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Last updated on April 25th, 2024 at 10:09 am GMT-6 (Costa Rica time)
Written by Nikki Solano
Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, oversees the brand-new (summer 2023) Costa Rica Travel Shop, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Also, Nikki wrote the Costa Rica cover feature for Wanderlust Magazine's sustainability-focused Travel Green List issue, showcased Costa Rica destinations and experiences on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, and served as the Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist, a luxury travel brand. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️
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There’s a lot to be amazed by in Costa Rica, including immense biodiversity, abundant wildlife, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. Rounding out the top reasons to visit are beautiful Costa Rica waterfalls that flow effortlessly and naturally at locations in all regions of the country.
All Costa Rica waterfalls are unique. Some are tall, streamlined, and plummet down rock faces with vigor. Others are wide, gentle, and tumble into river pools with grace. Many are easy to access, several require climbs down and up long sets of stairs, and a few that are off the beaten path invite you into remote sections of forests and swift waters knee-deep. Regardless of the type of waterfall you wish to visit in Costa Rica, the amount of time and money you have to spend, and your physical abilities and endurance level, there’s a waterfall for you. Let our waterfall guide below help you decide which Costa Rica waterfalls are the best for you to visit. In addition to learning what you can expect from each cascade, our guide will teach you how to incorporate a visit to each waterfall into your trip.
We’ve been exploring Costa Rica together (including its breathtaking waterfalls) since the mid-2000s, and we’ve enjoyed watching it grow and tracking its changes ever since. ❤️
Do you love the breathtaking sight of natural waterfalls? If so, here’s your chance to see 5 stunning cascades (the Templo Waterfall, the Magia Blanca Waterfall, the Encantada Waterfall, the Escondida Waterfall, and the La Paz Waterfall) all in one place. Home to 5 individual waterfalls, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a large, well-maintained, forested property that you’re welcome to hike around. Concrete trails comprised of uphill sections, downhill sections, and sets of staircases connect all 5 waterfalls. The trails lead to several waterfall viewpoints where you can eye some of the cascades from a distance and others at close range. Swimming is not permitted at any of the 5 waterfalls.
The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are located in the Poas region of Costa Rica, north of Alajuela in the Central Valley. Visit as a day trip to/from San Jose, to/from Alajuela (the SJO Airport), to/from La Fortuna, to/from Sarapiqui, or during travel between any two of these destinations.
The best way to visit the Templo Waterfall, the Magic Blanca Waterfall, the Encantada Waterfall, the Escondida Waterfall, and the La Paz Waterfall is to drive yourself directly to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. If you won’t have access to a rental car, San Jose-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and San Jose.
Want to learn more about the La Fortuna Waterfall? See our related blog post:
One of the most popular Costa Rica waterfalls that regularly makes travelers’ must-see lists is the La Fortuna Waterfall. This well-known waterfall, which is actually called the Rio Fortuna Waterfall, is a 70-meter cascade that slices through a wall of scenic, lush vegetation. It forms part of Rio Fortuna (the Fortuna River) and is located upstream from another waterfall, the El Salto Waterfall (see below for details). The La Fortuna Waterfall offers two viewpoints: one that’s a short walk beyond the waterfall’s entrance and another that nears the waterfall’s base. A long set of concrete steps connects the two viewpoints. Swimming is not permitted near the waterfall’s base but is permitted slightly downstream in Rio Fortuna.
The La Fortuna Waterfall is located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Consider this waterfall one of several attractions worth checking out around La Fortuna.
The best way to visit the La Fortuna Waterfall is to either drive yourself directly to the waterfall’s entrance or else take part in a guided Arenal Combo Tour that includes a visit to the waterfall. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the La Fortuna Waterfall can be reached by taxi or bike.
The photo that’s displayed on the cover of our 2019 Costa Rica guidebook (Moon Costa Rica) is the striking Toro Waterfall. This stunning cascade is one of the most photogenic Costa Rica waterfalls yet it remains off most tourists’ radars because it hides in an unfrequented area of the country. It offers two viewpoints: one that’s a short walk beyond the waterfall’s entrance and another that nears the waterfall’s base. A long set of concrete and forest steps connects the two viewpoints. Swimming is not permitted at the Toro Waterfall.
