Emanuel is the name that keeps coming up at Garabitours: a guide with deep knowledge of Costa Rica's rainforest who explains plants and wildlife along the trail, shares fresh fruit at the stops and makes hikers feel safe and comfortable. The signature hike runs past ten waterfalls, with a chance to swim at each one. It is a demanding walk, with real elevation gain and stretches where you cross chest-deep water, so be ready to get wet.
Groups are small and the outing takes three to four hours. One hiker finished at a juice bar with a ginger-and-lime juice, and the property has hot showers and fruit trees where you can pick something fresh. The base is in Pueblo Nuevo, in Herradura.
Guided waterfall hikes with local guides, from the Jacó area. Prices in colones, as published by the operator.