Here are some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica that you need to add to your bucket list!
If you’re planning a vacation to Costa Rica, you need to plan to visit some of the amazing rainforest waterfalls you can find all over the country. The high volcanic activity in this region also makes Costa Rica the perfect place to see diverse waterfalls with a perfect blue color due to the volcanic minerals, interesting rock formations, and the gorgeous jungle landscape and wildlife.
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Costa Rica Waterfalls Leaderboard
Here’s a quick look into my personal Costa Rica Waterfall Leaderboard. But, you should of course check them all out to decide for yourself 🙂
- Best for swimming: Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Tallest Waterfall: Catarata del Toro
- Most breathtaking hike: La Fortuna Waterfall
- Most beautiful water: Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Most Underrated: Viento Fresco Waterfalls
Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica to add to your Bucket List
Let’s take an in depth look at each waterfall and what you can expect from your visit. Trust me, you’ll want to see them all!
1. Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Location: Dominical, Costa Rica
- Hike Length: 4 miles round-trip
- Cost: $10 USD
The hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls is moderately difficult (especially in the rainy season when the ground can be a little muddy), but it’s worth it when you reach the falls. When you arrive, youll see both the upper and lower falls, reaching a height of 140 feet. The lower pool is deep enough for swimming and there is also space in the area to lay out a towel and sunbathe.
It’s a good idea to visit in dry season between December and April for the best trail conditions. Also, the waters can swell and be less favorable for swimming uring the rainy season from May to November. Make sure you bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a swimsuit and towel!
2. Catarata del Toro
- Location: Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
- Hike Length: Less than 1 mile
- Cost: $14 per person
One of the tallest waterfalls in all of Costa Rica at 270 feet, Catarata del Toro is also unique in that it’s located inside of an extinct volcanic crater. The area itself is a jungle rich with biodiversity and opportunities for spotting exotic animals and species of birds.
While the hike is less than 1 mile in length, it does involve steep elevation changes, so pack some good hiking shoes! Swimming isn’t permitted in the falls due to the force of the waterfall and depth of the pool. I recommend brining a rain jacket due to frequent weather changes in the area.
3. La Fortuna Waterfall
- Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Hike Length: 0.5 miles
- Cost: $18 per person
The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Costa Rica due to it’s powerful falls over cliffs and closeness to the Arenal Volcano. The hike to get there is short (less than 1 mile) but there are a lot of stairs! The view at the end though was totally worth it if you ask me.
When I visited in the heart of the Costa Rican rainy season, swimming in the waterfalls was not permitted due to the strength of the falls. Check with staff at the entrance and they will tell you whether or not it is safe to swim. Regardless, you’re able to wade in the rocks close by where there is calmer water, which is the perfect spot for a photo op.
The reserve includes a visitor center with restrooms, changing rooms, and a small café. I recommend you bring comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a swimsuit/towel.
4. Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park
- Hike Length: 3.7 miles round-trip
- Cost: $12 per person for the park entrance fee
The striking electric, turquoise-blue water of Rio Celeste makes the waterfall look almost unreal. For those reasons, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in all of Costa Rica. As amazing as Rio Celeste is to visit, you can’t swim in either the river or waterfall as it is a protected area and fragile ecosystem.
I recommend you try to visit in the dry season between December and April because as the rains pick up, the waters become more muddy, which affects the vibrant blue color. Keep in mind to try to avoid busier holidays (like Christmas, New Years, and Easter) if you want the best opportunities to see the waterfalls when the park is less crowded.
There are also fun tours available such as tubing and horseback riding nearby!
5. Viento Fresco Waterfalls
- Location: La Florida, Tilarán, Costa Rica
- Hike Length: 1.8 miles round-trip
- Cost: $14 per person
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path waterfall hike as you drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde, you need to stop at Viento Fresco Waterfalls. The collection of 5 different waterfalls is not a touristy spot at all and you’ll really feel like you came across a hidden gem. The views along the hike are also incredible, giving you a chance to view the jungle and its wildlife up close.
The hike is steep at times but not very long at all. The third waterfall you reach, Acro Iris Waterfall, is stunning at 246 feet tall with a huge pool you can swim in. There is a picnic area and basic restroom facilities at this waterfall, but I would recommend trying to use the nicer bathrooms by the reception area if you can.
