and nature lovers! Also, the animals are more active during this part of the day so if you wish to try and capture a lot of various animals and plants then the early morning is ideal for doing this. Also your little one could get up early and be more active during the day thanks to this trip
Bring Snacks and Water: The hike should only take about a couple of hours, but bring some water and snacks so the family doesn't get too hungry or thirsty. Afterward, there's a cozy cafe where you can sit down and have some nice food while taking in some of the most stunning views.
Capture the Moments: Bring a waterproof camera or phone since the mist from the waterfalls can be strong, but you’ll want to capture these unforgettable family memories during this time.
Family Safety Note: The trails are best suited for kids over 5 years old due to some steep and uneven paths. Always hold hands with little ones on the hanging bridges.
El Tigre Monteverde Waterfalls is located at El Monte de los Olivos, with the reserve very close to Monteverde center, and one can park in a convenient manner. Navigation guides like Waze and Google Maps are extremely convenient in reaching destinations. These are useful in enabling you to map your way conveniently, reach safely, and timely.
Is it suitable for young kids? Yes! There are well-marked paths to El Tigre Waterfalls and it is easy to follow. While there are steps and suspended bridges along the way, they are safe and stable.
Stroller-friendly? Not recommended. The trails have stairs, suspended bridges, as well as an unlevel surface and it would not be simple with a stroller. Although if you have a small infant, a baby carrier would work too but it would be more tiring.
Booking your visit to El Tigre Waterfalls is quick and easy! Whether you take the Standard Expedition or the Deluxe Version, advance booking makes it easier for you to book because sometimes it becomes crowded. For a smoother experience while booking here are some things that you can do to help you out:
Visit the Touristinmonteverde website – Go to the booking page to check dates and availability and select your chosen date and package.
Select Your Experience – Choose whether you take the free hike or upgrade to the Deluxe experience with the horseback/4x4 back and included traditional meal.
Book Your Booking – Utilize the simple online system, input all the information required, and await an emailed confirmation of the information you should be aware of for visiting.
If you are not sure of the booking process, please refer to our booking confirmation Guide for details on how to book with ease.
Yes! El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde is a great activity to bring families closer together while surrounded by nature and learning conservation together. Children love to explore, spot animals, and discover something new around every corner. Remember that Touristin Monteverde offers two packages for tours: El Tigre Waterfalls Expedition and El Tigre Waterfalls Expedition - Deluxe Version that offers families the convenience to choose the adventure that is best suited for their pace and taste. No matter if you're prepared for an adventurous hike with the standard expedition or a relaxing experience with the deluxe version, both are great ways to leave behind memories in the midst of El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde.
A visit to El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde is not just a trek, it's an interactive adventure for the whole family. By visiting, you support a sustainable venture while strolling along lush trails, navigating suspended bridges, and awe over four stunning waterfalls. Choose standard expedition, an 8 km (5-miles) self-guided hike with a challenging uphill finish, or the deluxe Version, which includes a horseback or 4x4 vehicle for the uphill and for the return and a pleasant local meal. Keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, and swim in the refreshing natural pools along the way. Plan your visit today and create unforgettable memories!
