The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, easily accessible from Dominical, Uvita, and Manuel Antonio. You can visit the waterfalls on a self-guided tour or even get there by 4×4 truck and horseback riding.
We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica that you shouldn’t miss. You can visit two incredible waterfalls, swim in the natural pools at the bottom, or spend a few relaxing hours.
In this post, you can find out how to get there, which entrance to choose, how much the entrance fee is, and what to expect on the hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls.
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- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Where is Nauyaca Waterfalls?
- Best Time to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
- How to Get to Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Nauyaca Waterfalls Trail
- Can I Swim at the Waterfalls?
- Nauyaca Waterfalls Opening Hours
- Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrance Fee
- What to Pack for Visiting
- Tips for Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Where to Stay near the Waterfalls
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Where is Nauyaca Waterfalls?
Located in a canyon, deep in the lush jungle along the Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica. It is about a 15-minute drive from Dominical, 30 minutes from Uvita, and 1 hour from Manuel Antonio National Park.
Best Time to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April when there is little rain, the trail is less slippery, and the weather is pleasant for hiking.
The waterfalls are most intense during the rainy season (May to November). However, hiking is also more difficult during these months, as the trail to the falls can be muddy and slippery. There can be heavy rainfall, and the water levels will be higher, making swimming or jumping into the pools impossible.
Make the most of your visit and arrive as early as possible!
Read our → Costa Rica Itinerary
How to Get to Nauyaca Waterfalls
Visiting the waterfalls is a popular day trip from Dominical, Uvita, and Manuel Antonio. Follow Route 243 from Dominical to San Isidro. The best way to get to the waterfalls is by car, as the public bus is difficult. Alternatively, you can join an organized group or private tour, which includes transport.
Book your day tour from Manuel Antonio with Viator or GetYourGuide.
Nauyaca Waterfalls has two entrances: Don Lulo’s Entrance (main entrance) and Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park.
We drove from Uvita to the Cataratas Nauyaca Office (Don Lulo), and the roads were in good condition.
Don Lulo’s Entrance
The original Nauyaca Waterfalls entrance is on the main road from Dominical to San Isidro, known as Don Lulo’s entrance. This is a well-maintained road, so no 4×4 car is needed.
The original entrance is the most popular, from where you can access the waterfalls by hiking, horseback riding, or 4×4 truck. The distance between the office and the waterfalls is 12 km (6 km there and 6 km back). The trail to Nauyaca Falls is 4 km from the parking lot and takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.
The fastest and easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by 4×4 truck. The 4×4 truck leaves every hour between 7 AM and noon, and the journey takes 20 minutes, and then you can spend 2 hours at the waterfalls.
Good to know
The cheapest way to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls is on a self-guided tour, which costs 10 USD for foreigners.
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
This is a new entrance which provides access from the east side. Due to overpriced entry, this entrance is less crowded.
The walk from the office to the waterfalls is about 2.7 km and takes 45 minutes. If you travel by trolley to the park’s rancho, you can stay longer at the falls, and the walk is shorter (only 10 minutes). The last shuttle back is at 4 PM.
The road to this entrance is unpaved for about 10 minutes. We recommend driving a 4×4 car on this route, but you can travel in any vehicle at your own risk.
See also → How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Nauyaca Waterfalls Trail
We chose the original entrance to Nauyaca, where the office is right on Route 243. You can find the location here. We made the reservation in advance and then purchased our tickets on arrival.
When you arrive at the office, you must register and buy a parking ticket for 2500 colones (5 USD).
The hike distance from the office to the waterfalls is 6 km. If you have a car, you can continue to the parking lot and start the hike from there. Use the bathroom before you start the hike.
Recommended post → Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
The trail from the parking lot to the falls is 4 km long and takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach the Nauyaca Waterfalls.
The trail to the Nauyaca Waterfalls is a well-maintained path along a river in the jungle. This is an easy-moderate hike with steep, slippery, and muddy parts. We recommend hiking in the morning and taking plenty of water with you.
Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours at Nauyaca Falls.
Can I Swim at the Waterfalls?
Yes! You can enjoy a refreshing swim at the lower falls, but be careful, as the water currents can be dangerous.
This two-tiered waterfall has a combined height of 61 meters and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Once you arrive, a short walk takes you to the upper or lower falls, where there are steps and handrails. Enjoy the scenery from the viewing platform at the upper falls or walk closer to the lower falls.
Although many people go up to the top of the waterfall and jump off the cliff, we don’t recommend it without the help of a guide.
Good to know
During the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, waterfalls can change color to brown, so avoid visiting them at this time.
See also → Things to Do in Uvita
Nauyaca Waterfalls Opening Hours
The Don Lulo entrance is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM and on Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM. The waterfalls close at 3:30 PM.
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Nauyaca Waterfalls depends on which entrance you arrive at and whether you want to reach the falls by hiking, horseback riding, or 4×4 truck.
Book your waterfall tour online, which includes the entrance fee.
The original entrance (Don Lulo’s) offers different options.
- Walk-Hike: The self-guided walking tour costs 10 USD for foreigners and 3,500 colones (7 USD) for nationals and residents.
- Horseback Riding: The tour costs 80 USD per person and includes a guide, horse, lunch, and admission ticket. The tour starts every day (except Sunday) at 9 AM and ends around 1:30 PM.
- Tour 4×4 Economical: It costs 32 USD, and a minimum of 2 people is required. The tour price includes round-trip transportation, parking, and admission.
- Tour 4×4 Premium: It costs 80 USD per person and includes a guide, 4×4 vehicle, lunch, and entrance ticket.
You need a reservation to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls, which you can easily book through on the official site.
The Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park offers two options: “Enjoy the Ride” (Trolley Both Ways) or “Enjoy the Walk” (Walk Down and Trolley Up). Both options include the park entry fee, parking, unlimited coffee, and use of all facilities like hiking trails, rancho, showers, changing rooms, and bathrooms.
The Ride ticket costs 38 USD for foreign adults, 35 USD for foreign children (ages 3-11), and 13.000 colones (26 USD) for nationals.
The other ticket costs 28 USD for foreign adults, 25 USD for foreign children (ages 3-11), and 10.000 colones (20 USD) for Costa Ricans.
What to Pack for Visiting
- 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
- Hat
- Mosquito repellent
- Water shoes
- Dry bag
- Camera gear
- GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
- Plenty of Water
- Snacks
Tips for Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Arrive as early as possible.
- Don’t take unnecessary things with you.
- Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid.
- As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
- Take plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear a swimsuit under your clothes or use the bathroom near the park or the waterfalls.
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
- The best photo spot is on the east side of the falls, accessible by crossing the river. Alternatively, you can arrive from the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, and you won’t have to cross the river.
- Bring water shoes and be careful, as the rocks can be slippery.
- Use a polarized lens to protect your camera and get better-quality photos.
- Be careful, and don’t underestimate the strong current of the falls.
- Always keep an eye on your valuables while swimming in natural pools.
- Allow enough time to visit the waterfalls, as muddy and slippery trails can make the hike time take longer.
Where to Stay near the Waterfalls
The nearest towns are Dominical and Uvita. Most people take a day trip to the waterfalls from Uvita or Manuel Antonio. These are our accommodation recommendations.
Best hotels in Manuel Antonio
- Luxury: Makanda by The Sea Hotel (Adults Only)
- Mid-Range: Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
- Budget: Jungle Beach Hotel
Best hotels in Uvita
- Luxury: Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa
- Mid-Range: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Budget: Yuli Hotel
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Uvita.
We hope you found our guide to Nauyaca Waterfalls 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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