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Must-See Waterfalls: Exploring the Beauty of Costa Rica

Waterfalls of Costa Rica are amazing places to cool off and to discover during a day trip, hidden between the green forests and beautiful mountains.

You most probably heard many things about the beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, or the massive volcanoes spread all over this small country, but waterfalls in Costa Rica are equally beautiful and picturesque.

Some of them are located within a short walk from the nearest road, while for others you have to follow a trail for a few hours.

What I can tell you for sure is that most of these Costa Rica waterfalls are real hidden gems and definitely worth spending a few days of your holiday to discover the most beautiful of them.

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La Fortuna de San Carlos Waterfalls of Costa Rica

La Fortuna de San Carlos Waterfall Costa Rica Waterfalls

 

On your way to these waterfalls, you will have the unique opportunity to spot the abundance of trees and plants around you and to discover the impressive number of insects and mammals that live in these forests.

Waterfalls of Costa Rica

Rio Celeste waterfall, Guanacaste

Located in Guanacaste province in the national park known as Tenorio Volcano, this beautiful waterfall Costa Rica is about 1 and a half hours hike from the entrance to the park.

On your way to the waterfall, you might spot beautiful blue butterflies, playful monkeys and poisonous frogs.

The name comes from the river that flows into, which has one of the most beautiful colours I’ve ever seen, clear turquoise water that invites you to jump in.

 

 

Being located in Tenorio National Park, swimming at the base of the waterfall is prohibited so all you can do is to admire it and listen to the local legend about its fascinating colour.

According to the legend, when God painted the sky, he used these waters to wash the blue brushes and for this reason, the waters have this colour.

Best time to go: between December to April, during the dry season

Where to stay

Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel Costa Rica is located at the entrance of the park featuring elegant rooms with dark wood furniture and an amazing view of the forest or the nearby gardens.

Bajos del Toro Waterfall, Cloud Forest

One of the most impressive waterfalls of Costa Rica and the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica, Catarata del Toro is a hidden gem with an impressive drop of more than 265 feet.

The water flows into an extinct crater of a volcano called Bajos del Toro and the entire area that surrounds this waterfall of Costa Rica is covered with lush vegetation and beautiful rainforest.

The hike to this waterfall is extremely picturesque and passes along Catarata del Toro Adventure Park so you’ll find many trails and viewpoints that offer incredible views of the forest.

 

Bajos del Toro Costa Rica

Bajos del Toro Costa Rica

 

If you want to get closer to Catarata del Toro you can descend the 200 steps to the base of the waterfall in the crater.

You are not allowed to swim in the pool from the base of the waterfall but you can get some memorable photos from down there.

It might be less famous than Rio Celeste but in my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, less crowded and with an untouched vibe.

The waterfall is located just 2 hours away from San Jose, so you can easily plan a day trip to this attraction while in Costa Rica.

Where to stay

El Silencio Lodge Spa Costa Rica is a wonderful lodge located right on Costa Rica’s Central Volcanic Valley with a huge tropical garden and stylish rooms.

La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano

The next Costa Rica waterfall from my list is the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall located in the famous Arenal Volcano National Park.

It is one of the most visited waterfalls in Costa Rica and a great place to experience the most popular activities from Costa Rica: zipline or canopy tours on top of the rainforest, try the natural hot springs or walk along the hanging bridges.

 

 

You can easily combine the visit to this waterfall of Costa Rica with one of the activities listed above plus you have the great chance of spotting wildlife in their natural environment.

The area has all the facilities you need including changing rooms, toilets and parking space at the entrance of the park.

You are allowed to swim in the swimming hole from the bottom of the waterfall, but be careful as the currents get very strong right in the middle of the hole.

In order to get to the swimming hole you need to descend almost 500 steps but the experience is worth the effort.

Check our Complete Guide for La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica

Where to stay

If the idea of having a whole villa just for yourself with a private pool sounds good, then book your stay at Nayara Springs Costa Rica, one of the best resorts in the area.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Cloud Forest

Located just 1 hour and a half from the capital city of San Jose, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is one of the most accessible waterfalls of Costa Rica.

The easiest way to reach this beautiful waterfall Costa Rica is by car, which can be rented from the airport or from San Jose.

Get the best price for your car rental today

As you have already guessed, we are not talking about one single waterfall but about 5 waterfalls, each of them having its own characteristics and landscape.

 

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Cloud Forest Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Cloud Forest Costa Rica

 

There is La Paz waterfall, Magia Blanca, Templo, Encantada and Escondida waterfall and there is a single ticket for all of them that costs around 45 USD.

The protected area around these waterfalls in Costa Rica is extremely well maintained and you can find even a small buffet where you can eat lunch.

You can reach these amazing waterfalls on your way to the town of La Fortuna from San Jose or when you visit Poas Volcano National Park.

Read more on La Paz waterfall gardens Costa Rica: the hidden paradise

Where to stay

The 5 star Peace Lodge Costa Rica is among the best lodges in the area featuring handmade canopy beds, beautiful balconies with a view and huge glass windows.

Stay safe while you travel

  • medical safety abroad
  • medical assistance including COVID-19
  • emergency medical evacuation
  • trip interruption -up to $5.000
  • travel delay - up to $100/day

Nauyaca Waterfalls, South Pacific Coast

Located in the southern part of the Pacific coast in the vicinity of Costa Ballena and 20 minutes away from Dominical, Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica has a unique layout.

This beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica is divided into 2 distinct waterfalls with different drops: the first one has about 145 feet while the second one is shorter, just 65 feet drop.

 

Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica

Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica

 

The waterfall is located in the heart of the rainforest and is accessible by foot, with a 4×4 vehicle or with a horseback tour.

Along the way to the waterfall, you will see many species of plants and trees as well as birds, monkeys and many insects.

DOWNLOAD THE BEST TRAVEL GUIDE FOR COSTA RICA!

The trail to Nauyaca Waterfalls is 2.5 miles long and is quite easy to hike if you plan to reach this hidden attraction on foot.

Take a swimsuit with you because you are allowed to swim in the large pool formed by the second waterfall.

Read here all you need to know about Nauyaca waterfalls Costa Rica

Where to stay

Casa Del Perezoso Costa Rica is a holiday home with a private pool overlooking the sea and the surrounding mountains which are located in Dominical. It has a fully equipped kitchen, clean rooms with a private bathroom with all the amenities you need for an unforgettable holiday.

Montezuma Waterfall Nicoya Peninsula

Located in the beautiful town of Montezuma, the waterfall became famous all over the world when the American football player Tom Brady filmed himself jumping from the top of this waterfall.

 

 

The most famous waterfall in Costa Rica has three levels and if you want to get to the top of it you have to follow the Sun Trail, a paid and very well maintained trail from the jungle.

I don’t recommend you to jump from the top of the rocks as the waterfall is almost 65 feet tall, but you certainly have to go there for some breathtaking views.

Get the best pocket guide for Montezuma waterfalls Costa Rica

Where to stay

Anamaya Resort Costa Rica is located just 500 metres away from the waterfall and it features an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a beautiful garden where yoga classes are held each day.

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, Guanacaste

Catarata Llanos de Cortes is the perfect refugee from the hot Costa Rican sun that offers an amazing swimming hole at the bottom of it.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica is located in Bagaces, just 30 minutes south of the town of Liberia.

This waterfall is about 12 feet tall and 55 feet wide and has a small sandy beach right near the swimming pool from the bottom of it.

 

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Costa Rica

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Costa Rica

 

You can reach this waterfall of Costa Rica after just 10 minutes of the hike, but be prepared as the trail is really steep.

On your way to this magnificent spot take some time and observe the beautiful rainforest and its unique creatures, as it is one of the wildest parts of the country.

You don’t have to pay any entrance fee to visit this waterfall but if you wish you can donate some money to support the local community.

In the last years, the place became more popular so new constructions and tourist facilities appeared in the area.

Read the Complete guide for Llanos de Cortez waterfall Costa Rica

Where to stay

Rio Perdido Hotel Thermal River Costa Rica is a beautiful hotel located close to the hiking trails and thermal river, with amazing rooms nested in the middle of the forest that offers direct access to the nearby river.

Uvita Waterfall, South Pacific

Uvita Waterfall is one of the most interesting Costa Rica waterfalls as it comes with a natural slide included.

There is a small entrance fee for this waterfall, but once you pay the fee you can climb on top of the waterfall and slide down directly into the natural pool from the bottom.

 

Waterfalls in Costa Rica Uvita Waterfall

Waterfalls in Costa Rica Uvita Waterfall

 

The place is surrounded by jungle, lush vegetation and a very impressive number of animals and insects.

At the entrance of the park you will find a small cafeteria, a parking area and the ticket office; from the parking lot to the waterfall is a short descent accessible to anybody.

Where to sleep

The beautiful resort Tikivillas Rainforest Lodge Costa Rica is conveniently located close to the waterfalls and to Playa Hermosa and features beautiful rooms with outdoor jungle showers, a private terrace and a fully equipped kitchenette.

Oropendola Waterfall, Guanacaste

The beautiful Oropendola Waterfall is located in Guanacaste province in the northwestern part of the country surrounded by green forests and many species of animals.

There is a small entrance fee you will have to pay if you plan to visit this waterfall and don’t forget to check-in at the hotel front desk that administers the waterfall to get the wristband so that you have access to the park.

 

 

In order to get to these blue waters, you will have to go deeper into the jungle and pass over a hanging bridge and then follow the stairs down to the pool.

It is a great day trip from the beautiful beaches Tamarindo, Hermosa, Flamingo or Potrero, but with so many attractions in the area, you might consider booking some nights closer to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is a country full of surprises and amazing natural gems and once you get to this country you will fall in love with its beautiful scenery.

This tiny country has more than 50 volcanoes and countless waterfalls out of which these 9 are the most impressive ones.

The best way to explore these places is with a rented car and you need at least 10 days to see them all.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.