Out of all the Costa Rica waterfalls we’ve visited, the Nauyaca Waterfalls have gotten to be essentially the most grandiose and most majestic. Hidden deep throughout the forests of Costa Rica’s South Pacific, roughly 10kms (6 miles) inland from Playa Dominical, the Nauyaca Waterfalls include two falls, and collectively they’re actually a few of the greatest waterfalls in Costa Rica.
The higher falls plummets down from the peak of 45 (146 toes) metres onto a rocky mattress unsuitable for swimming, whereas the decrease one, solely 20 metres (178 toes) in top, varieties a pleasing six-metre deep pool excellent for a refreshing dip. Its stunning environment make the Nauyaca Waterfalls a really perfect vacation spot for nature lovers and one which we suggest to everybody visiting this a part of Costa Rica.
Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica
Nauyaca Waterfalls Location
The Nauyaca Falls, Costa Rica are situated in an 8-metre-deep canyon alongside Rio Barucito (Baru River) on the personal property of Don Lulo and Doña Ruth. Don Lulo’s workplace, the place guests should examine in and buy tickets to entry the falls, is inside a small pulperia (store) on the aspect of the street alongside Route 243 heading in direction of San Isidro.
The ticket workplace is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday by Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Be sure you plan forward and attempt to get there early, because the falls shut at 3:30 p.m.
Don Lulo’s Pulperia
Getting To Nauyaca Waterfalls
The 4km path to the falls begins on the car parking zone, situated roughly 2km inland from Don Lulo’s workplace. If you’re travelling by automotive, you’ll be able to go away your automotive on the car parking zone or park it proper in entrance of Don Lulo’s workplace. Don Lulo has a secured car parking zone and fees $4 USD for the day. The mountain climbing path itself isn’t accessible by automotive, and for the longest time (the falls have been open to the general public for over 15 years now), there have been solely two methods to achieve the falls: on foot or through a horseback driving tour.
Horseback Using Tour To Nauyaca Waterfalls
The tour departs day by day at 9 a.m. and lasts till 1:30 p.m., taking guests from the beginning of the path to the waterfalls and again for a value of $80 USD/per individual. The worth contains lunch, a horseback tour, and guides. That is by far the preferred solution to attain the Nauyaca Waterfalls and, as such, essentially the most crowded. Reservations are required; keep in mind that the tour doesn’t function on Sundays.
You will need to e-book the horseback tour properly prematurely (4 days at minimal), because the excursions do promote out repeatedly. In excessive season, the excursions accommodate upwards of fifty individuals (everybody will get their very own horse) at a time, turning the magical waterfall go to into what appeared like considerably of a circus.
Mountain climbing To Nauyaca Waterfalls
In the event you would relatively take the Nauyaca Waterfalls Mountain climbing Path, the falls are accessible for a considerably smaller price of simply $10 USD. Hikers comply with the identical path because the horses (so be sure to stagger your departure instances with the horseback driving excursions otherwise you’ll be caught mountain climbing behind 50 horses), weaving alongside the gorgeous Rio Barucito earlier than ascending uphill and finally arriving on the waterfalls. The hike takes round 1-2 hours every means.
When making an attempt to resolve our solution to the Nauyaca Waterfalls, we first inquired concerning the horseback driving tour and have been instructed that the tour is totally bought out for the following 4 days (blessing in disguise!) and knowledgeable that to capitalize on the ever-rising demand, Don Lulo has simply opened up a brand new solution to attain Nauyaca Waterfalls, permitting guests to journey to the falls in his 4WD pickup truck.
The street to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls by Decide-Up Truck
The pickup truck choice prices solely $25 USD per individual, providing a budget-friendly different to achieve the falls. Quite a lot of departure instances have been accessible all through the day (7 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m.). So, to reap the benefits of good gentle and keep away from the crowds, we opted for the earliest slot at 7 a.m.
We arrived at Don Lulo’s workplace at 7 a.m. on the dot and, after parking our automotive exterior of his pulperia, hopped into the again of a pickup truck that was set to take us all the way in which to the falls. For the primary 3 km, the truck adopted the identical path to the car parking zone, passing by the horses that have been ready for his or her first riders to reach at 9 a.m, and farther alongside till the trail grew to become extra slender and unpassable by automotive.
