Rainmaker Park
Rainmaker Park
4.5
About
A conservation project with hiking trails and hanging bridges. Located in the Quepoa Biologic Corridor. There is a small visitors center. Guides are available for hire for a separate fee. Located 30 minutes from Quepos. Heading north on the coast road. Right turn at the Rainmaker sign. A privately owned project. Entance fee is $23 USD (includes tax) cash, ZELLE, Paypal at the visitor's center.
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- Mrs CSurrey, United Kingdom62 contributionsGood family fun with plenty of natureStunning place to visit as a family. The trail itself is not long, but takes a while and packs in some breathtaking views. We also saw lots of frogs! There was a lot of uneven ground and climbing, but our children (girls ages 3, 5 and 9) managed the terrain well in wet weather. We could not swim in any pools as it had been raining and the river was far too high and fast for safety, sadly. My only concern was the gaps under the side nets on the walkways being bigger than I expected- too easy for a 3yo to slip through in my personal opinion. Having said that, I held 3yo and 5yo by the wrist tightly and we safely navigated all of them and had fun. I would absolutely recommend this as a family activity in October, when it is quiet, just don't expect to swim if it has been stormy. Lovely lunch too.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 October 2023
- Holly L14 contributionsBeautiful waterfalls and a good cardio workout!One of our favorite activities! The hanging bridges and steps do require physical strength and balance -- our group of adults, teens, tweens, and a 5yo handled it well. We didn't try the easier river walks. We loved swimming in the waterfalls. We all wore sneakers as the website recommends, but we wish we had brought water shoes or sneakers that we were willing to swim in, because the bottom of the swimming holes are very rocky. Tip: The first swimming hole is great but gets crowded. Literally around the corner is a smaller and more spectacular waterfall that you can probably have to yourself! We didn't try the restaurant; we brought snacks and water with us.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 January 2024
- piggyLondonLondon, United Kingdom117 contributionsGet there earlyWe went to rainmaker park while staying in the area. We got there as it opened (9am) and started on the self guided route which had some fantastic views. The park has two main features - the Indiana Jones style metal hanging bridges and the multiple waterfalls with 5 swimming pools. Takes about 2 hours in total including swim stops. At 26 dollars each its not cheap but it was one of the best things we did in Costa Rica. The park is old but well preserved - the route is not arduous but would recommend trainers rather than flipflops. We went with our swimming costumes on as there are only changing rooms at the kiosk. The bridges are spectacular but move a little while you are on them which adds to the experience. The water in the waterfalls is surprisingly warm and pleasant (December) and was worth the trip. As we were first people there we never saw another person and had the bridges and waterfalls to ourselves which was great. By the time we returned to the kiosk there were lots of others staring out which would have not been as good.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- JoshBoston, Massachusetts8 contributionsWorthwhile TripReally great spot. It’s not huge but has a decent hike, bridges if you want to go those routes and quite a number of pools to swim in. Even in the peak of dry season the pools were cool and refreshing. The hiking is a bit steep in areas but nothing unmanageable unless you have a serious physical condition. I have a bad back and did fine. It was quite hot and am quite humid even during dry season. The water was very cool and refreshing. Take the path around to hit the pools at the end of your time there. A couple recommendations. Bring water shoes especially if you have the nice sneaker kind. Changing into my hiking shoes with wet feet and sweaty socks sucked. Bring an extra shirt, I carried a backpack and got really sweaty and depending on how far to your hotel you’ll want a new shirt. Bring bug spray, this is the only area of Costa Rica we had run into any bugs. We got chewed up a little bit but nothing out of the ordinary. The drive in is a long dirt road strongly suggest an suv. My only gripe with the experience was it seems a bit expensive for what it was, $46 for a couple. Something like $30 seems more reasonable to me, but I get it it cost money to maintain and operate and they aren’t getting government subsidies since it’s private. If you’re in the area it worth a stop for a couple of hours to explore the jungle, seem aim water falls and cool off in nature.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2024
