(2021) 25+ Costa Rica Waterfalls & How To Visit Them During Your Trip

Last updated on January 6th, 2021 at 02:14 pm EST

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Costa Rica waterfalls worth visiting

There’s a lot of 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.

The 5 waterfalls at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens

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.

How to visit these Costa Rica 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.

Templo Waterfall, Magia Blanca Waterfall, Encantada Waterfall, Escondida Waterfall, and La Paz Waterfall details

• Type(s): 5 powerful, tall, streamlined waterfalls
• Duration: 1.5 hours to visit all 5 waterfalls directly and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfalls or extra time spent touring the wildlife exhibits at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens)
• Cost: Access to all 5 waterfalls is permitted with payment of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens entrance fee
• Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate

La Fortuna Waterfall (Rio Fortuna Waterfall #1)

Want to learn more about the La Fortuna Waterfall? See our related blog post:

Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Garden

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.

How to visit the La Fortuna Waterfall

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.

La Fortuna Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 powerful, tall, streamlined waterfall
• Duration: 10 minutes to visit the waterfall’s first viewpoint (which showcases the waterfall at a distance) and return to the entrance; 1-1.5 hours to visit the waterfall’s second viewpoint/base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the waterfall or extra time spent touring the La Fortuna Waterfall‘s on-site orchid garden)
• Cost: Access to the La Fortuna Waterfall is permitted with payment of the La Fortuna Waterfall entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate (you must be able to climb up and down a long set of stairs)

Toro Waterfall

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.

How to visit 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.

Toro Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 powerful, tall, streamlined waterfall
• Duration: 10 minutes to visit the waterfall’s first viewpoint (which showcases the waterfall at a distance) and return to the entrance; 1 hour to visit the waterfall’s second viewpoint/base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall or extra time spent enjoying the Toro Waterfall’s on-site hummingbird garden or hiking to the nearby Las Gemelas Waterfalls)
• Cost: Access to the Toro Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Toro Waterfall entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate (you must be able to climb up and down a long set of stairs)

Las Gemelas Waterfalls (Gemelas #1 and #2)

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 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.

How to visit the Las Gemelas Waterfalls

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.

Las Gemelas Waterfalls details

• Type(s): 2 waterfalls, each with moderate flow
• Duration: 1.5 hours to visit both waterfalls (the Gemelas Waterfall #2 sits just a few minutes beyond the Gemelas Waterfall #1) and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the waterfalls or extra time spent hiking to the nearby Toro Waterfall)
• Cost: Access to both of the Las Gemelas Waterfalls is permitted with payment of a guided tour
• Difficulty: Moderate

Montezuma Waterfalls

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.

How to visit 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.

Montezuma Waterfalls details

• Type(s): 1 multi-tiered waterfall with moderate flow that forms 3 separate cascades
• Duration: 45 minutes to visit the lower waterfall and return to the entrance closest to Montezuma center (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the lower waterfall); 2 hours to visit the upper waterfalls and return to the entrance closest to Montezuma center (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the upper waterfalls); 40 minutes to visit the upper waterfalls and return to the entrance via Suntrails (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the upper waterfalls); 1 hour to visit the lower waterfall and return to the entrance via Suntrails (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the lower waterfall)
• Cost: Access to the Montezuma Waterfall is free if visited via the entrance that’s closest to Montezuma center. Otherwise, via the entrance beyond Suntrails, access to the Montezuma Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Montezuma Waterfall entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate-to-difficult via the entrance that’s closest to Montezuma center; easy-to-moderate via the entrance beyond Suntrails

Llanos del Cortes Waterfall

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.

How to visit 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.

Llanos del Cortes Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 wide and gentle waterfall
• Duration: 10 minutes to visit the waterfall’s base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the waterfall)
• Cost: Access to the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Llanos del Cortes Waterfall entrance fee
• Difficulty: Easy

Rio Celeste Waterfall

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.