Prepared for our journey to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
From there, we veered proper, taking a barely totally different route by a personal gate and throughout Lulo’s household farm. This different path has been there all alongside, defined the truck driver, however in earlier years it’s been used solely to move disabled guests (or anybody who was not bodily match to experience a horse or hike) or as a substitute emergency car entry street. However in April 2016, as horseback driving excursions grew to become more and more widespread, the pickup truck choice was launched as a substitute.
The experience took not more than 30 minutes, weaving by the windy, bumpy roads of the forest, rewarding us with stunning views of the lush inexperienced jungle throughout us. They are saying it’s frequent to identify wildlife alongside the path to the waterfalls, and regardless of being in a truck, we too,have been fortunate sufficient to identify two stunning Scarlet Macaws up within the timber about midway alongside the way in which.
The street to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
At The Lovely Nauyaca Waterfalls
The truck dropped us off on the entrance to the Nauyaca Waterfalls. A bamboo handrail and a set of makeshift steps lead us down the trail in direction of the waterfalls; the higher falls on the suitable, and the decrease falls on the left. There have been solely 3 of us within the truck (us two and a stunning lady we met throughout our keep at Costa Verde Resort), and for two hours, we had the pleasure of getting the falls all to ourselves.
We adopted the trail to the Higher Falls, snapping some images and having fun with the views, earlier than descending all the way down to the Decrease Falls the place we spent the remainder of our time.
Swimming At The Nauyaca Waterfalls: Decrease Falls
The rocks alongside the pool base have been actually slippery. However, we fastidiously climbed into the chilly waters of the pool and loved a refreshing morning swim. The present from the plummet of water was sturdy, however we swam to the bottom of the Decrease Falls, letting the gushing waters of the autumn crash over our heads.
It was nonetheless early, and the solar was simply beginning to rise over the jungle, so we climbed out of the water and perched up on the large rocks letting the solar rays hug our shivering our bodies (properly, technically, mine was the one one shivering. Max discovered it very refreshing.)
We sat on the rocks, mesmerized by the untouched great thing about the Nauyaca Waterfalls. We’re delighted that we beat the crowds and received an opportunity to benefit from the falls identical to nature supposed.
Max having fun with the chilly morning waters on the Nauyaca Falls
Rush Hour At Nauyaca Waterfalls!
Round 9:30 a.m., one other small group of vacationers arrived on the falls. Beating with sweat, they eagerly jumped into the pool to chill down. Their soaking garments and soiled sneakers made it apparent that they selected to hike to the falls, most likely leaving Don Lulo’s workplace shortly after we departed in our truck. Over the following 30 min, a number of extra hikers trickled in, all ecstatic to have made it to the falls earlier than the horseback driving tour.
At 10 a.m. the lots descended. 50 horseback riders arrived on the falls, and one other 20 rappelled all the way down to the bottom of the waterfall from the rocks above, turning what was a magical, peaceable setting into an leisure heart.
The crowds are descending on Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica
Take a dip at Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica
Their guides hurried together with brushes to scrub algae off the rocks and assist everybody into the water with ropes. “The place have been they once we needed to slide into the water on our butts to keep away from slipping on the rocks?”,we questioned. However the fact is, we have been very happy to discover the falls on our personal.
Inside minutes, music broke out, laughter and shrieks prevailed over the roaring sounds of the waterfalls, and the magic of the Nauyaca Waterfalls dwindled. We packed our luggage and headed again. Our pickup truck had come again to take us again to Lulo’s.
How To Put together For Your Journey To Nauyaca Waterfalls
Be sure you carry a number of water and snacks in your journey. Nothing is obtainable for buy at Don Lulo’s pulperia or elsewhere alongside the path. It’s additionally a good suggestion to carry a dry bag to maintain your electronics protected when you hang around on the waterfall. The mist could be very sturdy and is sure to get some undesirable water throughout your gear.
What To Put on
If you’re mountain climbing to Nauyaca Falls, put on correct mountain climbing sneakers, because the path might be slippery and muddy. If in case you have water sneakers, carry them alongside as properly. A pair of Keens or Chacos will work nice. It’ll make it safer to hop across the rocks on the waterfall.