The Toro Waterfall is located in the Bajo del Toro region of Costa Rica, north of Alajuela in the Central Valley. Visit as a day trip to/from San Jose, to/from Alajuela (the SJO Airport), to/from La Fortuna, to/from Sarapiqui, or during travel between any two of these destinations.
The best way to visit the Toro Waterfall is to drive yourself directly to the waterfall’s entrance. If you wish to visit the Las Gemelas Waterfalls too (see below for details), plan to experience those waterfalls the same day you visit the Toro Waterfall in order to save time and money.
Just down the road from the Toro Waterfall are the Las Gemelas Waterfalls, a pair of pretty Costa Rica waterfalls that pour into beautiful, light-blue water. Both of these waterfalls are found along the same private trail that will first lead you through wide-open pastures and then ice-cold water during a knee-deep river crossing. The trek is a blast, though, and rewards visitors with up-close views of the two neighboring cascades. Swimming is permitted at the Las Gemelas Waterfalls but beware of swift river currents and sharp, jagged rocks in the riverbed. Note that payment to access the Las Gemelas Waterfalls is made at the entrance to the Toro Waterfall.
The Las Gemelas Waterfalls are located just down the road from the Toro Waterfall in the Bajo del Toro region of Costa Rica, north of Alajuela in the Central Valley. Visit as a day trip to/from San Jose, to/from Alajuela (the SJO Airport), to/from La Fortuna, to/from Sarapiqui, or during travel between any two of these destinations.
The best way to visit the Las Gemelas Waterfalls is to drive yourself directly to the entrance to the Toro Waterfall. If you wish to visit the Toro Waterfall too (see above for details), plan to experience that waterfall the same day you visit the Las Gemelas Waterfalls in order to save time and money.
One of a select few things to do directly in Montezuma (apart from lounging on a beach) is to visit the destination’s namesake waterfalls. Known as the Montezuma Waterfalls (or simply Montezuma Falls), this set of 3 sequential cascades comprised of 2 upper waterfalls and 1 lower waterfall provides multiple places to swim and relax at. The attraction has two entrances (both provide access to all 3 waterfalls): one that nears Montezuma’s center (it’s marked by a parking lot and provides free access to the waterfalls) and one beyond the operation center for Suntrails, a local canopy tour operator. Note that a waterfall entrance fee is charged for entry via Suntrails. The entrance that nears Montezuma’s center leads to the lower waterfall first (you can then hike from the lower waterfall to the two upper waterfalls). The entrance beyond Suntrails leads to the two upper waterfalls first (you can then hike from the two upper waterfalls to the lower waterfall). Swimming is permitted at all 3 of the Montezuma Waterfalls.
The Montezuma Waterfalls are located in the Montezuma region of Costa Rica, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. As Montezuma’s top attraction, the Montezuma Waterfalls are worth checking out during your time in town. Alternatively, visit as a day trip to/from Tambor, Santa Teresa, or Mal Pais.
The best way to visit the Montezuma Waterfalls is to drive yourself directly to either the trailhead that leads to the lower waterfall or the trailhead beyond Suntrails. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Montezuma Waterfalls can be reached by taxi, by bike, or on foot. Montezuma- and Santa Teresa-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the Montezuma Waterfall from their respective locales.
Want to learn more about the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall? See our related blog post:
Why (And Why Not) To Visit The Llanos Del Cortes Waterfall Near Liberia
The most accessible waterfall to visitors of the Guanacaste / Northern Pacific region of Costa Rica is the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall. Among the many Costa Rica waterfalls there are to choose from, this waterfall is a big hit with families with children because the soft waterfall doesn’t make big waves, there’s a gradual entrance to the waterfall’s pool, and lifeguards keep watch. Best of all, it’s only a 5-minute walk away from the parking lot. Swimming is permitted at the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall.
