This Blog is part of our Costa Rica Travel series. If you want to catch up on our back story, you can go to https//pinkbearjourney.com
Today, we traded the beach for the rainforest and headed into the mountains on a private 4×4 Signature Rainforest Tour with Adventure Tours Costa Rica. As part of our retirement strategy, when traveling with a group, the extra cost of a private tour is well worth it for the added convenience, flexibility, and personal attention.
We decided to leave Pink Bear behind for this adventure since she has a habit of jumping out of off-road vehicles. The last time we brought her along, she ended up stranded on a dirt road near the San Andreas Fault slot canyon and had to be rescued by Tom and his brother Trotty. But that’s a story for another blog!
Our driver guide for this escapade was Jordan, and he did a great job. The meeting point was near our Airbnb in Jaco.
Searching for Costa Rica’s Famous Sloths:
The first stop before climbing into the rainforest was to search for sloths. We headed off-road to a riverbank. Sloths are famous for being slow, but their sluggishness and their low metabolism allow them to survive on few calories and avoid predators by remaining almost invisible. They spend most of their time hanging from trees and sleep for between 15 and 20 hours a day. Sure enough, high in a treetop was a sleeping sloth. Because he was curled up high, we could not get a good picture. We had to wait until we got to Monteverde to get a picture of this cutie.
Sloth in a tree
Climbing the mountain into the rainforest:
After our sloth search, we did some off-road wheeling into the mountains of Agujitas and Carara National Park.
From atop the 2000ft mountain, we had a glorious view. We also saw some interesting sights
Waterfall Trekking:
Next, we headed to Jaco waterfall, technically known as Catarata Bijagual. In order to view this waterfall, we needed to access a trailhead on privately owned land. Jordan paid the entrance fee to the owner, and off we went.
After driving through some beautiful mountain backroads, we reached the trailhead. The hike to the waterfall took about 20 minutes. We took it slow, and it was manageable for us, retired folks. The sound of the rushing waterfall grew louder as we made our way down the trail through the rainforest. Surrounded by tropical plants, birds, and butterflies, the hike felt like stepping into another world. There were some rocky steps and rocky surfaces, but we all made it safely. Jordan was very good at making sure we were all safe. He also provided us with information on plants, wildlife, and insects along the way.
Meal on a Mountaintop: After we left the waterfall, we headed back up the mountain to the serene Paz del Campo Restaurant. The restaurant seating is on an open deck with glorious views all the way to the coast. We were given a choice of entrees, drinks, and dessert. It was a relaxing and delicious, authentic Costa Rican dining experience with breathtaking panoramic views stretching all the way to the Pacific coast.
The view!
Restaurant views and resident chicks
Our delicious meal and the staff that prepared it
After our wonderful meal, we headed back down the mountain and bid farewell to Jordan!
This tour was one of our favorite experiences near Jaco because it combined adventure, wildlife, waterfalls, mountain scenery, and authentic Costa Rican food all in one day. It was the perfect reminder that retirement travel does not have to mean slowing down — sometimes it means climbing into a 4×4 and heading into the rainforest
We left tired, sweaty, and happy — exactly how a rainforest adventure should end.
Retirement Tour Rating:
⭐ Retirement Comfort Level: 8/10
⭐ Adventure Level: Moderate
⭐ Pink Bear Approved: Yes (from a safe distance)
Tips for Rainforest Adventure tour
- Bring a light rain jacket — it gets cooler in the mountains.
- Expect some rain during Costa Rica’s green season.
- Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes for the waterfall hike
- Wear a bathing suit and bring a towel if you want to take a dip in the waterfall.
- Bring your camera — the views are spectacular.
- Private tours offer great personalized service and flexibility
To read about our entire Costa Rica travel adventure: