The 14 Most Amazing Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Nicoya Penisula

1. Montezuma Waterfalls

Everyone loves a celebrity sighting and Tom Brady made this three-tiered waterfall famous by jumping from 60-feet. Brady’s not the only reason you should visit this spectacular area, though. Montezuma Waterfalls feature three gorgeous, cascading falls with refreshing pools that hikers can swim in.

The top waterfall has a drop of about 15 feet and you can jump from the top into the pool or take the rope swing hanging from the tree. The second has a drop of about 60 feet and the lower fall is even taller, at 80 feet, but jumping here is not suggested due to the sharp rocks below.

There are two trails to access the different falls. If you plan to visit the lower, take the Riverbed Trail which is fairly mild (and free), unless you decide to hike the very steep stairs up to see the other two. The Canopy Trail accesses the upper falls and requires a car to get to the Sun Trails zip line company entrance point. This is a really fun hike because it includes crossing a few suspended bridges. If you’d prefer a guide, Sun Trails offers tours starting at around $50 per person.

Arenal

2. La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall, located near Arenal Volcano, is the most famous one in Costa Rica. It’s a 10-minute drive from the center of the town of La Fortuna. If you’ve rented a car, just head down Diagonal 301 or take a taxi for $10 one way. La Fortuna Waterfall opens at 7:00 AM, so arrive early to beat the crowds and have this incredible feat of Mother Nature all to yourself.

To reach the basin of the 230-foot-tall waterfall you’ll have to go down 530 concrete stairs with railings. Don’t fret, the path is super sturdy and well traversed. Once you reach the bottom of La Fortuna Waterfall, go for a leisurely dip in the natural swimming hole to cool off. Make sure to bring lots of water as you’ll have to climb right back up the massive stairway. You can stop at many viewpoints on the way back up if you need to take a breather.

Entrance prices are currently $15 for foreigners, paid in cash at the entry to the fall. The fee is collected by a sustainability nonprofit that manages the park. Note that, even though La Fortuna Waterfall is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, you don’t need to enter the park and pay the park entrance fee to go and see the falls.

3. Gravity Falls

If you’re keen on an adventure, check out the privately-operated Gravity Falls in La Fortuna for a day of exploring a beautiful canyon with several waterfalls. Licensed canyoneering guides will teach you how to rappel down a cliff next to a 132-foot-tall waterfall followed by swinging on a rope into a massive natural pool, playing on natural rock slides, and climbing sheer rock walls. The tour’s grand finale is jumping down a 36-foot waterfall. If it’s too high for you, note that there are several spots for secure waterfall jumping that range in height from 10 to 30 feet.

The half-day excursion can be booked online or at the Desafio office. It costs $125 per person, including pick-up from your accommodation in La Fortuna, gear, and lunch.

Central

4. La Paz Waterfall

The best way to unwind after arriving in San Jose via a long, international flight is to head out to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, just an hour and a half north of San Jose. The roads are well paved, so the best way to get there is by rental car — you may be able to get an Uber ride, but it’ll cost you. The trails to explore the park are well marked and pretty low impact, but there are quite a few stairs.

The highlight of the park is La Paz Waterfall and its massive drop of 110 feet. You can also see La Paz Waterfall from the road and snap a photo, but nothing beats getting up close and personal. You’ll also be able to visit Magia Blanca Waterfall, which is the largest at 120 feet, Templo Waterfall, Escondida Waterfall, and Encantada Waterfall. There’s no swimming allowed at any of the waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Entrance to the park costs $44 per adult for foreigners and can be bought online with a credit card. The price is steep but includes over two miles of walking trails and an animal sanctuary. Stay the night in the onsite lodge to maximize your time and be the first to enter the park when it opens at 8:00 AM.

5. Catarata del Toro

The Catarata del Toro drops a tremendous 270 feet and looks like something out of Jurassic Park. The waterfall barrels into the crater of an extinct volcano and is truly a sight to see. The owners of this waterfall have created a number of beautiful viewpoints along the path, but note that it is a steep descent to the base of the waterfall.

This waterfall is fairly remote and there’s only one bus a day to the area, so plan to stay overnight at nearby El Silencio Lodge if you do not have your own vehicle. Also, note that swimming is not allowed in these pools, however, hikers can walk through the incredible surroundings to see different colors of rock and an unbelievable amount of bird life and plant life.

6. Bijagual Waterfall

This beautiful waterfall located outside of Jaco features a 590-foot fall that is accessible by a guided horseback ride through the forest or a hike. Along the way, you’ll see the small seaside village of Bijagual and the beautiful coastline beyond.

Access to the fall itself is about $20 per person with the horseback ride available on request for an additional fee. Many tours include the access fee, lunch, and the horseback ride for approximately $50-65 per person.

7. Los Chorros Waterfalls

Los Chorros, or The Jets, are fairly easy-to-access waterfalls. There are two falls, one that is very simple to get to, Zamora, which features a 40-foot drop, and Prendas which requires a short hike with a similar 40-foot drop.