The Llanos del Cortes Waterfall is located in the Bagaces region of Costa Rica, an approximate half-hour drive southeast of the LIR Airport. Visit as a day trip to/from Liberia (the LIR Airport), to/from beach towns along the northern Pacific coast, or during travel between either of these destinations and inland destinations like La Fortuna/Arenal and Monteverde.
The best way to visit the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall is to drive yourself directly to the waterfall’s entrance.
Stunning to see in person is the aptly named Rio Celeste Waterfall which tumbles into a pool that’s robin’s egg blue. The water’s vibrant color makes this waterfall one of Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions. Set inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste Waterfall is the first of several sites of interest you’ll encounter along a hike through the national park. A long set of concrete steps branches off from the park’s main hiking trail and leads to the waterfall’s base. Swimming is not permitted at the Rio Celeste Waterfall or anywhere else in Rio Celeste.
The Rio Celeste Waterfall (i.e., the Tenorio Volcano National Park) is located in the Bijagua region of Costa Rica, northwest of La Fortuna. Visit as a day trip to/from Bijagua, to/from La Fortuna, to/from Liberia (LIR Airport), or to/from beach towns along the northern Pacific coast.
The best way to visit the Rio Celeste Waterfall is to drive yourself directly to the entrance of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. If you won’t have access to a rental car, La Fortuna-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the Tenorio Volcano National Park and La Fortuna.
Must-see Costa Rica waterfalls around the central Pacific coast include the Nauyaca Waterfalls (also called the Baru Waterfalls), a set of 2 sequential cascades set in the heart of the rainforest. From the Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park (where you’ll pay the waterfall entrance fee), it’s a 10-minute truck ride from the park’s operations center and parking lot to a trailhead (marked by a rest stop with bathrooms) where a 20-minute, steep, downhill hike leads through the forest to the waterfall’s base. Once you reach the waterfalls, you can admire and take photos of the upper tier and relax around the lower tier. Swimming is permitted only in the bottom tier of the Nauyaca Waterfalls.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in the Dominical region of Costa Rica. As Dominical’s top attraction, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are worth checking out during your time around town. Alternatively, visit as a day trip to/from other central Pacific destinations including Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Ojochal.
The best way to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls via the Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park is to drive yourself directly to the park’s entrance. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Nauyaca Waterfalls can be reached by taxi, ideally in a 4×4 vehicle.
As mentioned above, must-see Costa Rica waterfalls around the central Pacific coast include the Nauyaca Waterfalls (also called the Baru Waterfalls), a set of 2 sequential cascades set in the heart of the rainforest. From the Nauyaca Waterfalls/Cataratas Nauyaca entrance along Road 243 (where you’ll pay the waterfall entrance fee), the waterfalls sit roughly 6 kilometers down a steep road. The first 2 kilometers of the route can be accessed by car, but the remaining 4 kilometers (from beyond the Nauyaca Waterfalls/Cataratas Nauyaca‘s operations center and parking lot) must be traveled on foot, on a horse, or on a 4×4 truck. (For a fee, the property provides guided horse rides and 4×4 truck rides.) Once you reach the waterfalls, you can admire and take photos of the upper tier and relax around the lower tier. Swimming is permitted only in the bottom tier of the Nauyaca Waterfalls.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in the Dominical region of Costa Rica. As Dominical’s top attraction, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are worth checking out during your time around town. Alternatively, visit as a day trip to/from other central Pacific destinations including Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Ojochal.
The best way to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls via the Nauyaca Waterfalls/Cataratas Nauyaca is to drive yourself directly to the property’s entrance. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Nauyaca Waterfalls can be reached by taxi, ideally in a 4×4 vehicle.
