Costa Rica is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you seek a hidden jungle oasis or a powerful cascade plunging into turquoise pools, these top waterfalls in Costa Rica promise an unforgettable experience.
From waterfalls near Jaco to the largest waterfall in Costa Rica, let’s explore the best places to witness these natural wonders and how you can visit them during your stay.
1. Nauyaca Waterfalls – The Most Scenic Waterfall
Located near Dominical, Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica due to its impressive two-tiered cascade and large natural swimming pools.
Nauyaca Waterfalls ( Catarata de Nauyaca ), located less than an hour from Manuel Antonio, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Costa Rica. If you’re visiting this region, this half-day excursion is a must. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to plan ahead and arrive early, especially on Saturdays when it tends to be busiest. Keep in mind that the waterfalls are closed on Sundays.
How to get to Nauyaca Waterfalls?
There are several ways to reach the waterfalls:
- Hiking: A 12 km round-trip hike (approximately 6 km each way) through lush rainforest. Entry costs $8 per person.
- 4×4 Vehicle: If you rent a 4×4, you can drive closer to the entrance, saving about 2 km of walking.
- Private Pickup Service: Available for $32 per person, with scheduled departures at 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM. This 30-minute ride offers stunning jungle views and the advantage of arriving before the crowds.
Tickets & Entrance
You can purchase your entry tickets at the Nauyaca Waterfalls Horseback Riding Tour office, located on Route 243 near San Isidro de El General, just 12 km from Dominical.
What to Expect at Nauyaca Waterfalls
Upon arrival, you’ll find multiple trails, but the real highlight is the two-tiered waterfall system:
- Lower Waterfall – A 20-meter (65-foot) cascade that flows into a 6-meter (20-foot) deep natural pool, perfect for swimming in refreshing, crystal-clear water. For thrill-seekers, guided cliff-jumping is available (make sure you have proper insurance).
- Upper Waterfall – A 45-meter (148-foot) drop with a powerful water flow. Stand beneath the waterfall for a natural back massage as the cascading water crashes down.
Nauyaca Waterfalls is a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable waterfall experience in Costa Rica, and if you’re luck you would be able to see some of the 4 species of monkeys that live in country. In the Castle of Oz we can schedule this day trip for our guests making it more exiting.
2. La Fortuna Waterfall – The Most Photogenic Cascade
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Costa Rica, known for its year-round water flow and stunning vertical drop of 70 meters (230 feet). Unlike other seasonal waterfalls, La Fortuna remains consistently powerful, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Located just 10 minutes from the town of La Fortuna in San Carlos, Alajuela, this waterfall is easily accessible with a parking area and visitor facilities.
Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall
- Entrance Fee: $18 per person
- Facilities: The site includes a restaurant, gift shop, restrooms, and even an orchid garden, creating a mini-eco park experience.
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive early to enjoy the serenity before crowds gather.
Two Incredible Viewing Points
- Upper Platform – Located at the entrance, this panoramic viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the waterfall framed by lush tropical rainforest.
- Base of the Waterfall – To reach the bottom, you’ll need to descend 530 well-maintained steps with handrails and rest stops along the way. Once there, you’ll witness the powerful cascade crashing into the river below.
Swimming & Safety Tips
- Swimming is allowed, but the currents directly under the waterfall are extremely strong. For a safer swim, head downstream to the calmer natural pools.
- The water is refreshingly cold, perfect for cooling off after the hike back up.
Additional Activities Nearby
- Zip-lining: Get a bird’s-eye view of the waterfall from an aerial zipline tour.
- Hiking & Wildlife Watching: The surrounding jungle is home to diverse wildlife, making it a great spot for nature walks before or after your visit.
Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is an unforgettable experience, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
3. Llanos de Cortés Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Guanacaste
Located in Bagaces, just 25 minutes from Liberia in Guanacaste, Llanos de Cortés Waterfall is a beautiful, wide cascade surrounded by lush greenery and a natural swimming area. Known for its easy accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica for those looking for a refreshing swim in a scenic setting.
Why Visit Llanos de Cortés?
- Easy Access – Just a 100-meter walk from the parking lot.
- Perfect for Swimming – The warm, dry climate makes this an ideal spot to cool off.
- Family-Friendly – On weekends, locals and tourists gather to enjoy the shaded beach-like area around the waterfall’s pool.
How to Get There & Entrance Info
- Driving: Easily accessible by car with a well-maintained road.
- Entrance Fee: The waterfall is technically free, but a small donation is expected for parking.
What to Expect
- A short trail to the left of the waterfall leads to the top of the falls, offering a different perspective..
- A 25-meter-high waterfall with a wide curtain of water, perfect for photos and relaxation.
- You can swim to the rocks behind the waterfall for a unique view from inside the cascade.
4. El Rey Waterfall: One of the many Waterfalls near Jaco
Hidden within the indigenous Huetar community of Zapatón, El Rey Waterfall is a massive and breathtaking cascade that remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Opened in 2019 as a rural tourism project, this stunning waterfall offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure for those seeking to experience Costa Rica’s untouched natural beauty.
