7 Costa Rica Waterfalls You Must Visit

Costa Rica’s Most Magical Waterfalls

Costa Rica is blessed with some of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls — each one offering a unique mix of raw power, serene beauty, and adventure. Some are easy to reach and perfect for families, while others are tucked deep in cloud forests or accessible only by horseback. To help you choose the right ones for your custom vacation, we’ve organized them into categories and added expert tips to make your visit unforgettable.

---

La Fortuna Waterfall (Arenal)

At the base of the Arenal Volcano sits one of Costa Rica’s most iconic falls: La Fortuna Waterfall, dropping 230 feet into a misty jungle canyon. From the entrance at La Fortuna Park, visitors can enjoy an initial lookout point that frames the entire cascade — perfect for photos. To reach the base, prepare for a descent of about 500 stone steps, winding through lush rainforest full of birdsong and orchids.

At the bottom, the waterfall thunders into a clear pool edged by smooth rocks where swimming is permitted (but not directly beneath the fall, as the force is too strong). The cool waters provide a refreshing contrast to the tropical heat, making this one of the best swimming waterfalls in Costa Rica.

• Wildlife & Flora: Keep an eye out for toucans, tanagers, and howler monkeys in the surrounding canopy. The forest here is secondary rainforest, lush and teeming with life.
• Accessibility: The stairs are well-maintained but steep — take your time. For those who may not want the full descent, the upper viewing platform still offers spectacular views.

Expert Tip 💡: Visit in the morning hours before tour buses arrive, and combine your visit with nearby Tabacón or EcoTermales hot springs for the perfect adventure-and-relaxation combo. Bring water shoes for navigating the slippery rocks at the pool’s edge.

---

La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Central Valley)

Located in a high-elevation Cloud Forest zone an hour north of San Jose, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the most visited ecological attraction in Costa Rica! This nature park and wildlife exhibit offers visitors a combination of nature, waterfalls, and rescued wildlife. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are open to the public year-round, and the grounds are primarily self-guided, so visitors can tailor their experience to see exactly what and how much they’d like to see. This tour is a great option for families with young children looking for an accessible taste of Costa Rica’s highlights.

Rio Celeste Waterfall

The Rio Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio National Park, located in the interior-most part of the Guanacaste region, is renowned for its hypnotic blue color and rainforest surroundings. The water that flows through the park is a unique product of a chemical reaction between minerals from the volcano.

Experience one of the most infamous Costa Rica waterfalls on a moderately-challenging hike, and admire the serenity of the Celeste River along the way. Keep an eye out for poison dart frogs, blue morpho butterflies, curious monkeys, and tropical birds as you trek with your guide. Swimming is prohibited due to the unknown effects of volcanic minerals, but the views make for picture-perfect memories to share with friends and family. The best time of year to experience the bright blue river is during Costa Rica’s dry season between December and April.

Bajos del Toro Waterfall

Bajos del Toro is the Experts’ top pick on the list of most incredible Costa Rica walls. One of the tallest in the country with a 90-meter (300-foot) drop, Bajos del Toro Waterfall is hidden away in the Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest an off-the-beaten path rural zone about 1.5 – 2 hours from San Jose.

A moderately challenging (but rewarding) hike down to the base of this roaring 290-foot waterfall will give you the chance to admire the surrounding canyon – an extinct volcanic crater covered in lush green vegetation. Enjoy the sounds of tropical birds and howler monkeys as you make your way down the steep jungle path. Take time to rest and enjoy breathtaking views from lookout points along the way. *Please note that climbing up from the base of the waterfall takes approximately 400 steps.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

The stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in the South Pacific region, just 20 minutes from Dominical. Nauyaca is unique in its layout; split into upper and lower cascades, water pours over the cliffside to fall over 140 feet before the next 60-foot drop. Remotely tucked into the deep rainforest, the trip there might be a bit of work, but the views are worth it!

Guests have a few options for getting to the falls: horseback riding, hiking, or via 4×4. The hikers and horseback riders use the same well-maintained trail to the waterfall, which is roughly 2.5 miles.

Once you arrive at the waterfall itself, the trail splits into two, bringing you to either the upper or lower falls. The upper falls are impressive, falling for a greater distance. The occasional mist blowing off the waterfall is refreshing after the hike, and some smooth river rocks are the perfect location for your picnic lunch! The view is impeccable, and it tends to be more tranquil at the upper falls.

The lower falls, however, are where the fun is truly at! The cascade falls into a large pool of clear blue water – a perfect, natural swimming hole. Taking a dip is the best way to cool off after the hike. There’s plenty of room for everyone to swim, relax, or explore, with the occasional entertainment of a daring local jumping from one of the cliffs. For amazing photo-ops and a great combination of hiking and swimming, the Nauyaca Waterfall is not to be missed!

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

Some say Llanos de Cortez is one of the most beautiful Costa Rica waterfalls. Llanos de Cortez is wider than it is tall, with streams of water cascading over a rock wall. The pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. The trail from the parking lot down to the waterfall is a short 10-minute hike, but it is steep! This waterfall is accessible from the Guanacaste region.

Costa Rica Waterfalls FAQs: