7 of the Best Water Falls in Costa Rica
/Off the beaten path: Top 7 Costa Rican Waterfalls
La Fortuna Waterfalls, San Carlos, Costa Rica
La Fortuna, San Carlos, Costa Rica
La Fortuna in San Carlos, Costa Rica is one of the most popular waterfalls in Costa Rica. La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica Northwest of the capital, San Jose. Its known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park housing 2 volcanoes. Active Arenal Volcano is still a laced with lava flows. Hot springs sit at the foot of the volcano. This waterfall drops about 70-75 meters and is at the base of the volcano. Take a swim in La Fortuna, where you can also visit the hanging bridges.
2. Rio Celeste Waterfall, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
This neon blue river gets its color from a unique mix of bacteria and volcano minerals. Housed in the Costa Rican wilderness, the Rio Celeste is a stunning tropical gem whose iconic blue hue was turned into a popular nature spot.
Located in the forest of the Tenorio Volcano National Park the long river twists and turns through the wilderness maintaining its bright cerulean color all the way. Along the river where the waterfall is located near multiple hot springs. The closest airport to Rio Celeste is Liberia International Airport. Many of the surrounding guesthouses and hotels have walking paths that lead directly to the Rio Celeste. If visiting through the parks main entrance non resident entrance fee is $12. A 4x4 is highly recommended for getting through the park and Costa Rica as well.
Rio Celeste, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
3. La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall Garden, Vara Blanca, Costa Rica
Enjoy the La Paz Waterfall Gardens by staying at the Peace Lodge. While visiting the public section of the waterfall, you are not allowed to swim in the water, Peace Lodge has a swimming pool you can use for swimming. La Paz Waterfall Gardens National Park is located directly next to the Peace Lodge. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is ranked #9 out of 17 top things to do in Costa Rica by U.S. News and World Report. The park entry price for adults is $42 per adult and $26 for kids 3-12.
4. Volio Waterfall, Limon Province, Costa Rica
The Volio Waterfall is located near the town of Bribri, Costa Rica in Limon Province. It is located near the Bribri Indian Reservation. Because this waterfall does reside in an indigenous reservation, we do suggest you hire a local tour guide for your visit. Many tour companies offer visits to the waterfall. The waterfall is located in the Talamancan montane forests and extends 50’ tall. It is about 4-5 hours from San Jose International Airport. As getting to the waterfall, is an adventure in itself. It is hidden within the Bribri rainforest, which makes it even more interesting. We do recommend that you visit the Volio Waterfall only in the dry season, as you do have to cross three different rivers to even get close to the actual spot. A 4x4 vehicle will be beneficial as well to eliminate walking through the shallow waters within the rainforest. There is no doubt, that you will be amazed at by Volio’s stunning beauty!
Volio Waterfall, Bribri, Costa Rica
5. Bajos del Toro Waterfall, Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
What a sight! Bajos del Toro is one of the most spectacular and largest waterfalls in the country - with a 300-foot drop. It is hidden away in a valley between the Poas and Rincon de la Vieja Volcanoes, located in the Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest about 1.5hours from San Jose.
We highly recommend staying at El Silencio Luxury Lodge for the full Bajos del Toro experience. Hike the winding trail down to the base of the waterfall for about an hour with a guide and get up close to the roaring mist of this natural spectacle. For the lodge, a fifteen-minute relatively flat hike that will bring you to about 375 steps leading down to the base of the waterfall. The hike back up can be a bit challenging but the views are worth it!
6. Nauyaca Waterfalls, South Pacific Coast, Costa Rica
The stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in the South Pacific region of Costa Ballena, just 20minutes from Dominical. Though featuring a less impressive drop-off than the towering La Fortuna or Bajos del Toro waterfalls, Nauyaca is unique in its layout - its split into the upper and lower cascades; water pours over the cliff side to fall over 140 feet before this waterfall is the location, remotely tucked into the deep rainforest, the trip might be a bit of work, but the views are worth it!
Visitors have a few options for getting to the falls; horseback riding, hiking, or 4x4. The hikers and horseback riders use the same well maintained trail - keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife in the area such as monkeys or birds. You have the option to attend the upper falls or lower falls. The lower falls is where all the fun is! Here the cascade falls into a large pool of clear blue water - a perfect, natural swimming hole. Plenty of room for everyone to swim, relax, or explore, with an occasional entertainment of a daring local jumping from one of the cliffs.
7. Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is located in Bagaces about 30minutes south of Liberia. At about 50 feet wide and 12 feet tall, Llanos de Cortez is wider than it is tall with streams of water cascading over a rock wall. The pool at the base of the falls is clean, clear, and perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. There’s also a little white sandy beach which can be nice for a snack or picnic. The trail from the parking lot down the waterfall is a short 10-minute hike but it is steep. The forest leading to the falls is lush and dense with wildlife such as monkeys and birds. There is no entrance fee however donations to the local community school are welcomed. Guided waterfall excursions can be arranged.
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