- cantwaitx2Ancaster, Canada82 contributionsWonderful placeWe visited this park on a tip from our hotel and enjoyed our visit so much. Incredible hanging bridges, views, wildlife and waterfalls with pools to swim in! In keeping with the name it poured rain half way through the hike which just added to the fun and was so refreshing! The full hike took us 2 hrs but we would have stayed longer if we had the time. Highly recommended excursion from the crowds in Manuel Antonio.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- Barbi H15 contributionsGorgeous waterfall hikeSix of us did a self guided tour of Rainmaker. We loved it. It’s big steps and hanging brides adjacent to a waterway with multiple waterfalls. Good handrails in appropriate places. It was a great workout and just the right length to exhaust us! Came back to ice cold beverages at the starting point. Loved it. Great flowers, amphibians and birdsVisited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 27 March 2024
- Phoebe K5 contributionsSo much to do and see!We met someone on the plane who recommended this place and we’re so lucky he did! Never would have known about it otherwise. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with hanging bridges, tons of wildlife, and incredible waterfalls and swimming holes. You could easily spend a few hours here and they have a canteen with basic Costa Rican lunch and refreshments. Easy drive from Manuel Antonio and definitely worth the price!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 May 2024
- Natasha K4 contributionsA Must Do for Nature LoversWhat a beautiful hike up the mountain, across the suspension bridges and dips in the pools at the bottom of the waterfalls to cool off. Path is clearly marked. We walked it in the pouring rain which was amazing. Prepare to sweat as going uphill was a serious workout !!! Price is very reasonable. Next time we might hire a tour guide to point out things we probably missed.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 May 2024
- Olga S3 contributionsA relaxing experienceThis hike wasn't on our original agenda but since we ended up in this area due to an Airbnb mixup we decided to check it out. No regrets! The trail is well maintained, with some nice hanging bridges and waterfalls and swimming holes. We had one of those all to ourselves, enjoyed a nice relaxing cooling-down session there and saw a dart frog and some other animals while at it. You can also get a simple but decent- and inexpensive - lunch at the reception area if you want one.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 May 2024
- davidhATXAustin, Texas278 contributionsSturdy canopy bridges and beautiful smaller waterfalls along the hikeThis is a good half day rainforest canopy tour. We went in September and the weather was comfortable and everything was green. We did not see many birds or animals, but enjoyed the hike. Some sections require more moderate skill with big tire steps and some ups and downs. Beautiful smaller waterfalls along the hike in several places. The canopy bridges were all sturdy, felt safe and made for some nice photos. The trails had varying degrees of maintenance but we never got lost and were able to stay on trail loops easily. For safe hiking, it's good to take a backpack with water and snacks and watch your footing. We enjoyed staying at Senderos de Selva Escaleras del Pacifico in the Puntarenas Province near Dominical. The park is only about a 1.5 hour drive to these canopy tours.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 July 2024
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4.5
609 reviews
Excellent
421
Very good
137
Average
38
Poor
9
Terrible
5
MarinaM
London, UK19 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a lovely place, but we had a bit of an odd start. Poor email communication by the site managers and unable to book anything online. We arrived at 3.30pm as the place shuts at 6pm. We got stopped a few meters outside the park by a local, who was a guide (wore his ID BADGE).He suggested we hired him as the place is not safe in the later hours of the day due to snakes and poisonous frogs. We agreed to his tour, but deep inside we knew he was telling fibs. He charged $50 for both of us, (normally $30-33). He gave us very useful info re: nature, but it all felt rushed and we had not quality time to appreciate the beauty of the place on our own pace. We paid $20 extra for entry fee (no ticket or receipt). At the end of the tour we asked if we could book for the night one as based on the website it’s available to book at the actual park. The guide said bookings are made in advance. He eventually hooked us up with Jade Tours and guide Roy. We paid a total of $55 for the night tour including a home made cooked cassado meal and fresh juice at the end of the tour. Roy spend a good two hours in the park and we saw snakes, scorpions, spiders, Beatles, lizards, some birds and frogs. No luck spotting the red-eyed green tod. Still we had fun. So visit the park in the morning hours with no guide, but stick to the path and do not touch any trees or plants as some are poisonous and cause allergic reactions. Read reviews and shop around for the night tour,it was fun.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goheels77
Omaha, NE36 contributions
Jan 2020
We were looking for a fun afternoon activity after a morning at Manuel Antonio, and heard amazing things about Rainmaker on a couple travel blogs. The 7 KM drive from the highway to the park was a bit rough/slow, but fine. We did not have a 4 x 4 but in the rainy season it might have been handy.