How to visit the Rio Celeste Waterfall

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.

Rio Celeste Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 waterfall with moderate flow
• Duration: 1.5 hours to visit the waterfall’s base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall or extra time spent exploring the remainder of the Tenorio Volcano National Park)
• Cost: Access to the Rio Celeste Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate (you must be able to climb up and down a long set of stairs)

Nauyaca Waterfalls (Baru Waterfalls)

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. These waterfalls sit roughly 6 kilometers back from the waterfall’s office and entrance along Road 243 (this is where you’ll pay the waterfall entrance fee), 4 kilometers beyond the waterfall’s operations center and parking lot (this is where you’ll leave your vehicle and begin to hike). If you don’t feel like walking 8 kilometers to get to the cascades and back, opt to ride a horse or hitch a ride on the property’s 4×4 vehicle. Both of these services require payment of a fee. Once you reach the waterfalls at a clearing in the forest, you can admire and take photos of the upper tier and relax around the base of the lower tier. Swimming is permitted only in the bottom tier of the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

How to visit 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 is to drive yourself directly to the waterfall’s entrance. If you won’t have access to a rental car, the Nauyaca Waterfalls can be reached by taxi.

Nauyaca Waterfalls details

• Type(s): 1 multi-tiered, wide waterfall with moderate flow that forms 2 separate cascades
• Duration: 2 hours to visit the base of both waterfalls and return to the operations center and parking lot (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfalls)
• Cost: Access to both tiers of the Nauyaca Waterfalls is permitted with payment of the Nauyaca Waterfalls entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate

Blue Morpho Waterfall

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 hanging bridges trail and leads to the waterfall’s base. Swimming is not permitted at the Blue Morpho Waterfall.

How to visit 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.

Blue Morpho Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 tall, streamlined waterfall with light-to-moderate flow
• Duration: 1.5 hours to visit the waterfall’s base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall or extra time spent touring the remainder of the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park)
• Cost: Access to the Blue Morpho Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate

Las Chorreras Waterfalls

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.

How to visit 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.

Las Chorreras Waterfalls details

• Type(s): 2 short, side-by-side waterfalls
• Duration: 45 minutes to visit the base of both waterfalls and return to the reception at Hacienda Guachipelin (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the waterfalls)
• Cost: Access to the Las Chorreras Waterfalls is permitted for free to overnight guests of Hacienda Guachipelin or else permitted with payment of a guided tour (day tour visitors)
• Difficulty: Easy

Danta Waterfall

Want to learn more about the Danta Waterfall and the Arenal Observatory Lodge? See our related blog post:

Arenal Observatory Lodge: Nature Trails And Things To Do

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.

How to visit the Danta Waterfall

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.

Danta Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 wide waterfall with moderate flow
• Duration: 1 hour to visit the base of the waterfall and return to the reception at the Arenal Observatory Lodge (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the waterfall)
• Cost: Access to the Danta Waterfall is permitted for free to overnight guests of the Arenal Observatory Lodge or else permitted with payment of a day pass (day tour visitors)
• Difficulty: Moderate

El Chorro Waterfall (Cocalito Falls)

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.

How to visit the El Chorro Waterfall

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.

El Chorro Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 tall, soft waterfall with light flow
• Duration: 45 minutes to visit the top of the waterfall and return to Tango Mar (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall); 4 hours to visit the waterfall’s base and return to Montezuma center (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall)
• Cost: Access to the El Chorro Waterfall is free
• Difficulty: Easy via Tango Mar; easy (but hot and tiring) via Montezuma center

El Encanto Waterfall

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.

How to visit the El Encanto Waterfall

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.

El Encanto Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 tall waterfall with light-to-moderate flow
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours to visit the waterfall’s base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall or extra time spent touring the remainder of the Arenal Sky Walk Hanging Bridges)
• Cost: Access to the El Encanto Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate

La Escondida Waterfall

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.

How to visit 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.

