PUERTO VIEJO HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Cross the Street, Enter the Jungle: Kekoldi’s 45‑Meter Waterfall Just Minutes from Puerto Viejo
A short coastal-to-rainforest hike through Kekoldi indigenous territory that ends at a vertical 45‑meter waterfall—this guide explains what you’ll see, how the route flows, and what to bring.
Cross the Street, Enter the Jungle: Kekoldi’s 45‑Meter Waterfall Just Minutes from Puerto Viejo.
Just minutes from Puerto Viejo, the Kekoldi Waterfall Hike moves from beach edge to dense tropical rainforest as you cross the main street into Kekoldi indigenous territory. The walk threads through cacao fields and past indigenous huts into a forest of ancient timber, palms and medicinal plants before descending to the Kekoldi river and a vertical 45‑meter cascade where swimming is possible.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Five‑Minute Shift: Beach to Rainforest
From the roadside near Puerto Viejo you step off the coastal strip and into Kekoldi territory, quickly leaving street noise behind as the path takes you through cultivated cacao and into primary forest.
Indigenous Landscape: Huts, Palms and Healing Plants
The trail passes about three humble huts of indigenous families and showcases species used in traditional Bribri houses—palms like chonta and suita—alongside abundant timber trees and plants identified for their healing properties.
A Vertical 45‑Meter Cascade and a Forest Pool
After descending to the Kekoldi river the path climbs to an imposing 45‑meter vertical waterfall—an ideal place to swim and absorb the surrounding forest life.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The pace is intimate and revealing: a short walk from secure parking crosses the main road into cacao groves, then threads past family huts into a shade‑cooled forest of enormous trees and useful plants. The trail descends to the Kekoldi river and then up to a vertical 45‑meter fall where swimmers pause beneath the cascade; the return carries you back through the same vibrant forest, often with wildlife sightings along the way.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike matches—and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. A change of clothes can be useful but is not necessary.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and lightweight hiking clothes suited to a rainforest environment; consider a towel if you plan to swim.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where is the meeting point for the Kekoldi Waterfall Hike?
The meeting point is Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo, next to the bus stop at Pen's Bar.
How long does the hike take?
The full outing is approximately 7 hours.
Is there an age minimum for participants?
Yes—participants must be at least 12 years old.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
Yes; the itinerary concludes at a 45‑meter waterfall where swimming is possible.
What kind of terrain and sights should I expect?
Expect a trail that moves from cacao fields into dense rainforest, passing indigenous huts, ancient timber trees, palms used for traditional housing and plants noted for healing properties before reaching the waterfall.
Should I bring a change of clothes?
A change of clothes can be useful but is not necessary.