The Costa Rica Tourism Board is here to tell you – DO go chasing waterfalls!
Costa Rica is home to breathtaking landscapes, including an array of stunning waterfalls, offering the ideal blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you are craving the thrill of cliff jumping or zip-lining through lush falls, or seeking the peaceful serenity of natural swimming pools, Costa Rica promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Below, discover some of the country’s most captivating waterfalls and the unique ways to explore them:
- La Fortuna Waterfall: La Fortuna Waterfall, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic waterfalls, is located in a 21-acre biological reserve within Arenal Volcano National Park, 520 meters above sea level. A scenic hike down a staircase through the lush rainforest leads to a stunning turquoise pool, perfect for a refreshing swim beneath the falls, and can be paired with a canopy tour across hanging bridges. For thrill-seekers, zip-lining across a 980-meter cable above the waterfall provides breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and Arenal Volcano. For those craving an even more exhilarating adventure, rappelling down the 160-foot waterfall offers an unforgettable experience, with the roar of the falls and the beauty of the jungle surrounding you.
- Nauyaca Waterfalls: Located in the Southern Pacific region, Nauyaca is a beautiful two-tier waterfall with an impressive drop of over 140 feet on the upper falls. Visitors can reach the falls by a 4 mile horseback ride, hiking or 4×4, along a scenic 2.5-mile trail that is easy for children to manage. The trail leads through lush forests, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including white faced monkeys, peacocks, agouti and hummingbirds, before arriving at the marvelous waterfalls. Once there, enjoy the swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall (80 ft), and for the action junkies, there are plenty of great spots for cliff jumping!
- La Leona Waterfall: Located on the outskirts of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, La Leona offers an unparalleled canyoneering experience. This adventure involves hiking a 1.7 mile singletrack trail, scrambling over rocks, climbing ladders, and swimming through volcanic caves. Along the way, you will encounter three stunning waterfalls, with the final one tucked away inside a cave; its celestial-blue waters create a truly mesmerizing sight. For those craving extra thrills, the adventure continues with an exciting white-water tubing excursion down the Colorado River, splashing through classes II-III rapids while surrounded by tropical forest.
- La Paz Waterfall: For nature, wildlife and adventure lovers, La Paz Waterfall Gardens offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning La Paz Waterfall, a dramatic 110-foot cascade, along with four other spectacular waterfalls: Magia Blanca, Templo, Escondida, and Encantada. Hike the 1.8-mile trail through a vibrant cloud forest, where you’ll encounter colorful birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, frogs, monkeys, and rescued jungle cats. La Paz Waterfall is the ultimate destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s natural beauty, combining adventure, wildlife, and the serene power of its stunning waterfalls.
Costa Rica offers an abundance of opportunities to explore these mesmerizing waterfalls, each with its own unique way to experience nature’s raw beauty.
