If you love chasing waterfalls, then Costa Rica is the right place for you. This country is the land of countless magical waterfalls, and even if we live here, it will probably take us years to see all we have on our list. It can get tricky if you don’t have much time and want to see the most incredible waterfalls in Costa Rica. That’s why we made this blog post for you with a summery of the 10 most incredible waterfalls Costa Rica.
10 most incredible waterfalls Costa Rica
The blue water of Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park
El Tigre Waterfall, Monteverde
Most people visit Monteverde for the cloud forest and the famous hanging bridges but there is a beautiful waterfall as well. El Tigre Waterfall even has a hanging bridge in front of it. The whole train contains several waterfalls, hanging bridges, and swimming pools in the river. However, it’s probably the most expensive waterfall to visit and can only be visited with a reservation. Read more about it here.
Fairytale Llanos del Cortés Waterfall
Believe it or not, this magical waterfall is very unfamous along with visitors, and we mainly met locals there. Llanos del Cortés Waterfall is located only a 45 min drive from Liberia, and there was no entrance fee when we visited. One of the best and most uncrowded waterfalls Costa Rica.
Rio Agrio Waterfall with the cutest guides
The area of Bajos del Toro in Alajuela is one of the best areas for waterfalls in Costa Rica. Rio Agrio is one of them. The hike to get to the waterfalls is very easy, unlike other waterfalls in this area. The owners have many dogs which follow and guide the visitors until the waterfall. The cutest guides we ever had! They waited for us for over an hour and came back with us.
The entrance fee is 3000 colones (4.50 USD) per person and they have a restaurant and bathrooms at the entrance.
Nauyaca our favorite waterfall in Costa Rica
Nauyaca waterfall is quite a hike but definitely worth it. It’s our favorite waterfall in Costa Rica maybe even in the world! It’s located about one hour drive from Manuel Antonio and 45 min from Uvita, right outside of Dominical. It opens at 7 am, and the entrance fee is 10 USD per person.
There is a ticket office right on the road and parking a bit further down. From the parking, it’s a 4 km hike to the waterfall. The trail is gorgeous, but the way to the waterfall is quite steep in some parts. We recommend going in the morning when it’s not too hot.
Nauyaca waterfall has two levels, and it’s stunning. The lower level is perfect for swimming in. We arrived there around 8 am and enjoyed the waterfall just for ourselves for almost 2 hours. It was incredible.
Montezuma waterfall near Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is one of the most popular places for visitors in Costa Rica. Just about 30 min from there, you find Montezuma, a small hippie town that was one of the first tourist places in Guanacaste. Montezuma has a gorgeous waterfall where you can swim and jump from the rocks.
La Fortuna waterfalls Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-see when in La Fortuna. It’s a spectacular and powerful waterfall just about 8 min drive from town. It opens at 8 am, and we recommend going early because it’s quite popular. The entrance fee is 18 USD per person, and then walking down to the waterfall is about 10 min.
It’s not the most natural waterfall experience we had in Costa Rica because paths and stairs are all paved. But still, the waterfall itself is worth seeing. The water is quite cold and perfect for a refreshing dip. You can swim at the bottom of La Fortuna Waterfall.
Quebrada Gata unknown waterfall in Costa Rica
Catarata del Toro (Toro Amarillo) waterfalls Costa Rica
If you come to Costa Rica for the waterfalls, you have to visit Bajos del Toro area. It’s an off-the-beaten-path experience to go to this part of the country. There are many different waterfalls to explore there, and Catarata del Toro is the highlight. The water spills nearly three hundred feet into an extinct volcanic crater, making it the largest waterfall in Costa Rica.
Paraiso Manantiales Waterfall
Conclusion
If you love waterfalls, you are definitely in the right country if you visit Costa Rica. There are impressive waterfalls to explore in every part of the country. Some are easy to reach; some are harder, but there is something for everyone to chase waterfalls in Costa Rica. Make sure to always bring enough water and snacks when you go on a waterfall hike. And we recommend anti-slip shoes.