La Escondida Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 tall waterfall with moderate flow
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours to visit the waterfall’s base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall or extra time spent touring the remainder of the Arenal Sky Walk Hanging Bridges)
• Cost: Access to the La Escondida Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate

El Rio Waterfall (Cuecha Waterfall)

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.

How to visit 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.

El Rio Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 multi-tiered waterfall with moderate flow that forms a few short cascades
• Duration: 1 hour to visit the waterfall’s base and return to the entrance (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at and photographing the waterfall or extra time spent touring the remainder of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve)
• Cost: Access to the El Rio Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve entrance fee
• Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate

Tabacon Waterfalls

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.

How to visit the Tabacon Waterfalls

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.

Tabacon Waterfalls details

• Type(s): 1 multi-tiered waterfall with moderate flow that forms several short cascades
• Duration: As long as you wish to enjoy the hot springs; The Tabacon Waterfalls are just a short walk beyond the entrance to the Tabacon Hot Springs
• Cost: Access to the Tabacon Waterfalls is permitted with payment of a Tabacon Hot Springs day pass, night pass, or full-day pass
• Difficulty: Easy

El Salto Waterfall (Rio Fortuna Waterfall #2)

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.

How to visit the El Salto Waterfall

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.

El Salto Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 short waterfall with moderate flow
• Duration: 10 minutes to visit the top of the waterfall (where the rope swing is located) and return to Road 702 (excludes additional time you may want to spend relaxing at, photographing, and swimming at the waterfall)
• Cost: Access to the El Salto Waterfall is free
• Difficulty: Easy

Valle Escondido Waterfall

Though most Costa Rica waterfalls allow visitors to view tumbling cascades at close range, other waterfalls 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.

How to visit 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.

Valle Escondido Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 tall, narrow waterfall with light flow
• Duration: 30 minutes to reach the waterfall viewpoint and return to the reception at the Monteverde Inn (excludes additional time you may want to spend photographing the waterfall or exploring the remainder of the Valle Escondido Preserve)
• Cost: Access to the Valle Escondido Waterfall is permitted with payment of the Valle Escondido Preserve entrance fee
• Difficulty: Moderate

Huacas Waterfall, Quebrada Fria Waterfall, and other Pacuare River waterfalls

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.

How to visit the Huacas Waterfall, the Quebrada Fria Waterfall, and other Pacuare River waterfalls

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.

Huacas Waterfall and Quebrada Fria Waterfall details

• Type(s): 1 tall, streamlined waterfall with moderate flow (Huacas Waterfall); 1 wide, multi-tiered, gushing waterfall (Quebrada Fria Waterfall)
• Duration: 3-4 hours to complete the Pacuare River Rafting Tour (excluding travel time to/from the river, time to collect rafting equipment, and time to eat the breakfast and/or lunch that’s included with the tour) or longer if you choose a 2-day (overnight) rafting trip
• Cost: Access to the Huacas Waterfall, the Quebrada Fria Waterfall, and other Pacuare River waterfalls is permitted with payment of a guided tour
• Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate (no previous rafting experience required)

Lost Canyon Waterfalls

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.

How to visit the Lost Canyon Waterfalls

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.

• Type(s): 4 narrow waterfalls (ranging in height) with light-to-moderate flow
• Duration: 1.5 hours to complete the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour (excluding travel time to/from the canyoning site, time to collect canyoning equipment, and time to eat the lunch that’s included with the tour)
• Cost: Access to the Lost Canyon Waterfalls is permitted with payment of a guided tour
• Difficulty: Moderate (no previous canyoning experience required)

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Which Costa Rica waterfalls have you visited?

Pura vida!

Summary

Article Name

25 Costa Rica Waterfalls And How To Visit Them During Your Trip

Description

We compare 25 Costa Rica waterfalls according to their features, hike duration/difficulty, and location, plus we explain how to visit each!

Author

Nikki Solano

Publisher Name

The Official Costa Rica Travel Blog

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