Great for getting off the beaten path but not requiring a ton of time is the La Piedra del Indio Waterfall, a tall, four-tiered tumbling waterfall. The trail at this waterfall is easy to follow; there’s only one path and it’s comprised of steps that lead down to the waterfall’s base, where you’ll find a refreshing pool you can swim in. When you’re ready to leave, simply backtrack along the same trail (you’ll need to climb up the stairs that you previously descended) and return to the trailhead, stopping along the way to admire the waterfall from different vantages points beyond a few viewpoints. Walking sticks are available free of charge through the La Piedra del Indio Waterfall tour office if you’d like to have one to assist with the downhill and uphill climbs. As an added bonus, during travel to and from the La Piedra del Indio Waterfall trailhead (transportation is provided by the La Piedra del Indio Waterfall tour office), you’ll have a chance to see a 3,500-year-old indigenous rock and learn about the significance of its inscriptions.
The La Piedra del Indio Waterfall is about an hour’s drive outside of Monteverde, in the direction of the town of Tilaran. Visit as a day trip to/from Monteverde or during travel between Monteverde and La Fortuna/Arenal, Sarapiqui, Bijagua, Rincon del la Vieja, Liberia, or a beach destination along the northern Pacific coast.
The best way to visit the La Piedra del Indio Waterfall is to drive yourself directly to the La Piedra del Indio Waterfall tour office. At the moment, guided tours that include transportation to/from Monteverde, La Fortuna/Arenal, and other destinations are not offered by the tour office.
Want to learn more about the Blue Morpho Waterfall and the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park? See our related blog post:
A Step By Step Guide To The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Choose to explore the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and you’ll give yourself an opportunity to see the Blue Morpho Waterfall, a tall and narrow waterfall that hides just off the park’s main trail. Though the park’s hanging bridges—not the waterfall—draw in most visitors, the lovely Blue Morpho Waterfall, which is named after the shimmery blue morpho butterflies that fly freely around the property, adds extra thrill and beauty to nature walk experiences. A short but steep set of concrete steps branches off from the main trail and leads to the waterfall’s base. Swimming is not permitted at the Blue Morpho Waterfall.
The Blue Morpho Waterfall is located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Though few travelers have ever heard of the Blue Morpho Waterfall specifically, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is one of the most-visited adventure and nature parks in the La Fortuna vicinity.
The best way to visit the Blue Morpho Waterfall is to either drive yourself directly to the entrance to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park or else take part in a guided tour of the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park that explores the hanging bridges. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park can be reached by taxi. La Fortuna-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park and La Fortuna.
If you’re looking for a calm pool to swim in at the base of a small waterfall that’s situated in the middle of nowhere (technically, on the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano), look no further than the Las Chorreras Waterfalls. These tiny twin waterfalls contained within the property of Hacienda Guachipelin pour into a blue-hued pool that’s surrounded by vegetation and rock. Access to the Las Chorreras Waterfalls (as well as Hacienda Guachipelin‘s other on-site attractions) is free for overnight guests of the hacienda and granted to day visitors with payment of a day pass. Swimming is permitted at the Las Chorreras Waterfalls.
The Las Chorreras Waterfalls are located in the Rincon de la Vieja region of Costa Rica, on the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Consider this waterfall one of several attractions worth checking out around Rincon de la Vieja.
The best way to visit the Las Chorreras Waterfalls is to drive yourself directly to Hacienda Guachipelin. Alternatively, Hacienda Guachipelin can be reached by taxi.
Want to learn more about the Danta Waterfall and the Arenal Observatory Lodge? See our related blog post:
As you’ll learn from reading this article, La Fortuna is home to several Costa Rica waterfalls. A great one to visit that’s off the beaten path is the Danta Waterfall. This photo-worthy waterfall hides behind the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Access to the Danta Waterfall (as well as the Arenal Observatory Lodge‘s network of on-site trails) is free for overnight guests of the lodge and granted to day visitors with payment of a day pass. Swimming isn’t outright prohibited at the Danta Waterfall but it’s not recommended either. It can be dangerous to enter the rough waterfall pool that sits at the base of the powerful cascade.
The Danta Waterfall is located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Consider this waterfall an off-the-beaten-path attraction that’s worth checking out around La Fortuna.
The best way to visit the Danta Waterfall is to drive yourself directly to the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Alternatively, the Arenal Observatory Lodge can be reached by taxi.
