The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
Catarata Del Toro Waterfall is a must-see in Costa Rica, so be sure to add it to your Costa Rica Itinerary.
Wondering how to visit Catarata Del Toro? Bajos del Toro is the best base for visiting the waterfall. But you can also take a day trip from La Fortuna or San Jose and combine your visit with the stunning waterfalls nearby to make the most of your experience.
We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica that you shouldn’t miss.
This ultimate guide to Catarata Del Toro and Blue Falls includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect on the hike, and tips for visiting.
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- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
- Where is Catarata Del Toro?
- Best Time to Visit Catarata Del Toro
- How to Get to Catarata Del Toro Waterfall + Parking
- Catarata Del Toro Opening Hours
- Catarata Del Toro Entrance Fee, Tickets
- Catarata Del Toro Waterfall Hike
- Catarata Del Toro and Blue Falls
- What to Pack
- Tips for Visiting
- Where to Stay near the Waterfall
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Where is Catarata Del Toro?
It is located in the province of Alajuela, between La Fortuna and San Jose, near the small town of Bajos del Toro.
Best Time to Visit Catarata Del Toro
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather is pleasant and not too humid, but tropical rain can still occur during these months.
The waterfall is most intense during the rainy season (May to November). However, hiking can be more difficult during these months, as the trail to the waterfall can be muddy and slippery.
TIP
Make the most of your visit and arrive as early as possible!
Read our → Costa Rica Itinerary
How to Get to Catarata Del Toro Waterfall + Parking
There is no public transport to the waterfall. So the best way to get to Catarata Del Toro is by car. You can easily rent a car at San Jose International Airport or pick up your pre-booked car. Renting a car in Costa Rica provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit hidden gems or get off the beaten path.
We drove from Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna and made a detour to the waterfall on the way.
Most people take a day trip to the waterfall from La Fortuna (1.5 hours) or San Jose (1.5-2 hours). You don’t need a 4×4, but a car with higher ground clearance is recommended. Once you arrive, you can leave your car in the free and secure parking lot.
Recommended post → How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Catarata Del Toro Opening Hours
It is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM. The last entry is at 4:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays!
Good to know
Although reservations are required to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, no reservations are needed to visit this waterfall.
Catarata Del Toro Entrance Fee, Tickets
The entrance fee is 15 USD for adults and 7.50 USD for children (4-12 years) and seniors (65+). You can pay the entrance fee by credit card or cash.
You can also buy a combined ticket, which gives you access to the Blue Falls of Costa Rica and Catarata Del Toro.
The combined ticket costs 25 USD for adults and 12.50 USD for children (4-12 years) and seniors (65+).
Catarata Del Toro Waterfall Hike
Are you ready to visit one of the most stunning waterfalls in Costa Rica? Catarata Del Toro is a 90-meter-high waterfall that flows into an old, extinct volcanic crater, offering magnificent scenery.
The total distance of the hike is 3.5 km. The hiking trail is flat, well-maintained, and easy to follow. Along the path, you’ll find plenty of viewpoints and a few benches if you get tired.
The trail has more than 350 steps, and due to the humid weather, the hike is medium-difficult, taking about 1.5 hours round trip.
There were only a few tourists during our visit, so it was a fantastic experience to enjoy the waterfall tour without the crowd. Swimming is prohibited at the waterfall because it is dangerous! But swimming is allowed at the Blue Falls.
Recommended post → Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
Catarata Del Toro and Blue Falls
Make the most of your experience and combine your visit with the beautiful blue waterfalls. The waterfalls can only be visited with a guide, but swimming is allowed in the swimming pools. You can visit the Catarata Tepezquintle, Cataratas Las Gemelas, Catarata La Celestial, Catarata La Turquesa, Pozo Azul, and Catarata La Pintada.
This tour is easy to moderate difficulty, and the total walking distance is between 2-6 km.
During the forest trail, you can enjoy the fantastic view, cross a river, and see Costa Rica’s impressive wildlife (hummingbirds, snakes, blue butterflies). Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Blue Falls, and if you combine your visit with Catarata Del Toro, you will need at least 4-5 hours.
The entrance fee to Blue Falls is 19 USD for adults and 9.50 USD for children (4-12 years). Save money and buy a combined ticket!
TIP
Visit the Rio Agrio Waterfalls and Dino Land, just a 10-minute drive away.
What to Pack
- Osprey Small Backpack: A very lightweight, versatile, and durable backpack, perfect for day hikes.
- Light Raincoat: Packable, lightweight, and waterproof raincoat with hood perfect for travel and hiking.
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Quick-dry towel: This microfibre quick-drying towel is ideal for traveling, hiking, swimming, bathing, and sports.
- Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
- Swimsuit
- Mosquito repellent
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Camera gear
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Local money or USD
Tips for Visiting
- Don’t take unnecessary things with you.
- As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
- Allow enough time to visit the waterfalls, as muddy and slippery trails can make the hike time take longer.
- Take plenty of water.
- Buy an eSIM and data package for Costa Rica.
- There are restrooms and a small cafe next to the ticket office. However, as choice is limited, take enough snacks with you.
- Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid.
- Bring water shoes and be careful, as the rocks can be slippery at the swimming pools.
- Use a polarized lens to protect your camera and get better-quality photos.
- The hike is not recommended for those with heart problems, older people, and pregnant women.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
Where to Stay near the Waterfall
Most people take a day trip from La Fortuna or San Jose. But for the best experience, stay in Bajos del Toro, a perfect base for visiting the beautiful waterfalls. These are our accommodation recommendations.
Best hotels in Bajos del Toro
- Luxury: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
- Mid-Range: Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica
- Budget: Selvática del Toro
Best hotels in La Fortuna
- Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or Nayara Gardens
- Mid-Range: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
- Budget: Arenal Xilopalo
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in La Fortuna.
We hope you found our guide to Catarata Del Toro Waterfall useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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Hello,
This sounds like an amazing adventure and we would very much like to do the combo of both Blue Falls and Catarata Toro Hiking Tour. We are coming from La Fortuna.
Two questions:
1) Do you have any recommendations for a guide and/or transportation to/fro?
2) We found this video at the official catarata-del-toro.com website which looks amazing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_mjDo8gU3Q&list=PLgebiYsPxyGwk8fwz-uBk2xpm434BlgTP&index=5 but also looks fairly aggressive for the hike whereas I noted that you said it was easy to moderate. I’d love more aggressive like the video, but my travel companions may prefer moderate. Can you help me understand what we should expect during a June visit?
Thank you,
Walt
Hi.
You can only get there by private transfer or car. If you need a guide, ask for information at the entrance. Hiking can be more difficult in June as the trails to the waterfalls can be muddy and slippery.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers