10 Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica You Must Visit

10 Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica You Must Visit

Are you looking for the best waterfalls in Costa Rica? This country is home to many magical waterfalls, which makes Costa Rica one of the best destinations for chasing waterfalls. All the waterfalls are beautiful and unique, so whichever one you visit, you will not be disappointed. You can admire breathtaking scenery at the waterfalls, see lots of wildlife on the hike, and enjoy a refreshing swim.

We’ve put together a list of the most epic waterfalls. Use the map at the bottom of this post to find the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

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 there is less rain and the weather is pleasant for hiking. But these months are the busiest time to visit Costa Rica, so we suggest booking tours and accommodation in advance!

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. During the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, waterfalls can change color to brown, so avoid visiting them at this time.

TIP
The best time to visit the waterfalls is right after they open or a few hours before they close.

Recommended post → Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary

How to Get to the Waterfalls in Costa Rica

The waterfalls are quite scattered around the country, and there is no public transport to the waterfalls. So the best way to get to Costa Rica’s waterfalls is by car. Alternatively, you can join an organized or private tour that includes transport.

You can easily rent a car at San Jose Airport or pick up your pre-booked car. You don’t need a 4×4, but a car with higher ground clearance from the ground is worth booking for your Costa Rica road trip!

Good to know
It always gets dark early in Costa Rica (between 5:30 PM and 6 PM). So we don’t recommend driving at night!

Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Costa Rica and driving tips.

Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

1. Rio Celeste Waterfall

Costa Rica has many impressive waterfalls, but our favorite is the beautiful 30-meter-high Rio Celeste Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. It is about a 4-hour drive from San Jose, 1.5 hours from La Fortuna, and 2.5 hours from Monteverde.

The walk from the entrance to the waterfall takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the road conditions (muddy, slippery trail). The scenery at Catarata Rio Celeste is stunning, like a fairy tale with magical shades of blue. Spend at least 3 hours in the national park, hike the rainforest trails, and explore other beautiful attractions.

Book a full-day tour from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste Waterfall via Viator or GetYourGuide.

The national park is open every day from 8 AM to 2 PM, but you can stay until 4 PM. The entrance fee to Rio Celeste Waterfall is 12 USD for foreign adults, and tickets must be booked in advance.

Read the full post → How to Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall

2. Blue Falls of Costa Rica

Are you looking for the best blue waterfalls in Costa Rica? 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.

It is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Sundays! 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.

See also → Best Hot Springs Resorts in La Fortuna

3. Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls is easily accessible from Dominical, Uvita, and Manuel Antonio. You can visit two incredible waterfalls, swim in the natural pools at the bottom, or spend a few relaxing hours. This two-tiered waterfall has a combined height of 61 meters and offers fantastic photo opportunities. We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica that you shouldn’t miss.

Nauyaca Waterfalls has two entrances: Don Lulo’s Entrance (main entrance) and Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. You can visit the waterfalls on a self-guided tour or even get there by 4×4 truck and horseback riding.

TIP
The cheapest way to visit Nauyaca Falls is on a self-guided tour, which costs 10 USD for foreigners.

We have a detailed post about Nauyaca Waterfalls with everything you need to know before you visit.

4. Uvita Waterfall

Looking for more beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica? Uvita Waterfall is just a 10-minute drive from Marino Ballena National Park, and you don’t need a 4×4. The Catarata Uvita is located on private property, so you will have to pay an entrance fee of around 2000 colones (4 USD).

It is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Once you arrive, you can reach the waterfall in a few minutes along a well-maintained path. Then, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or jump into the water and visit the butterfly garden.

Recommended post → What to Do in Uvita

5. La Fortuna Waterfall

The stunning 70-meter-high La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the best and most visited waterfalls in Costa Rica. The fall is only 5 km from the town of La Fortuna, which you can reach in less than 10 minutes by car.

It is open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee to La Fortuna Waterfall is 20 USD for adults and free for children up to 8 years old.

Buy your ticket online and skip the line.

At Catarata Rio Fortuna, unlike other waterfalls, you can swim at the bottom of the falls, which is a fantastic experience. If you don’t want to swim at the waterfall but want to refresh after the hike, follow the trail next to the waterfall to the river, where you can enjoy a relaxing swim at the natural pools.

Recommended post → La Fortuna Waterfall Guide

6. El Tigre Waterfalls

Cataratas El Tigre is one of the most expensive waterfalls in Costa Rica. But you can see 4 waterfalls, hike across 10 bridges, and swim in the pools in the river. The waterfalls are about a 30-minute drive from Santa Elena, Monteverde.

El Tigre Waterfalls has two entrances, which can be reached via the Monte de los Olivos or Las Nubes road (currently closed). We recommend taking the Monte de los Olivos road, as you don’t need a 4×4.

Book your waterfalls hiking tour with lunch and a nature guide HERE.