One of the least visited Costa Rica waterfalls you can visit is the El Chorro Waterfall, also known as the Cocalito Waterfall or simply Cocalito Falls. This tall cascade, which can be reduced to a trickle during dry periods, is in a remote area that is typically only accessed one of two ways: from the south by walking roughly 2 hours up the coast from the beach town of Montezuma, or from the north by spending a night at the Tambor-area hotel Tango Mar which owns much of the property around the falls. If you choose to visit the El Chorro Waterfall via Montezuma, you’ll arrive at the waterfall’s rocky base. If you opt to visit via Tango Mar (a combined road and forest trail connects the hotel with the El Chorro Waterfall), you’ll meet the waterfall at its top. Neither place is particularly safe. The waterfall’s base has sharp boulders and crashing waves. The waterfall’s top has a steep, unguarded edge and winds that could easily knock you off balance. Do not bring children to this waterfall unless you plan to keep your distance. Though there isn’t a river pool at the base of the El Chorro Waterfall to swim in, if you’re cautious and watch your footing, you’re welcome to stand near the tumbling cascade to cool yourself off with its mist.
The El Chorro Waterfall is located in the Tambor-Montezuma region of Costa Rica, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. This waterfall is one to visit if you’re looking for something to do during time spent at Tango Mar or in the beach town of Montezuma.
The best way to visit the El Chorro Waterfall is to walk to the waterfall from Tango Mar. If you don’t plan to spend a night (or more) at Tango Mar, you’ll need to walk to the waterfall from Montezuma, which is a long (4 hours round-trip), hot walk along the beach. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks to support you throughout the trek.
Want to learn more about the El Encanto Waterfall and the Arenal Sky Adventures Park? See our related blog posts:
Arenal Sky Walk Hanging Bridges: Everything You Need To Know
Sky Adventures Arenal: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In La Fortuna
If you opt to explore the Arenal Sky Walk Hanging Bridges at the Arenal Sky Adventures Park, along the way you’ll encounter the El Encanto Waterfall (as well as the La Escondida Waterfall; see below for details). Though most people tour the hanging bridges in order to explore nature from within, part of that experience (as offered by the Arenal Sky Adventures Park) includes an opportunity to see tall, natural, free-flowing Costa Rica waterfalls like the El Encanto Waterfall. Though swimming is not permitted at the El Encanto Waterfall, you can get close enough to the waterfall’s base to nearly stand in the cascade.
The El Encanto Waterfall is located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Though few travelers have ever heard of the El Encanto Waterfall specifically, the Arenal Sky Adventures Park is one of the most-visited adventure and nature parks in the La Fortuna vicinity.
The best way to visit the El Encanto Waterfall is to either drive yourself directly to the entrance to the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges at the Arenal Sky Adventures Park or else take part in a guided tour that explores the hanging bridges. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Arenal Sky Adventures Park can be reached by taxi. La Fortuna-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the Arenal Sky Adventures Park and La Fortuna.
Want to learn more about the El Encanto Waterfall and the Arenal Sky Adventures Park? See our related blog posts:
Arenal Sky Walk Hanging Bridges: Everything You Need To Know
Sky Adventures Arenal: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In La Fortuna
If you opt to explore the Arenal Sky Walk Hanging Bridges at the Arenal Sky Adventures Park, along the way you’ll encounter the La Escondida Waterfall (as well as the El Encanto Waterfall; see above for details). Though most people tour the hanging bridges in order to explore nature from within, part of that experience (as offered by the Arenal Sky Adventures Park) includes an opportunity to see tall, natural, free-flowing Costa Rica waterfalls like the distant but picturesque La Escondida Waterfall. Swimming is not permitted at the La Escondida Waterfall.
The La Escondida Waterfall is located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Though few travelers have ever heard of the La Escondida Waterfall specifically, the Arenal Sky Adventures Park is one of the most-visited adventure and nature parks in the La Fortuna vicinity.
