10 Waterfalls You Have to See

Our country is home to impressive waterfalls that are a preferred destination for many. It’s a common practice to get together with friends on the weekend to explore a new one. So without further ado, here’s part two of our list of waterfalls to inspire you to get out there and explore Costa Rica!

1. Catarata El Rey, Puriscal:

Zapatón de Puriscal is a community focused on rural tourism that draws visitors in with its breathtaking waterfall. The sheets of falling water seem to form a curtain that hides the rocks behind it. Don’t worry too much about bringing food, as there are plenty of options nearby.

Distance: 8 km in total.
Difficulty: medium to hard.
Vehicle: high clearance recommended.
Parking: roadside parking only.
Pets: no.
Camping: no.
Admission: ₡5000.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/M3Zjn2KHdS4AHYrM6

2. Catarata El Indio, Puriscal:

This gorgeous waterfall is located in the community of Mastatal de Puriscal, near La Cangreja National Park. Puriscal is known for its beautiful landscapes for hiking and for its famous Chicharrón Fair. Alongside its picturesque natural surroundings, you can also enjoy the refreshing breeze coming off the waterfall, paired with a delicious lunch and views that are perfect for snapping a photo.

Distance travelled: 7 km.
Difficulty: moderate.
Vehicle: high clearance, 4x4.
Parking: yes.
Pets: yes.
Admission: ₡12,000 for a guided tour + lunch
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/A7xsWJTM2EqGncibA

3. La Fortuna Waterfall, San Carlos:

With a height of 70 m, this beautiful waterfall is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park and is about 16 km from the center of La Fortuna. It can be accessed by people with restricted mobility, since there is a viewpoint that looks out over the waterfall without needing to go down the stairs. As well as taking a dip at the foot of the waterfall, you can also spend the day enjoying the cold water of the pool.

Distance travelled: 530 steps to the foot of the waterfall.
Difficulty: moderate.
Vehicle: any vehicle.
Parking: yes.
Pets: no.
Admission: $9 for adults; no charge for children under 8.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tkZbzgkNAK2jErmc6
Hours of operation: Every day from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. Catarata La Leona, Liberia, Guanacaste

The waterfall is located in the town of Curubandé, in the district of the same name and the canton of Liberia. In fact, it’s just 20 minutes from downtown Liberia, the White City. The path there travels through the forest and along the river, so a change of shoes and clothing is advisable. You’re sure to enjoy a fun, refreshing day. Another recommendation is to plan your trip so you end up staying at least two days, so that you can also fit in a trip to Rincón de la Vieja National Park and other nearby waterfalls, including La Cangreja and Oropéndola.

Total distance: 4 km.
Difficulty: easy.
Vehicle: any vehicle, though a high clearance is recommended.
Admission: ₡5000 per person.
Pets: yes.
Parking: yes.
Camping: yes.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TgfnxRNGvkQJw9za6

5. Catarata La Cangreja, Liberia, Guanacaste <

This waterfall is part of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Its refreshing water falls from a height of about 40 m, though there’s also a corner of the pool that receives hot water from a volcanic spring. It’s a must-see for those hiking along the park’s trails and enjoying its nature.

Total distance: 5 km.
Difficulty: moderate.
Vehicle: any vehicle, though a high clearance is recommended.
Park admission fee: adults ₡1130/children ₡565.
Pets: no.
Parking: yes.
Camping: no.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fe5gWCNrDahbLkvT6

6. El Ángel Gabriel Waterfall, San Ramón de Alajuela

This waterfall is another perfect weekend escape. Pack your bags for San Ramón de Alajuela! To give you a better idea of the location, it’s just off the route to San Ramón, taking the turn off to Piedades Sur, and then towards San Antonio de Zapotal, traveling about an hour along an unpaved road. The waterfall is 40 m in height and its water is ideal for a refreshing, adventure-filled day.

Total distance: 3.6 km.
Difficulty: moderate.
Vehicle: 4x4 or a car with high clearance.
Admission: ₡5000.
Pets: yes.
Parking: yes.
Camping: no.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5vNtjZyt4RR6oDBD

7. Aquiares Waterfall, Santa Cruz, Turrialba

This waterfall is located in an area full of nature and coffee plantations. It has a pool at the bottom where you can spend all day swimming with your friends or partner. The rustic town of Aquiares will take you back in time to a different era. Bring some snacks or a picnic for an incredible weekend getaway. You won’t regret it!

Total distance: 200 m.
Difficulty: easy.
Vehicle: a vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
Admission: free.
Pets: yes.
Parking: roadside parking only.
Camping: no.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VuC8RzsMS9mmLAHS6

8. Vuelta del Cañón Waterfall, Toro Amarillo, Sarchí.

This is a place for true adventurers, since the trail is somewhat challenging. It’s recommended for visitors in good shape who want to enjoy a good hike. It’s best to visit during the dry season, since the conditions can become dangerous during the rains. You should also note that a guide is required for this hike.

Total distance: 12 km
Difficulty: moderate to hard.
Vehicle: any vehicle.
Admission: ₡10,000 including guide
Pets: yes, if they’re ready for an adventure.
Parking: yes.
Camping: no.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1bbQNZvnuzrmSUP47

9. Tesoro Escondido Waterfall, Toro Amarillo, Sarchí.

This impressive waterfall has a lookout and a pool that’s perfect for a dip, even though the water is quite cold. The difficulty is intermediate and the trail is about 5 km long. The area’s many attractions include camping sites and trails to discover, delicious food, natural pools for swimming, and the famous Mirador de la Gota lookout, a can’t-miss photo spot – and the waterfall, of course! Bajos del Toro has everything you need to enjoy a day trip with family or friends.

Total distance: 5 km (there and back).
Difficulty: moderate to hard.
Vehicle: car.
Location: Toro Amarillo.
Parking: yes, ₡1000.
Pets: yes.
Camping: yes.
Attractions: Tesoro Escondido Waterfall, Mirador la Gota lookout, Poza Esmeralda, Poza las Gradas.
Admission: ₡7000 per person (trails, waterfall, pools, lookout).
Admission (with breakfast and lunch): ₡13,000 per person.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uqg4fmhMM5tboVK27

10. Caída del Cielo Waterfall, Toro Amarillo, Sarchí.

This waterfall’s name, meaning “fallen from heaven” is a reference to the color of the water, which looks like a ray of light from the heavens. To reach the waterfall, first drive to the parking lot, where guides can take you to the entrance of the farm where the trail begins. Do note that this trail is a bit more difficult. You’ll pass through pastures, with a few steep inclines and gullies before you reach the waterfall. Although the area is a little cool, be ready to take a dip once you reach the waterfall.

Total distance: 6 km to the waterfall and back, and 2 km more if you want to head to the lookout.
Difficulty: moderate.
Vehicle: car.
Parking: yes.
Pets: yes.
Admission: ₡5500 (includes parking and the lookout)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YuLahDwqPjXiQYdh8