Gentle, breathable materials is all the time greatest, whatever the season. Quickdry materials will preserve you cool throughout your hike. Additionally, you received’t have to fret about holding your garments dry across the falls. In the event you occur to be in Costa Rica in the course of the wet season, preserve a light-weight rain jacket in your backpack alongside together with your towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and bug repellant. You possibly can carry your swimsuit and alter when you get to the falls. Some services can be found on-site.
In the event you’re becoming a member of a horseback driving tour, it’s beneficial that you just put on lengthy pants to your journey and a superb pair of strolling sneakers. No matter whether or not you resolve to hike or take a tour of the waterfalls, be sure to carry loads of water and a few snacks. The warmth and humidity can sneak up on you shortly!
Nauyaca Waterfalls: The Highlights
Choosing the pickup truck experience to the Nauyaca Waterfalls gave us an opportunity to sit down again and benefit from the magnificent views by the magical, lush forest and the chance to identify some wildlife alongside the way in which.
Additionally, attending to the Nauyaca Waterfalls this fashion meant we beat the crowds and have been allowed to benefit from the cool, crisp water for a swim in peace and tranquility. You can too beat the crowds by selecting the suitable time to go to Costa Rica.
Important Journey Data & Recommendation For Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica
Planning A Hike To Nauyaca Waterfalls?
Reserving isn’t required when you plan on taking a Nauyaca Waterfalls hike. Merely present up, pay the $10 entrance price there, and begin the trek. Bear in mind, it’s nonetheless greatest to drive your automotive all the way in which to the car parking zone to save lots of your self mountain climbing that further 2km (2.25 miles) from the street to the beginning of the path.
Horse Using Excursions Nauyaca Waterfalls
Horseback driving excursions might be booked by plenty of motels in Manuel Antonio and Dominical or direct on-line at http://www.cataratasnauyaca.com/reservations.htm, by e mail at [email protected] or through cellphone (506) 2787-0541, (506) 6280-1790.
They converse some English, so don’t be afraid to name. E book properly prematurely (4-5 days) to safe your spot. Decide up truck choice isn’t but listed on their web site, however the announcement is stay on their Fb web page. E book on-line or by cellphone.
What To Convey To Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica
Convey a number of water and snacks, as nothing is obtainable for buy at Don Lulo’s pulperia or elsewhere alongside the path. You possibly can carry your swimsuit and alter when you get to the falls. Some services can be found on-site.
Don’t neglect a dry bag to maintain your electronics protected when you hang around on the waterfall. The mist could be very sturdy and can get some undesirable water throughout your gear.
If you’re mountain climbing, put on correct mountain climbing sneakers because the path might be slippery and muddy. If in case you have water sneakers, carry them alongside as properly. It’ll make it safer to hop across the rocks on the waterfall.
How A lot Time Do You Want To Go to Nauyaca Waterfalls?
Allocate no less than a half day to correctly take pleasure in your time visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls. Our unique return time was set for 9:30 a.m., however the truck didn’t return till 10:30 a.m. Delays occur. In any case, you might be in Costa Rica
Get There As Early As Potential
Nauyaca Falls is a very fashionable attraction on this a part of Costa Rica. So, until you’re feeling like sharing the expertise with 50+ individuals, get there shiny and early. You’ll additionally keep away from the most well liked a part of the day!
There Is Now One other Entrance To The Falls
A privately owned nature reserve known as Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park just lately opened, and presents entry to the jap aspect of the falls. Admission is dearer, and so they don’t supply horseback driving excursions. Nevertheless, they do have facilities like loos, showers, and altering rooms.
You’ve gotten the choice of mountain climbing all the way down to the falls at Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. Then, you’ll be able to hop on the truck for a experience again. The hike all the way down to the falls is fairly straightforward and takes about 45 minutes. The hike again could be very steep, and most guests go for the experience again. The truck doesn’t have strict pick-up instances however don’t miss the final journey at 4 p.m.
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is about 25 kilometres from Dominical. So, you’ll have to drive about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get there from the coast. You possibly can reserve tickets on their web site, name (506) 8770-4222, or e mail [email protected]. The park is open day by day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., climate allowing.