Costa Rica is a rustic completely lined with unbelievable waterfalls. Speeding rivers and towering cascades dot the panorama and are a few of Costa Rica’s most distinguished claims to fame.
For a lot of guests, visiting a number of is an absolute should, however with so many to select from, which must you go to? On this submit, we’ve narrowed down 10 of Costa Rica’s finest waterfalls in your subsequent journey.
Max having fun with the chilly morning waters on the Nauyaca Falls
Finest Costa Rica Waterfalls to Go to on Your Journey
Finest Waterfalls in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, Bagaces
Though Guanacaste is likely one of the driest areas of Costa Rica, there are nonetheless a variety of wonderful waterfalls to go to right here. One which stands out is the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, a multi-tiered, spectacular waterfall simply to the north of Palo Verde Nationwide Park.
It’s an amazing one to go to if you wish to swim within the lake and stick your head underneath the falls on a sizzling day. There’s even a sandy space the place you’ll be able to sunbathe, too. Ensure to not neglect your swimsuit.
Reaching the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is a really simple 5-minute stroll down some stairs within the forest. The path is steep in some locations, however typically well-kept, and there are another paths close to the waterfall on which you’ll discover the encircling space.
There is no such thing as a entrance price, however a small donation is requested to assist the area people.
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall. Photograph courtesy of alexinetown by way of Flickr CC
Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
The Rio Celeste is a surprising blue river within the northwest area of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This stunning flume is situated inside Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park and is finest identified for its good turquoise blue water, which comes from a chemical response of volcanic minerals. It’s situated simply to the northeast of the Tenorio Volcano.
The path is sort of simple, and there are stairs that can assist you get all the way down to the decrease waterfall space, and it’ll take you about 20 minutes of mountaineering to succeed in the waterfall. Whenever you arrive, though you’ll be able to’t swim, you’ll be capable of watch the waterfall from the commentary deck.
Since this is likely one of the most well-known Costa Rica waterfalls, there may be an entrance price of round $12 USD to get in.
Finest Waterfalls within the Puntarenas Province
Montezuma Waterfall, Nicoya Peninsula
The Montezuma Waterfall is definitely a set of three totally different waterfalls proper close to one another on the Rio Montezuma, proper subsequent to the ocean. Beginning proper on the mouth of the river close to the seashore, you’ll be able to hike to the falls, which can take about 20 minutes and is a reasonably tough route.
There’s a small parking price of about $2 USD, however admission to the falls is free. There’s one path owned by SunTrails that requires a small entry price, and it’s not as difficult because the free path.
The Montezuma Waterfalls themselves are breathtaking, with skinny streams of water flowing over excessive rocks. That is one other waterfall the place you’re allowed to swim within the pool under. Ensure to hike past the decrease pool to see the higher falls too.
Montezuma Waterfall probably the greatest Costa Rica Waterfalls
Uvita Waterfall
This a part of Costa Rica is known for its wild, pure magnificence. As a result of lush rainforests and mountain valleys on this area, there are a lot of hidden waterfalls which can be tough to succeed in. Uvita Waterfall is the exception, as this beautiful waterfall is simple to entry and really inexpensive to go to.
If Uvita Seashore is in your itinerary, this waterfall is a must-see. Only a 15-minute drive from the seashore, Uvita Waterfall is correct off of a essential highway. You’ll be able to entry the waterfall by the use of a path that begins at a restaurant, and the hike takes about 10-Quarter-hour.
The waterfall swimming pools are nice for swimming, and there’s a diving platform and a pure water slide that guests can use. There aren’t many facilities like bogs or altering rooms on the waterfall, however the restaurant on the entrance has a toilet.
Admission to Uvita Waterfall is about $4 USD, and parking is free.
Uvita Waterfall, Costa Ballena
Finest Waterfalls in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall
Maybe essentially the most well-known and well-loved waterfall in Costa Rica, La Fortuna Waterfall is one which you could’t miss. The 70-metre excessive flume is surrounded by leafy inexperienced jungle many of the yr and, all issues mixed, is one of essentially the most scenic Costa Rica waterfalls not simply in Alajuela, however in your entire nation.
The waterfall can simply be reached from the city of La Fortuna, close to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park. From the trailhead, you’ll stroll down a whole lot of well-kept stairs to succeed in the flume. La Fortuna Waterfall is a extremely popular place to go to, so ensure to reach early if you wish to miss the crowds. As soon as once more, you’ll be able to swim at this waterfall, so carry a swimsuit.
On the entrance, there are altering rooms, bogs, and lockers the place you’ll be able to retailer private belongings. There’s additionally a restaurant by the doorway, however ensure to take carry water and snacks with you in your waterfall go to.
You’ll need to pay $18 USD per particular person with a view to enter, and all proceeds are contributed to native conservation efforts.
La Fortuna Waterfall. Arenal, Costa Rica.
Finest Waterfalls Close to San José, Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall
Proper on the border of the Alajuela and Heredia Provinces is the La Paz Waterfall, an unbelievable pure marvel and a well-known Costa Rica waterfall. Positioned in a privately owned ecological park, the large waterfall is simply reachable on paved trails within the rainforest. After you go to La Paz, you’ll even have the prospect to see the opposite 4 waterfalls that line the path and go for a nature stroll by means of the park.
