Your Guide to the Best Eco-Tours at Blue Osa

Costa Rica’s jungle is full of hidden gems, and some of the Best Eco-Tour Adventures take you right into the heart of it. One of the coolest things about exploring the Costa Rican rainforest is how often you come across waterfalls – they’re everywhere! Every tour I’ve done with Blue Osa has featured at least one.

But it’s not just about seeing the waterfalls – it’s about getting right into the experience. You can swim in the lagoons, cool off under the falls, stand behind the rushing water, or even climb and rappel down them. These hands-on adventures are what make exploring Costa Rica so unforgettable.

There’s something amazing about hiking through dense, green rainforest and suddenly finding yourself in front of a massive waterfall. It’s one thing to see it, but getting up close and interacting with it is what really makes it special.

Best Eco-Tour Adventures

It’s hard to choose, but these are my three favorite Blue Osa eco-tours.

1. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in Costa Rica is far from a typical, slow-paced trot around a field. Instead, it’s a guided tour that adapts to the environment, offering a unique look at the local landscape.

Since the experience is tide-dependent, high tide may mean skipping the beach. In that case, the guide leads riders through local cow farms and up into the hills, where they can see secondary rainforest and learn about sustainable palm oil harvesting. Along the way, riders might spot wildlife like monkeys and birds while taking in the rolling hills and lush greenery.

When the tide is low, the ride may include a stretch along the beach before heading inland. The horses move at a steady pace, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for riders of all levels. Whether on the beach or through the farmland, the tour provides an authentic glimpse into Costa Rica’s diverse environments. You may even get the opportunity to visit a waterfall!

2. Matapalo Half-Day Hike

The Matapalo area, located just south of Blue Osa, is known for its abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, primary rainforest, and cascading waterfalls. One of Blue Osa’s guides, Fijo, leads hikes through this remarkable region. Having grown up on the peninsula, Fijo has extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

Even before reaching the trail, wildlife sightings are frequent and diverse. Along the way, it’s common to spot falcons, coatis crossing the road, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, hummingbirds, blue morpho butterflies, and even the striking roseate spoonbill bird – all within a short span of time.

While hiking through the rainforest, the group encountered a variety of birds, butterflies, and currasows. The trail led to the first waterfall, where a bridge hung about five feet above a small, blue lagoon. After changing into swimsuits, the group jumped off the bridge, cooling off in the refreshing river water.

Next, the hike continued to a second, much larger waterfall with an expansive lagoon. Some of the group swam through the cold water to reach the waterfall, exploring the area behind the cascading flow for a unique perspective. A few adventurous hikers climbed up the rocks for a closer look.

3. Waterfall Rappelling

For those who really want to get their adrenaline pumping or conquer their fears, waterfall rappelling is the way to go. You can even combine it with the tree-climbing tour, where you rope up and climb 70 feet up a massive Strangler Fig tree.

The waterfall rappel tour takes you to the big Cape Matapalo waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. You get instructions on how to best rappel, harness up, and then start 100 feet up from the ground and work your way down the face of the waterfall to the pool below.

It’s a truly thrilling way to experience a waterfall!

Like I said, it’s really hard to choose a favorite. These are my favorite waterfall-chasing tours, but I’ve also really loved ziplining, whale-watching, and learning how to surf! The opportunities for eco-tour adventure at Blue Osa are plentiful as the opportunities for relaxation.

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