Why Visit El Rey Waterfall?
- One of Costa Rica’s largest waterfalls, with a 130-meter vertical drop.
- A stunning, multi-tiered cascade that extends nearly 500 meters down the mountainside.
- Located in a secluded natural setting, offering serene and crowd-free exploration.
- Local indigenous guides provide insight into the region’s culture and biodiversity.
How to Get There & Entrance Info
- From San José: Drive 2.5 hours through Puriscal, Mastatal, and Zapatón.
- From Jaco or Manuel Antonio: About 1 hour and 40 minutes by car.
- Access: A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, as the final stretch is only 1 km by car or a 4 km round-trip hike.
- Entrance Fee: $10 per person (reservation required in advance).
What to Expect
- A scenic trail leading to the base of the waterfall, with panoramic valley views.
- The lower sections of the waterfall are climbable, allowing visitors to relax on the rocks and enjoy the refreshing mist.
- The best time to visit is during the rainy season, when the waterfall is at its fullest.
- Avoid weekends to experience the falls without crowds.
Explore More in the Area
- La Princesa Waterfall: A smaller but equally stunning waterfall 1.5 km uphill from El Rey.
- La Cangreja National Park: A great spot to hike, explore wildlife, and enjoy Costa Rica’s pristine forests.
If you’re looking for an untouched natural wonder, El Rey Waterfall is a must-visit. Whether you’re hiking, photographing, or simply soaking in the raw beauty, this is an experience unlike any other!
5. Río Celeste Waterfall – Costa Rica’s Most Unique Blue Waterfall
Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most famous waterfalls, known for its brilliant blue waters and stunning rainforest surroundings. This breathtaking cascade offers a magical experience, where nature’s chemistry creates an unreal turquoise hue that contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery.
Why Visit Río Celeste Waterfall?
- Brilliant blue waters, a rare phenomenon caused by volcanic minerals.
- A 90-meter waterfall plunging into a scenic jungle pool.
- A 6 km hiking trail through a cloud forest teeming with wildlife.
- Stunning viewpoints, wooden bridges, and volcanic bubbling pools along the way.
How to Get There & Entrance Info
- Located in: Tenorio Volcano National Park.
- Entrance Fee: $28 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive early (the park opens at 8 AM) to avoid crowds.
- Weather Tip: Check the forecast—heavy rain can create muddy trails, but the adventure is always worth it!
Hiking & Must-See Spots Along the Trail
The 6 km round-trip hike takes about 5 hours and leads through the cloud forest, where you might spot coatis, toucans, and other wildlife. Along the way, be sure to stop at:
- Laguna Azul – A surreal blue lagoon.
- Los Borbollones – A bubbling thermal area releasing volcanic gases.
- Teñideros – The exact spot where two mineral-rich rivers mix, creating the iconic blue color of Río Celeste.
The final reward is the majestic waterfall, where the vibrant turquoise waters plunge 90 meters down, creating a picture-perfect natural wonder.
⚠️ Note: Swimming is not allowed in Río Celeste, but you can still find natural pools outside the park where locals take a dip!
The Largest Waterfall in Costa Rica – A Natural Wonder
Renowned explorer Javier Elizondo, from The Waterfall Trail, has captured what he calls the largest waterfall in Costa Rica—and possibly the tallest in Central America.
Located deep in the Talamanca Mountains, Río Telire Waterfall is a breathtaking 550-meter cascade, with its largest single drop measuring 300 meters. Due to the remote and inaccessible location, reaching its base is nearly impossible.
A Natural Wonder Beyond Reach
- Its waters take on a reddish hue, influenced by the Durika Savannah’s yellow palms.
- During the summer solstice, the sun aligns with the falls, creating a spectacular sequence of rainbows.
- The region is surrounded by cliffs, rapids, and smaller waterfalls, making it one of the most isolated places in Costa Rica.
Elizondo captured rare images of Río Telire from a doorless helicopter at 2,400 meters altitude, describing the experience as both exhilarating and terrifying.
Though Río Telire is not accessible for exploration, it remains a hidden marvel of Costa Rica, standing as a testament to the country’s incredible natural beauty.
Photos by The Waterfall Trail – Javier Elizondo
Stay at The Castle of Oz – Your Gateway to Costa Rica’s Waterfalls
If you’re planning to explore top waterfalls in Costa Rica, why not stay in a private luxury retreat that offers adventure and relaxation?
Why Stay at The Castle of Oz?
- Located in Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas, just minutes from Jaco.
- Offers guided tours to waterfalls like Bijagual and Nauyaca.
- Features two private waterfalls on the property (active in the rainy season).
- Provides private shuttle services and custom tours to national parks and nearby attractions.
- Luxury accommodations, private chef services, and wellness retreats.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, seeking adventure, or looking for a luxurious escape in the jungle, The Castle of Oz provides the perfect blend of exclusivity and nature.
Book your stay today directly with us and experience Costa Rica’s most spectacular waterfalls firsthand!