The best way to visit the La Escondida Waterfall is to either drive yourself directly to the entrance to the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges at the Arenal Sky Adventures Park or else take part in a guided tour that explores the hanging bridges. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Arenal Sky Adventures Park can be reached by taxi. La Fortuna-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the Arenal Sky Adventures Park and La Fortuna.
Want to learn more about the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve? See our related blog post:
Monteverde Cloud Forest or Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve? What’s The Difference?
Though there are several reasons to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, including the reserve’s immense biodiversity and viewpoint that overlooks the Continental Divide, a lesser-known attraction inside the reserve is the El Rio Waterfall (sometimes referred to as the Quebrada Cuecha Waterfall or simply the Cuecha Waterfall). Tucked along the north side of the reserve and sunken in cloud forest is this two-tiered waterfall that you can observe from a small observation deck. To view the waterfall, make sure you hike Sendero El Rio (the River Trail), sometimes referred to as Sendero Cuecha or Sendero Quebrada Cuecha, which leads directly to (and ends at) the waterfall. Swimming is not permitted at the El Rio Waterfall.
The El Rio Waterfall is located in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica, one of Costa Rica’s beloved cloud forests. Though few travelers have ever heard of the El Rio Waterfall (or the Cuecha Waterfall) specifically, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most popular biological reserves in the Monteverde vicinity.
The best way to visit the El Rio Waterfall is to either drive yourself directly to the entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or else take part in a guided tour that explores the reserve. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve can be reached by taxi or bike. Monteverde-based tour operators run guided day tours to/from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Monteverde.
Want to learn more about the Tabacon Waterfalls? See our related blog posts:
Tabacon Hot Springs Review: La Fortuna Hot Springs Guide
Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springs
If you’ve already researched hot springs in Costa Rica, you’ve likely already come across the Tabacon Hot Springs, a hot springs property that’s blessed with a free-flowing thermal-water river. Part of the river is comprised of a set of sequential cascades that you’re welcome to soak in. Though the many waterfalls that you’ll find at the Tabacon Hot Springs are short and wide cascades, this makes them easy to climb into and relax at. Best of all, since the river water at the Tabacon Hot Springs is full of rejuvenating mineral properties, soaks in the Tabacon Waterfalls are like a full-body treat.
The Tabacon Waterfalls (i.e., the Tabacon Hot Springs) are located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Consider the Tabacon Hot Springs (and its on-site waterfalls) one of several attractions worth checking out around La Fortuna.
The best way to visit the Tabacon Waterfalls is to either drive yourself directly to the Tabacon Hot Springs or else take part in a guided tour that includes a visit to the hot springs. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Tabacon Hot Springs can be reached by taxi.
Want to learn more about the El Salto Waterfall? See our related blog post:
El Salto Costa Rica: Local Free Tarzan Swing And Swimming Holes In La Fortuna / Arenal
The popular swimming hole known as El Salto (The Jump), named after the attraction’s fun rope swing, is one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path places to hang out at. At this spot, which is tucked under a bridge along Road 702, you’ll find the short but raging El Salto Waterfall. This waterfall forms part of Rio Fortuna (the Fortuna River) and is located downstream from the river’s other notorious waterfall, the La Fortuna Waterfall (see above for details). Though access to the La Fortuna Waterfall requires a moderate hike and payment of a waterfall entrance fee, the El Salto Waterfall is free and easy to access (it’s merely a few steps down from the road). Swimming is permitted in the river pool at the base of the El Salto Waterfall (beware of rope-swing jumpers!) as well as downriver.
The El Salto Waterfall is located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Consider this waterfall one of several attractions worth checking out around La Fortuna.
The best way to visit the El Salto Waterfall is to take a taxi, bike, or walk to the bridge crossing on Road 702 above Rio Fortuna (the Fortuna River). Alternatively, you can drive to the same location but street parking is limited and not particularly safe.
