Costa Rica is covered in lush rainforests, active and extinct volcanoes, steep mountain slopes, endless beaches, and mystical waterfalls. Costa Ricas waterfalls are great for those who are seeking an adventure and who want to surround themselves with nature. Below are three enchanting Costa Rican waterfalls that are a most add to your bucket list.
La Fortuna Waterfall
The walk to the waterfall
La Fortuna waterfall is a majestic natural wonder nestled in the tropical rainforest of Arenal Volcano National Park, in Costa Rica. The waterfall itself is a 246-foot cascade. To get to the bottom of the falls you need to hike down 486 steps, through thick and lush rainforests. The staircase to the bottom of the waterfall is a well-built structure and there are platforms with benches throughout the steps to stop and rest. The staircase and platforms are equipped with rails to make the venture safer and more enjoyable. Once you've reached the bottom of the waterfall, you can swim, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Swimming at the waterfall
You can swim at the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. However, keep in mind that the water will be cold and the current from the falls will be strong. If you choose to swim, staying close to the rocks and away from the falling water is the safest option. If you are uncertain about swimming in the falls pool but still wish to swim, there is calm water pool near the falls. The current is calmer and more suitable for less confident swimmers.
What else is offered at La Fortuna?
Along with the rainforest path that leads to the 246-foot waterfall, La Fortuna also has a restaurant and a souvenir our shop. These locations have meals, snacks, and beverages that allow for La Fortuna to be an all-day adventure. There are also facilities so you can bring a swimsuit and change of clothes.
Things to keep in mind
The entrance fee to Fortuna waterfall is $18 USD for adults and $5 USD for children. In order to explore the waterfall, you need to purchase a ticket. The waterfall is open every day from 7am to 5pm.
Where comfortable shoes in anticipation for the large staircase.
Strollers are not allowed on the staircase
There is no alternative path, meaning, La Fortuna is not handicap accessible.
Catarata del Toro Waterfall
The walk to the waterfall
If you want an authentic Costa Rican experience, Catarata del Toro waterfall is the destination for you. The town of Bajos del Toros, where Catarata del Toro waterfall is located, is a small town with not much to do except experience the outdoors. After hiking through the rainforest, you'll find a towering 270 waterfall dropping into an extinct volcano crater. The train through the forest to the falls is flat and easy to navigate. There is also a staircase that leads to the falls. The staircase is 260 steps made of sturdy concrete with handrails.
Swimming
It is not safe or possible to swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. The spray from the falls makes the rocks slippery and unsafe to walk on. Even walking on the rocks around the base of the waterfall is dangerous due to how slippery they are.
What else is offered at Catarata del Toro?
There is a restaurant and visitor center which offers meals, snacks, and beverages. There are also bathrooms available.
Things to keep in mind
If you're planning to spend time in Bajos del Toro, it is important to know that the town is not a tourist town and locals do not speak much English. However, if you are comfortable speaking Spanish and want to experience authentic Costa Rican culture, this would be a great town to visit.
The waterfall is open Monday - Saturday, 7am - 5pm.
Admission costs $14 USD for adults and $7 USD for children 4-11 and seniors (65+)
The trail down through the rainforest and down to the waterfall is not recommended for anyone with a heart condition, walking disability, pregnant, or of advanced age. There is only one way to the waterfall, and it is not handicap accessible! However, if you are unable to traverse the hike but still wish to view the waterfall, the view from the restaurant is breathtaking.
Nauyaca Waterfall
The walk to the waterfall
There is 3 ways to get to the base of the waterfall from the main office.
Hike - The trail is about 2.5 miles long through dense rainforest. The hike is a bit difficult, and the conditions are going to be hot, humid, and buggy. The hike will take about 1.5 hours, which gives you lots of time to spot the wildlife of the rainforest and even snap some photos. (Keep in mind, the trail is the same for both hiking and horseback riding so if you are hiking, be prepared to get dirty. And watch out for horse poop!
Horseback riding - The horseback riding tour is an unforgettable experience that not only allows you to an easy trip to the bottom of the falls, but multiple stops along the way. You arrive at the barns and pick out your horse. There are tame horses available for all ages. They provide breakfast and lunch. On the ride to the waterfall, you stop at a petting zoo which will allow you to see local animals. The horseback riding tour is $85 USD per person. Keep in mind that the weight limit for the horses is 230 lbs.
Truck tour - If hiking or horseback riding do not sound appealing to you, the truck tour would be perfect for you. There is a 4x4 truck which drives you to the bottom of the waterfall and brings you back to the top after 2 hours at the waterfall. They also offer a premium truck tour which includes breakfast and lunch. The truck tour is $32 USD per person. The premium truck tour is $85 USD per person.
Swimming
The upper falls is comprised of several water streams that flow to one point. However, you are unable to swim in the upper falls. You are able to walk around the upper falls but be careful the rocks are slippery. The upper falls is a 147-foot drop. The lower falls is much more friendly and accessible. There is a water pool to swim in and rocks to sit on. The second tier of the waterfall is a 65-foot drop, landing in a 19-foot-deep pool. The local guides tie a rope onto the rocks and help visitors climb up and jump into the water.
What else is offered at Nauyaca waterfall?
There is a main office with an area available to change clothes or swimwear. There are no snack shops so bring your own food and beverages.
Things to keep in mind
The waterfall is open Monday - Friday, 7am - 2pm, and Sundays, 8am - 2pm
The entrance fee is $10 USD per person
There is no snack shop, so you need to bring your own food and beverages
Wear closed toed shoes, the hike is muddy and steep. The rocks around the waterfall will be slippery. It is recommended to bring a spray pair of shoes because they will be wet by the end of the hike.
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