We chose not to hire a guide because we had already seen so much flora/fauna at Manuel Antonio that morning. We were focused more on the bridges and waterfalls. In hindsight, it might have been a good idea. We didn't see anything, and between the lush green forest, and the sounds of the waterfall, it was tough to spot things on our own. That said, it was still a lot of fun. It felt like an Indiana Jones type of adventure. Swimming in a waterfall was the highlight. It was also cool how few people were there. We maybe saw 5 or 6 other people the whole time. Definitely a change of pace from Manuel Antonio.
The only negative was the price. It costs $20 per person, even for children. That was $100 for my family of five. For that cost, I would have expected some of the trails/bridges to be a little better maintained. By comparison, it was only $32 total for my family to visit Manuel Antonio since kids are free.
We chose not to hire a guide because we had already seen so much flora/fauna at Manuel Antonio that morning. We were focused more on the bridges and waterfalls. In hindsight, it might have been a good idea. We didn't see anything, and between the lush green forest, and the sounds of the waterfall, it was tough to spot things on our own. That said, it was still a lot of fun. It felt like an Indiana Jones type of adventure. Swimming in a waterfall was the highlight. It was also cool how few people were there. We maybe saw 5 or 6 other people the whole time. Definitely a change of pace from Manuel Antonio.
The only negative was the price. It costs $20 per person, even for children. That was $100 for my family of five. For that cost, I would have expected some of the trails/bridges to be a little better maintained. By comparison, it was only $32 total for my family to visit Manuel Antonio since kids are free.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aktraveler4
20 contributions
Dec 2019
Considering that we are avid hikers and could have made it through the park with a map, we chose to have a guide to learn more about the park and Costa Rican rainforests, and it was worth it. Josue Rosales, working with Manuel's Tours, is knowledgable not just in the flora and fauna, but in the construction of the hanging bridges and in Costa Rican culture and conservation. We learned a lot and enjoyed conversations with Josue. Our group included my family of four and two others. The reserve is beautiful and very few people were there unlike Manuel Antonio National Park. We had come prepared with bug spray and swim gear. Lunch was part of our tour. Definitely a must-go-visit park, and even though it is out of the way by a little drive; you do not need a four-wheel drive to get there— at least not in December.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah J
2 contributions
Feb 2020
We chose a self-guided hike at 11am and realized part way in that some of the bridges and parts of the trail were precarious and dangerous. Some of the cliff sides were not barriered or roped and if we slipped or lost balance over we'd go. This is not for the faint of heart nor for those with physical issues. At ages 65 and 72 we found the tires hard to maneuver through, especially on the down slopes. There was no waiver to sign, no way to call for help and very few other walkers at that time. When we finally arrived back 4 hours later the 'reception' was closed, water bottles locked up and no check in with anyone for a head count. This place is certainly 'go at your own risk and peril'. The 3 stars is for the beauty and sounds in the rainforest and the peacefulness of the area.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UF P
Gulfport, FL7 contributions
Jan 2020
This place is expertly designed! There were many measures that had been taken to ensure the easiest hike possible (still strenuous!) Their creativity was impressive. The surrounding nature is stunning. Their estimate that it takes approximately 2.5 hours to get through the park is quite accurate. They provide hiking sticks to borrow! Not to mention have a nice clean bathroom (a luxury not to be taken for granted in Costa Rica) and the food at the end of the tour was great for $7. If you're on the fence, definitely worth checking out! We did not have a guided tour (price difference of $20 entry vs $80 guided tour - probably would get more out of going with the guide if you can afford it. I certainly think it would have been worth the extra money). A place I hope to return with my kids someday.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cecilyJ
Farmington, UT194 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I loved this place! First things first, this place accepts CASH ONLY which is not posted on any road signs and we didn’t know this. We drove 40 minutes out to an ATM and 40 minutes back. It’s $20/person. We did this hike alone but we were approached by a guide for an extra $25/person. For us, it was not worth having a guide. He told us we’d feel like we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but we never felt like that. There is no map to hand out to hikers, but if you stay on the large main path, you will find a sign with the map fairly soon.