Access to the falls costs $4 in parking fees and $6 per person in park fees. To access the falls, you need to walk from the parking to a trailhead and a short 15-20 minute hike on maintained trails.

The base of the Zamora fall has amenities like a bathroom and picnic tables. This is a very popular spot with locals on the weekends who spend all day hanging out by the riverbed, picnicking with their friends and family. While you can certainly visit this waterfall in an hour or two, it’s a great place to live like a local so pack lunch and spend the day by Los Chorros.

Guanacaste

8. Rio Celeste Waterfall

The Rio Celeste Waterfall is located within the Tenorio Volcano National Park. In Spanish, celeste is the name of the picture-perfect blue color of the sky — and this waterfall seriously lives up to its moniker.

The cost to enter Tenorio Volcano National Park is $12 for foreign visitors, which needs to be paid in cash. Aim to arrive by 8:00 AM, when the park opens, in order to fully enjoy all that the nature reserve has to offer. It’s best to rent a car for the day to reach the park, which is about six miles from Bijagua town.

A concrete path cuts through the jungle en route to Rio Celeste Waterfall and is an easy trek, but it does have some stairs. You can’t swim in the turquoise basin, so after you’ve enjoyed the vistas at the waterfall, make your way to the nearby natural hot spring in the park.

9. Llanos de Cortez

Llanos de Cortez is, hands down, the most beautiful cascade in Costa Rica. It’s a great first stop if you’re flying into Liberia Airport, as the Llanos de Cortez waterfall is in Bagaces just 16 miles south of Liberia. The drive should take about 30 minutes in a rental car or taxi. For now, it’s free to enter the park, but that’s likely to change as the Llanos de Cortez waterfall continues to grow in popularity.

The trail to reach the waterfall is short and takes most people just 10 minutes, but it is pretty steep, so don’t try it in sandals. After the short jaunt, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a mighty, 50-foot-wide curtain of water that pours down from 40 feet up.

There’s also a natural freshwater beach with white sand on the banks of the pool. And don’t forget to climb with caution on the rocks behind the waterfall for a behind-the-scenes view.

10. Catarata Aquiares

The Aquiares Waterfall, located in Turrialba, is off the beaten path and a favorite among Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves. You’ll need to walk about a third of a mile through the coffee plantations of the Aquiares village to find the Aquiares Waterfall, but it’s marked well on Google Maps. If you get a little lost, ask a local to point you in the direction of the catarata, the Tico word for waterfall.

It’s free to enter to check out the 132-foot cascade that gushes into a natural swimming pool. The best way to experience this waterfall is to float on your back and gaze up at the flowing water.

11. Oropendola Waterfall

This easy .8-mile hike is great for almost any skill level looking to explore the incredible waterfalls of Costa Rica. There is a fun suspension bridge that adds to the adventure as you walk the easy trail. From the other side of the bridge, you will see the beautiful 80-foot waterfall as well as the turquoise pools below. The water gets its incredible color due to minerals from the volcano nearby.

Do note, that access to the trail may come with a reportedly hefty fee of $30 per person, but it does include lunch.

12. Catarata La Cangreja

A three-mile hike will bring you to one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica: Catarata La Cangreja. Located in a very dry, forested area, La Cangreja is an incredible sight to behold. Along the way, be sure to look out for white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys.

The 40-foot waterfall pours into a stunning light-blue pool, thanks to the copper minerals from the volcano. Swimming is not allowed in the pool, but you can walk around the area to explore the flora and fauna.

South Pacific

13. Nauyaca Waterfall

Nauyaca Waterfall is a quick drive inland from the beach town of Dominical and is the perfect waterfall in Costa Rica for those who want to spend time in the jungle. A taxi from Dominical to Nauyaca Waterfall costs $20 each way. The hike is on a gravel road and moderate with many curves up and down the side of a cliff. The round-trip distance is about five miles long. There’s also the option to pay to be taken to the fall by truck for $25 round-trip or $10 one-way.

Nauyaca Waterfall is located on private land and managed by the family who owns the property. It costs $8 to get in and can be paid in cash with US dollars or the local currency, Costa Rican colones.

The fall is truly spectacular with 200 feet of powerful water spillage over multiple tiers of rocks. Take a swim in the lower-level, 20-foot-deep pool. There’s nothing as divine as a cool dip after hiking. Note that it’s impossible to get into the pool during the rainy season due to the water surge that makes the flow fast and dangerous.

14. Uvita Waterfall

Uvita Waterfall is a super easily accessible waterfall that will only cost you $2. While the fall isn’t the grandest or tallest waterfall in Costa Rica, it has a unique feature: a natural waterslide. The best part is you do not need a guided tour to get here.

After a mild five-minute walk through the jungle, you’ll reach this waterfall and can swim in the pool. There is even a cafeteria located next to the parking lot to grab snacks or a beverage if you want to spend some extra time lounging out on the rocks.