El Tigre Waterfalls is open every day from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

You can visit El Tigre Waterfalls on a self-guided tour for 33 USD + taxes, but booking is required. “The Big Hike” option doesn’t include horseback riding, a 4×4 truck, and lunch.

The total hiking distance is 8 km, the hike is moderate-difficult and takes about 3-4 hours.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Monteverde

7. Catarata Del Toro (Bajos del Toro Waterfall)

Catarata Del Toro is a 90-meter-high waterfall that flows into an old, extinct volcanic crater, offering magnificent scenery. 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.

It is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Sundays. There were only a few tourists during our visit, so it was a fantastic experience to enjoy the waterfall tour without the crowds.

Read the full post → How to Visit Catarata Del Toro

The entrance fee to Catarata Del Toro Waterfall is 15 USD for adults and 7.50 USD for children (4-12 years). You can also buy a combined ticket, which gives you access to the Blue Falls of Costa Rica and Catarata Del Toro.

8. La Paz Waterfall

One of the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica is La Paz Waterfall, which is part of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and Peace Lodge. It is only a 1 hour drive from San Jose, and we recommend you take at least 3 hours to explore the park.

This is a privately owned nature park and wildlife refuge where you can see five waterfalls and various animals. Visitors can also enjoy 3.5 kilometers of scenic hiking trails. The animal sanctuary is home to many wildlife, such as monkeys, hummingbirds, jungle cats, sloths, and snakes.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The admission fee is 54 USD for foreign adults and 38 USD for foreign children (ages 3-12), taxes not included.

The Peace Lodge is a beautiful 5-star boutique hotel in Costa Rica. Guests can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding area, and they have free access to the park before and after opening hours.

Photo credit: waterfallgardens

9. La Leona Waterfall

La Leona Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls near Liberia in Costa Rica. It is located in Curubande, just a 20-minute drive from Liberia, close to the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park.

This unique blue waterfall is hidden inside a cave. Unlike the beautiful Rio Celeste Waterfall, you can swim in the crystal clear turquoise pools of Catarata La Leona, making it a fantastic experience on your trip to Costa Rica.

The La Leona Waterfall is a moderately difficult hike that is 2.5 km each way and takes about 2.5-3 hours in total. A guide is required as the trail to the waterfall leads through rivers, caves, and canyons.

La Leona Waterfall tours usually start from 40 USD and include transportation from the meeting point, the entrance fee, a life jacket, a dry bag, and a guide.

10. Rio Agrio Waterfall

Catarata Rio Agrio is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Costa Rica, but it is well worth a visit. Once you arrive at the free parking lot, you can reach the waterfall with a short and easy walk over a few bridges.

There is also a Dino Land, which makes the walk to the waterfall enjoyable for children. The property features 25 dinosaur statues, 22 of which are mechanical.

The entrance fee is 10,000 colones (20 USD) for adults and 8,000 colones (16 USD) for children (ages 4-10). The admission fee gives access to Dino Land, Rio Agrio Waterfall, Mirador (viewpoint), and Blue Pools.

Rio Agrio Waterfall is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. The last entry is at 3 PM. There are restrooms and a restaurant at the entrance.

Good to know
As this is the most acidic river in Costa Rica and the water has a strong current, swimming in the Rio Agrio Waterfall is prohibited!

Where to Stay near the Waterfalls

Bajos del Toro is the best base for visiting the waterfalls in Costa Rica. But you can also stay in La Fortuna or San Jose. 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.

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.
• Quick-dry towel: This microfibre quick-drying towel is ideal for traveling, hiking, swimming, bathing, and sports.
• Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
• Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
• 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.

Keep reading → Best Filtered Water Bottles

• Swimsuit
• Water shoes
• Dry Bag
• Mosquito repellent
• Hiking shoes or sandals
• Hat
• Camera gear
• GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
• Plenty of water
• Snacks
• Local money

Tips for Visiting Costa Rica Waterfalls

• Arrive as early as possible.
• Don’t take unnecessary things with you.
• Allow enough time to visit the waterfalls, as muddy and slippery trails can make the hike time take longer.
• Buy an eSIM and data package for Costa Rica.
• 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.
• Use the bathroom before you start the hike.
• Take plenty of water and snacks.
• 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.
• Swimming is not allowed at some waterfalls.
• If you are elderly or have knee/ankle problems, we suggest you take hiking poles with you.
• Reservations are required to visit some waterfalls. So always check the official site for up-to-date information.
• Bring your refillable water bottle with you.
• The best way to visit the falls is by car, so we recommend renting a car in Costa Rica.
• Bring water shoes and be careful, as the rocks can be slippery.
• Don’t leave off the trail.
• Parking at most waterfalls is safe and free, but always lock your car and don’t leave any valuables in sight.

Map of the Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

We hope you found our guide to the best waterfalls in Costa Rica useful and will inspire you to visit some beautiful waterfalls. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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