It was so peaceful and serene. We started our loop going counterclockwise by the river first. The sounds of the river filled the path, even up on the hanging bridges. We crossed a few hanging bridges on the lower path and waded into the water a few different times. The beauty here meets you at every corner. There were several hanging bridges on the upper part of the circle and it was so fun! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and soaked up the beauty. I would definitely come back to this place.
It was so peaceful and serene. We started our loop going counterclockwise by the river first. The sounds of the river filled the path, even up on the hanging bridges. We crossed a few hanging bridges on the lower path and waded into the water a few different times. The beauty here meets you at every corner. There were several hanging bridges on the upper part of the circle and it was so fun! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and soaked up the beauty. I would definitely come back to this place.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikeinsac
Sacramento, CA6 contributions
Dec 2020
I spent a few extra days in Quepos and saw a review of this park nestled up against the mountains. I followed the advice of another reviewer and decided to give it a try. It was a highlight of my trip! The trails are gorgeous with many waterfalls throughout. I was offered a guide for a small extra fee, but declined because I had intended to take my time taking photos and didn't want to feel rushed. While I did come across one poison dart frog, I'm sure I missed so much more around me. Next time I will definitely opt for the guide and then maybe cirlce back for photos that I might want to take. There are a few natural pools along the river that you can take a dip in that are beautiful and look safe. Please do yourself a favor and visit this park. You won't regret it!!!
Written 25 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BackinBracknell
Bracknell, UK1,590 contributions
Mar 2020
We did several night tours in different parts of Costa Rica and all the guides we had were great and we saw different things each time. We had Jose for our Rainmaker tour and he found snakes, insects, toads and frogs. He was very enthusiastic and energetic and an expert at taking close up photos for us on our smartphones. We got some superb pics including of a glass frog which we hadn't seen anywhere else. He also made sure our group was kept safe by providing everyone with a stick to walk with and telling people to stay close to him and not to touch anything! So the jungle experience was great but we were a bit disappointed with Jade Tours (reviewed separately) due to poor organisation, poor condition of the minibus and poor food at the end.
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piggyLondon
London, UK117 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We went to rainmaker park while staying in the area. We got there as it opened (9am) and started on the self guided route which had some fantastic views. The park has two main features - the Indiana Jones style metal hanging bridges and the multiple waterfalls with 5 swimming pools.
Takes about 2 hours in total including swim stops. At 26 dollars each its not cheap but it was one of the best things we did in Costa Rica.
The park is old but well preserved - the route is not arduous but would recommend trainers rather than flipflops. We went with our swimming costumes on as there are only changing rooms at the kiosk. The bridges are spectacular but move a little while you are on them which adds to the experience. The water in the waterfalls is surprisingly warm and pleasant (December) and was worth the trip.
As we were first people there we never saw another person and had the bridges and waterfalls to ourselves which was great. By the time we returned to the kiosk there were lots of others staring out which would have not been as good.
Takes about 2 hours in total including swim stops. At 26 dollars each its not cheap but it was one of the best things we did in Costa Rica.
The park is old but well preserved - the route is not arduous but would recommend trainers rather than flipflops. We went with our swimming costumes on as there are only changing rooms at the kiosk. The bridges are spectacular but move a little while you are on them which adds to the experience. The water in the waterfalls is surprisingly warm and pleasant (December) and was worth the trip.
As we were first people there we never saw another person and had the bridges and waterfalls to ourselves which was great. By the time we returned to the kiosk there were lots of others staring out which would have not been as good.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh
Boston, MA8 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Really great spot. It’s not huge but has a decent hike, bridges if you want to go those routes and quite a number of pools to swim in. Even in the peak of dry season the pools were cool and refreshing. The hiking is a bit steep in areas but nothing unmanageable unless you have a serious physical condition. I have a bad back and did fine. It was quite hot and am quite humid even during dry season. The water was very cool and refreshing. Take the path around to hit the pools at the end of your time there.