Though most Costa Rica waterfalls allow visitors to view tumbling cascades at close range, other waterfalls that are seen from a distance showcase just how lush, pristine, and forest-covered Costa Rica truly is. Take the natural waterfalls that flow throughout the 40-acre Valle Escondido Preserve, for example. These waterfalls can be seen from observation decks that jut out over valleys that slice through Monteverde’s cloud forest. The largest waterfall is an unnamed, 40-meter tall cascade that we’ve opted to call the Valle Escondido Waterfall. It’s a beautiful sight, as are the miles of dense, uninhabited forest that surround it. Swimming is not permitted at the Valle Escondido Waterfall.
The Valle Escondido Waterfall is located in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica, one of Costa Rica’s beloved cloud forests. Though few travelers have ever heard of the Valle Escondido Waterfall specifically, the Valle Escondido Preserve is a well-known private reserve in the Monteverde vicinity.
The best way to visit the Valle Escondido Waterfall is to either drive yourself directly to the entrance to the Valle Escondido Preserve or else take part in a guided tour that explores the preserve. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Valle Escondido Preserve can be reached by taxi or bike. Monteverde-based tour operators run guided day and night tours to/from the Valle Escondido Preserve and Monteverde. Guests of the preserve’s on-site hotel, Monteverde Inn, can access the preserve (and view the Valle Escondido Waterfall) for free.
Want to learn more about the Huacas Waterfall, Rio Pacuare, and the Pacuare River Rafting Tour? See our related blog post:
Pacuare River Rafting Tour: Must-Know Info From A Former River Guide
If you participate in a white-water rafting tour on Rio Pacuare (the Pacuare River) during your time in Costa Rica you’ll automatically be treated to a view of the 150-foot Huacas Waterfall, the tallest and most notable waterfall you’ll float by during the tour. This waterfall is named after the two exciting rapids you’ll brave immediately before and after you reach the waterfall: Upper Huacas and Lower Huacas. You’ll see a few other waterfalls during the river trip too, including the gushing Quebrada Fria Waterfall which you may get a chance to swim at if you opt to participate in a 2-day (overnight) rafting tour (depending on which tour operator you choose to raft with). Some overnight rafting trips also provide an opportunity to hike to and swim at other waterfalls around the jungle-clad Rio Pacuare. Swimming is not permitted at the Huacas Waterfall, though your rafting tour guide will likely steer the raft close enough to the cascade for you to feel its refreshing spray. Swimming is permitted in the Quebrada Fria Waterfall.
The Huacas Waterfall, the Quebrada Fria Waterfall, and other Pacuare River waterfalls are located in the Siquirres-Turrialba region of Costa Rica. Though few travelers have ever heard of the Huacas Waterfall and the Quebrada Fria Waterfall specifically, white-water rafting trips down the Pacuare River are one of the most sought-after adventure experiences in all of Costa Rica.
The best (and only) way to visit the Huacas Waterfall, the Quebrada Fria Waterfall, and other Pacuare River waterfalls is to take part in a guided white-water rafting tour on the Pacuare River.
Want to learn more about the Lost Canyon Waterfalls and the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour? See our related blog post:
Costa Rica Canyoning Tour: Adrenaline And Assurance Found At The Lost Canyon
Part of the thrill you’ll experience if you participate in the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour is the rush that comes with rappelling down rock faces alongside tumbling waterfalls, one of which is 200-feet tall. You’ll get a chance to climb around smaller waterfalls too. For the purpose of this article, we’ve called the waterfalls you’ll encounter during the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour the Lost Canyon Waterfalls. Though swimming is not permitted at most of the Lost Canyon Waterfalls, at one point during the tour you’ll be able to sit amid a rushing cascade and make a short jump into a small pool.
The Lost Canyon Waterfalls are located in the La Fortuna region of Costa Rica, the country’s epicenter of adventure. Though few travelers have ever heard of the Lost Canyon Waterfalls specifically, the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour is one of the most popular adventure tours experienced in the La Fortuna vicinity.
The best (and only) way to visit the Lost Canyon Waterfalls is to take part in the guided Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour.
QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Which Costa Rica waterfalls have you visited?
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