6. El Tigre Waterfalls
- Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Hike Length: 5 km
- Cost: Starts at $33 per person
El Tigre Waterfalls is an unexpectedly beautiful waterfall hike nestled into the cloud forest and I always bring my friends and family when they visit me in Monteverde.
Aside from the stunning views of multiple waterfalls, hanging bridges, and a biodiversity-packed jungle, there is a good cause behind it. El Tigre Tours supports reforestation and wildlife sustainability here in Costa Rica.
After leaving the reception area, you’ll start on the approximately 5 km hike of waterfalls and hanging bridges. The hike is moderately difficult and involves changes in elevation including many stairs. That said, the reward is worth the work.
Along the way, you will encounter 10 hanging bridges, 4 beautiful waterfalls, and a rugged jungle full of wildlife such as monkeys, exotic birds, and tropical plants.
If you elect for the Full Package tour, after 5 km you will meet the staff at the station where you will either board a 4×4 or horse to ride back to the reception area.
Or, if you choose for a full day of a self-guided hike, you’ll continue another 3 km to make your way back to reception. The latter is a very long, moderate-to-difficult hike, so be prepared with plenty of snacks and water!
7. La Leona Waterfall
- Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Hike Length: 5 km
- Cost: Starts at $33 per person
The adventure begins at the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike office where there is free parking available on site and monitored lockers to leave your belongings and luggage. From there, you’ll head to the reception area to check in and fill out a waiver and get a safety briefing. They’ll hand you your mandatory life jacket and a dry bag to keep your phone or other belongings if you’d like.
Then they pack you into a truck or jeep where you’re transported to the start of the trail. I want to warn you that you’ll literally be standing up in the back of a jeep, packed in like sardines. Don’t expect this part to be a ride in a luxury vehicle! That said, the ride is short.
The hike itself trails through the jungle next to the Blanco River that stems from the Rincon de la Viejo volcano. The trail will lead you past amazing rock formations, across streams of water, up small ladders and finally at the end, you’ll follow a rope into the canyon where you’ll be able to see and swim in La Leona Waterfall.
Important! La Leona Waterfall sits on private property, so you do need to pay for the tour in order to access it. Not to mention the hike involves river crossings, rock scrambling, and navigating through the jungle, so having a local guide ensures your safety.
Waterfalls in Costa Rica FAQ’s
- Are there any free waterfalls to visit in Costa Rica?
Generally, if a waterfall is located on either private property or a nature reserve, you need to pay to enter. Some waterfalls might be donation based (I highly suggest you donate some amount to support the infrastructure) such as Catarata El Salto in La Fortuna, Rio Agrio in Bajos del Toro, or Los Chorros Waterfalls in Grecia.
- What waterfalls are the best for swimming?
As mentioned above, the huge natural pool of Nauyaca Waterfalls in Dominical makes it one of the best swimming areas in Costa Rica. You could also check out the closeby Catarata Uvita located in Uvita, or the Blue Falls of Bajos del Toro.
- Is it safe to swim in waterfalls in Costa Rica?
Swimming in waterfalls in Costa Rica is likely safe as long as the park staff tells you it is. Watch out for strong currents, slippery rocks, and turbulent pools. Also remember to avoid swallowing any of the water as you swim, as it’s possible to ingest certain harmful bacteria that way.
- What shoes should I wear for waterfall hikes in Costa Rica?
I recommend you wear closed toed, waterproof hiking shoes for any hike in Costa Rica. Remember that you’re hiking through a jungle that has all kinds of insects, plants, and even snakes. Not to mention steep elevation changes and sometimes difficult terrain. You’ll be glad you wore the proper footwear!
- Are there any waterfalls in Costa Rica that do not require hiking?
Waterfalls are generally located in areas that are mountainous, allowing for the flow of water over the cliffs. That said, there are some waterfalls that involve a more gentle walk such as La Paz Waterfall, Llanos de Cortez, and Oropendola Waterfall. Catarata del Toro is another that while usually you do have to hike to get there, there’s also a lookout point near the parking area where you can see the falls without the strenuous hike.
Waterfalls in Costa Rica Map
You ready for the most epic Costa Rican waterfall road trip?! Here’s a map to help your planning!
Are there any other waterfalls in Costa Rica that you’d add to this list?! Let me know in the comments!
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