A couple recommendations. Bring water shoes especially if you have the nice sneaker kind. Changing into my hiking shoes with wet feet and sweaty socks sucked. Bring an extra shirt, I carried a backpack and got really sweaty and depending on how far to your hotel you’ll want a new shirt. Bring bug spray, this is the only area of Costa Rica we had run into any bugs. We got chewed up a little bit but nothing out of the ordinary. The drive in is a long dirt road strongly suggest an suv. My only gripe with the experience was it seems a bit expensive for what it was, $46 for a couple. Something like $30 seems more reasonable to me, but I get it it cost money to maintain and operate and they aren’t getting government subsidies since it’s private. If you’re in the area it worth a stop for a couple of hours to explore the jungle, seem aim water falls and cool off in nature.
A couple recommendations. Bring water shoes especially if you have the nice sneaker kind. Changing into my hiking shoes with wet feet and sweaty socks sucked. Bring an extra shirt, I carried a backpack and got really sweaty and depending on how far to your hotel you’ll want a new shirt. Bring bug spray, this is the only area of Costa Rica we had run into any bugs. We got chewed up a little bit but nothing out of the ordinary. The drive in is a long dirt road strongly suggest an suv. My only gripe with the experience was it seems a bit expensive for what it was, $46 for a couple. Something like $30 seems more reasonable to me, but I get it it cost money to maintain and operate and they aren’t getting government subsidies since it’s private. If you’re in the area it worth a stop for a couple of hours to explore the jungle, seem aim water falls and cool off in nature.
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Written 8 April 2023
Is there a guard at the parking lot? Is it safe to leave luggage in the car?
Written 3 October 2022
You have guided tours for this place. You will be picked up by a shuttle/bus driver along with a guide. Didn't see private cars parked at the place.
Written 4 October 2022
Are you open on Mondays? What are your hours? Can you drive up to the entrance and get in or do you have to cook a tour? Do you have a brewery nearby because I thought I read that you do?
Written 20 July 2019
There is no need to book a tour if you can get there on your own. The trail is easy to follow. You will park near the entrance, then there is a lot of walking
Written 20 July 2019
Do you have to cross the suspension bridges during the hike or is there a way around? Have one in our group that is not keen on heights.
Written 29 April 2019
Yes. We had the same issue with one of the hikers in our group. The spans were short enough where once she crossed one she felt comfortable crossing the rest. It was a challenge for her though. We went to a different park with much longer spans and she stayed behind because it was too much for her.
Written 30 April 2019
What kind of attire is recommended for this hike. We want to do a morning tour of the place and are trying to figure out what to pack for early May. Thank you :)
Written 24 March 2018
It is hot and humid. wear a bathing suit and shorts. Hike takes you to a waterfall to swiim. Wear hiking boots or sneakers, there could be snakes. Cash only place, great lunch option.
Written 25 March 2018
Hi, is this a good place to check out in the afternoon or no? A lot of people suggest going to national parks early in the morning but we have 0 free mornings while in the area. I'm thinking around 2 or even 3? Or would that be a waste of time?
Written 6 February 2018
Definitely go. This is a place not to be missed. You will be able to enjoy the place without being rushed.
Written 19 February 2018
LiatTravel2018
New York City, New York
Hi. If some family members cannot swim, is it a problem for this attraction? Is there a way to get through without swimming your way across?
Written 14 January 2018
Absolutely. The waterfalls and swimming holes are totally optional. The path runs along side.
Written 14 January 2018
Are reservations recommended for the Rainmaker Ariel Walkway et al? We are going in April and was wondering if I could just buy tickets when we got there or if I would be better off with advance reservations. Thank you.
Written 1 January 2018
Hi! If we drive our own rented vehicle here and just pay the entrance fee, can we do the whole thing (including canopy bridges, etc) without a guide? Thank you!
Written 28 November 2017
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