La Paz is the preferred of the 5 waterfalls, however the others are properly well worth the rainforest hike. The waterfall path begins at Templo Waterfall and ends at La Paz; then, you’ll be able to both double again or go to the wildlife protect that features butterfly backyard, aviary, and a number of other different observatories created by La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
There are wonderful facilities for guests, together with bogs, reward outlets, and a buffet restaurant providing conventional Costa Rican dishes.
The La Paz Waterfall is a straightforward day journey from San José, or simply mixed with a visit to Braulio Carrillo Nationwide Park or Poás Volcano Nationwide Park.
Admission to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is free for these staying on the Peace Lodge or $50 USD for guests. The doorway price is significantly increased than different waterfalls, however you’ll be able to simply spend a complete day exploring the numerous trails and sights.
Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Proper on the outskirts of Juan Castro Blanco Nationwide Park, you’ll discover the Catarata del Toro Waterfall. At 82 meters (269 ft) excessive, it truly is a magnificence, and the land round it appears to stand up, forming a bowl-like form that the waterfall then empties into.
That is actually probably the most beautiful Costa Rica waterfalls and it actually flies underneath the radar of most guests.
The cascade is a little more off the vacationer path than a number of the others, primarily as a result of it’s a little tougher to succeed in inside an extinct volcano crater. The path is steep and oftentimes very muddy, so take your time on the descent. Swimming will not be potential on the Catarata del Toro Waterfall. The doorway prices $14 USD.
Catarata del Toro is a part of a privately owned ecological protect, and there may be one other waterfall on the property. The hike to Blue Falls is about 4.5 km and straightforward to average. You’ll be able to see each waterfalls for $25 USD.
There are restrooms and a restaurant that gives Costa Rican espresso, chilly drinks, and treats like selfmade truffles and ice lotions. Ensure to plan forward, because the protect is closed on Sundays.
The Bajos del Toro and La Paz waterfalls are inside an hour of one another, so it’s potential to go to them each should you’re within the space.
Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Los Chorros Waterfalls
That is one other stunning pure space that’s off the overwhelmed path and properly well worth the journey. Positioned in Los Chorros Municipal Recreative Park, these waterfalls are about an 1.5 hours from both San Jose or La Paz Waterfall Gardens
There are two falls on this park, and the path is well-marked and straightforward to hike. It takes about 15-20 minutes to hike all the way down to the primary waterfall; then you’ll be able to stroll throughout the river to a different path that results in the second waterfall. The hike to the second waterfall is a bit steep in some areas, so it will not be appropriate for everybody, particularly through the wet season.
The waterfall pool is great for swimming, and there are picnic tables and altering rooms out there. Excellent place to swim, simply carry water footwear due to the sharp rocks.
There are picnic tables and altering rooms simply earlier than you get to the primary waterfall.
There is no such thing as a price to entry the Los Chorros Waterfalls and parking prices about $4 USD.
Finest Waterfalls Close to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Close to the mouth of the Río Barú within the Puntarenas Province, you’ll discover the spectacular Nauyaca Waterfalls. These falls are most well-known for his or her many tiers and for being maybe the finest swimming waterfall.
It’s a 4km (2.5 miles) hike into the rainforest to succeed in the falls, however you may as well take a tour to get there.
There are two totally different ranges of the Nauyaca Waterfalls: the higher and decrease sections. The higher part is extra rocky and jagged however with spectacular plumes. The decrease falls are extra tame and relaxed, and that is the half the place you’ll be able to swim, so most individuals spend the vast majority of their time right here.
The Nauyaca Falls are situated on personal property owned by Don Lulo and Doña Ruth. Guests should purchase tickets at Don Lulo’s workplace, which is situated in a pulperia (store) on Route 243 heading in direction of San Isidro.
To hike in, the waterfall entrance price is $10 USD, and Don Lulo additionally affords horseback excursions or pick-up truck journeys to the falls for an additional price. In the event you’re within the horseback or truck choice, remember to make reservations forward of time.
Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica
Finest Waterfall close to Monteverde, Costa Rica
San Luis Waterfall
San Luis Waterfall is situated contained in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, so it’s fairly off the overwhelmed path. To get there, you’ll have to hike about 4 miles to succeed in the cascade.
The Rio San Luis is likely one of the cleanest waterfalls in all of Costa Rica, which makes the San Luis Waterfalls an superior place for swimming. The reserve prohibits any single-use plastics, so ensure you don’t herald any plastic water bottles, plastic baggage, or every other single-use plastic product.
The doorway price to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve will value you $25 USD.
San Luis Waterfalls. Photograph courtesy of Ric by way of Flickr CC
There’s little question that should you love chasing waterfalls, you’re in for an actual deal with in Costa Rica. Along with those listed, there are numerous others you’ll be able to go to as properly everywhere in the nation. Nevertheless, these are a number of the finest Costa Rica waterfalls they usually all deserve a spot in your trip itinerary.