The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
Catarata Del Toro Waterfall is a must-see in Costa Rica, so you can’t miss it on your Costa Rica Itinerary.
Wondering how to visit Catarata Del Toro Waterfall in Costa Rica?
You can easily reach the waterfall from La Fortuna or San Jose and combine your visit with the stunning Blue Falls and Rio Agrio Waterfall.
We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica that you shouldn’t miss.
This ultimate guide to the Catarata Del Toro & 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
- How to Get to Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
- Best Time to Visit Costa Rica Waterfalls
- Catarata Del Toro Opening Hours
- Catarata Del Toro Entrance Fee
- Catarata Del Toro Waterfall Hike
- Catarata Del Toro Waterfall and the Blue Falls
- What to Pack for Visiting
- Tips for Visiting Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
- Where to Stay near Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
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Where is Catarata Del Toro
The Catarata Del Toro Waterfall is located in the province of Alajuela, between La Fortuna and San Jose, near the small town of Bajos del Toro.
How to Get to Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
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.
Most people take a day trip from La Fortuna (1.5 hours) or San Jose (2-2.5 hours) to the waterfall. You don’t need a 4×4 to get to the Bajos del Toro. But a car with higher ground clearance is recommended.
The best way to explore Costa Rica is by renting a car. Although public transport is cheap, travel time is long, and some places are not accessible by bus. 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.
During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.
Recommended post → How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica Waterfalls
The best time to visit Costa Rica is usually from December to April during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and not so humid.
However, tropical rain can still occur during these months. So always carry a raincoat with you.
During the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, waterfalls can change color to brown, so avoid visiting them at this time.
TIP
Make the most of your visit and arrive as early as possible!
Recommended post → Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary
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. 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
The entrance fee is 14 USD for adults and 7 USD for children (4-12 years) and seniors (65+). You can pay by credit card or cash.
The parking is secure and free.
TIP
You can buy a combined ticket, which gives you access to the Blue Falls of Costa Rica and Catarata Del Toro.
The combined entrance fee is 25 USD for adults, 12.5 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 hike without the crowd.
The hike is not recommended for those with heart problems, older people, and pregnant women!
Swimming is prohibited at the waterfall because it is dangerous! But swimming is allowed at the Blue Falls.
TIP
Catarata Del Toro can easily be combined with Rio Agrio Waterfall, just a 15-minute drive away.
Catarata Del Toro Waterfall and the Blue Falls
Make the most of your experience and combine your visit to Carata Del Toro with the beautiful blue waterfalls.
The entrance fee to Blue Falls is 15 USD for adults and 7.5 USD for children (4-12 years). Save money and buy a combined ticket!
It is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Sundays!
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, La Turquesa, Pozo Azul, and Catarata La Pintada.
It is an easy to moderate walk, and the total hike is 4.5 km. The round trip takes about 50 minutes (if the trail is mud-free).
During the forest hike, 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.
Good to know
During the rainy season, the hiking trail may be closed, so we don’t recommend a visit these months.
See also → Rio Celeste Waterfall
What to Pack for Visiting
- Small backpack
- Quick-dry towel
- Swimsuit
- Light raincoat
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Dry bag
- Camera gear
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Local money or USD
Tips for Visiting Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
- A local guide is not mandatory (except for the Blue Falls).
- As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
- Allow enough time to visit the waterfalls and Blue Falls, as muddy and slippery roads can make the hike time take longer.
- Take plenty of water.
- 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.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
Where to Stay near Catarata Del Toro Waterfall
Most people take a day trip to the waterfall 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.
- Luxury: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
- Mid-Range: Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica
- Budget: Selvática del Toro
Best hotels in San Jose
- Luxury: Radisson Hotel or Barceló San José
- Mid-Range: Hotel Colonial
- Budget: Selina San Jose
Best hotels in La Fortuna
- Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or Nayara Gardens
- Mid-Range: Arenal Observatory Lodge
- Budget: Arenal Backpackers Resort
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 comments below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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