Costa Rica is home to a stunning array of waterfalls, ranging from serene and tranquil cascades to towering, thundering falls.
I spent 6 months in Latin America and Costa Rica takes the crown for wildlife, nature, and pure beauty. As well as wildlife, lush rainforests and national parks, Cost Rica has many beautiful waterfalls. No Costa Rica Itinerary would be complete without experiencing at least a few of them.
As well as the waterfalls themselves, the journey getting to them is also spectacular and part of the adventure. Often walking through lush rainforest and stunning scenery, next time you visit Costa Rica make sure to add some of these best waterfalls in Costa Rica to your itinerary.
Whatever region you visit in Costa Rica, you will never be far from one of these beautiful waterfalls. Check the map below to see which waterfalls you will be passing.
It’s impossible to visit all of them yourself, so I’ve enlisted the help of fellow travellers to provide details of 12 of the best Costa Rica waterfalls to visit.
Map of the Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
Waterfalls in Puntarenas Province Costa Rica
The Puntarenas province in Costa Rica is a large narrow sliver of land encompassing almost the whole Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Some of the best attractions and places to visit in the country can be found here.
Uvita has beautiful beaches and rainforests including Manuel Antonio National Park (not to be missed!). Corcovado National Park is another of the best parks in the country and you can also find cute surf towns such as Jaco.
Some of the best waterfalls to visit in Puntarenas are as follows:
1. Montezuma Waterfall
Montezuma Waterfall is located near the village of Montezuma on the tip of the Nicoya peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica. It’s one of the biggest attractions in this part of the country and a fantastic destination to add to your Costa Rica itinerary.
The Montezuma waterfall consists of three parts with different heights. The biggest and the most popular of them is 25 meters tall. The other two waterfalls are smaller and more difficult to access as they are located higher up on the mountainside and require climbing up a set of steep stairs.
At the bottom of the main waterfall, there’s a large plunge pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. There are also several rocks around the waterfall from where you can dive into the pool below. Just have a look at where the locals do it first to be sure that it’s safe.
If you visit Montezuma Waterfall in the rainy season, you’ll get to see a beautiful thick curtain of water pouring vertically down the rocks. During the dry season, however, the waterfall becomes significantly smaller.
To get to the main waterfall, you’ll have to hike for about 20 minutes along a rocky riverbed. Depending on the water levels, you might have to walk through the river in some sections, so be ready to get your feet wet! There is no entrance fee to visit the waterfall.
Recommended By Marjut Jogisoo, The Smooth Escape
2. Uvita Waterfall
3. San Pedrillo Waterfalls
There are many wonderful waterfalls in Costa Rica, but the waterfall at San Pedrillo in Corcovado National Park is worth the hike to get there.
Recommended By Lori Sorrentino, Travlinmad.com
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If you planning a trip to Central America, or already enjoying one, read about the best places to visit in the region right here
Waterfalls in the Alajuela Province Costa Rica
The Alajuela province is in northern Costa Rica and one of the most popular towns in the region is La Fortuna.
La Fortuna is a great base to explore the region as there is so much to do here. Here are some of the best waterfalls in Alajuela, Costa Rica not to be missed.
4. La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna Waterfall is a beautiful, popular, and easy waterfall for many tourists to visit in Costa Rica, as it is situated right outside the city of La Fortuna.
To get to this waterfall, you will walk across a paved entrance area, and then down 500 stairs, through rainforest, to reach the base of the falls. There are several viewing platforms and angles to admire the waterfall, which drops 246 feet to a pool of water below.
The La Fortuna waterfall itself is a relatively narrow, single stream of water that drops from a cliff edge above and lands directly in the pool of water below. It’s surrounded by lush rainforest, which makes the setting really beautiful and enchanting.
There is a second pool of water right after where the waterfall drops, which you can usually swim in (although sometimes it is closed). There are quite a few large rocks around the edge of the waterfall, which you can walk and climb on to get a more up-close view of the falls.
At the top of the stairs, near the entrance, is a butterfly and orchid garden that you can walk through (included in your entrance ticket) and is very beautiful. It costs $18 to visit the waterfall, and is only 10 minutes from the main city, so visiting this waterfall is definitely one of the best things to do in La Fortuna.
Recommended By Stephanie Rytting of The Unknown Enthusiast
5. Rio Celeste Waterfall
Most Famous Waterfall in Costa Rica
Rio Celeste Waterfall may arguably be the most famous waterfall in Costa Rica. Found inside the beautiful Tenorio Volcano National Park, the 98-foot waterfall is famous for its pool of deep electric blue water at the bottom.
The colour is so bright and vibrant, you won’t see anything else like it. I was amazed when I visited and I really enjoyed the whole tour. Plan to visit between December and April as out of season the water can lose it’s colour.
Rio Celeste Waterfall and Tenorio Volcano NP are easily reached by the nearby town of La Fortuna. You can go by car yourself or join a tour and the journey will take just over an hour.
I recommend taking a guided tour as the info the guide provides brings everything to life. They talk about the history of the site, the fauna and flora and its medicinal history.
It’s highly likely you’ll spot a Sloth in the treetops above you, as you walk through the forest. They’re not always the easiest to spot, they like to hang high in the trees, but the guides known the usual hang out spots.
To preserve the water and its natural beauty, swimming is not allowed in Rio Celeste waterfall, so enjoy the view from the boardwalk and take loads of photos.
Recommended by Walkabout Wes
6. Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Situated between Costa Rica’s capital San Jose (65 km) and La Fortuna (80 km), Bajos del Torro is an ideal stop when travelling between these two destinations.
Add Blue Falls Waterfall
7. Rio Agrio Waterfall
There’s one area in Costa Rica where there are several waterfall hikes all along the road. It’s where you’ll find some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, including the Rio Agrio waterfall. It’s located about two and a half hours northwest of the capital city, San José.
At first glance, you might think you’re in the wrong place, thanks to the life-size plastic dinosaurs out front and the many signs advertising Dinoland. But don’t let the mechanical roars deter you–the hike is worth it.
Tickets for the Rio Agrio hike are about $10 a person and the entrance to the hike is just to the right of Dinoland. The start of the hike takes you into the rainforest, past rivers and along bridges. You’ll know when you’ve almost reached the waterfall because the scenery becomes absolutely beautiful, like a scene out of Jurassic Park.
The trail opens up into a beautiful cavernous area with rock walls and the rushing Rio Agrio waterfall in the distance. The waterfall is 165 ft (50m) high and actually has another narrow waterfall just to the left.
The base of the falls is covered with large rocks but if you scramble over them, you can get closer to the falls. While you can’t swim here, the scenery and waterfall are well worth the hike and makes this one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica to see.
Recommended By Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen
8. La Paz Waterfall
Located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, La Paz Waterfall is very popular with both tourists and local Ticos/Ticas. The closest town to the La Paz Waterfall is Vara Blanca, just a few miles down the road.
Towering at a height of more than 120 feet, La Paz Waterfall is easily one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Costa Rica for your trip.
La Paz is actually made up of five separate waterfalls, each one flowing into the next. As the water tumbles down through the rocks, it creates a beautiful display that people travel thousands of miles to see.
Just like many others, La Paz Waterfall is also surrounded by natural beauty. The falls ‘live’ in a lush rainforest and are surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of plant and animal species. There are several viewpoints to stop along the path to the waterfall, so you can soak in the view more than once.
Once you’re done at the waterfall, you can also check out the local butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, or the serpentarium (aka snakes).
Visiting La Paz Waterfall does require an entrance fee of $44 per person, which includes access to all of the nearby gardens as well. But with all the gardens, exhibits, and waterfalls that you get to experience, this is truly a small price to pay.
All in all, La Paz Waterfall is easily one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica and is absolutely worth the visit. With its majestic height and everything to do in the surrounding area, you’ll have no trouble staying active and busy during your trip.
Recommended by Pierre of Wayfare with Pierre
Waterfalls in Limon Province
The Limon Province in Costa Rica encompasses all of the Caribbean coast from Panama in the South, to Nicaragua in the North. Popular places to visit in the region include Puerto Vieja near to the Panama border, and Parque Nacional Tortuguero in the north.
9. Rio Pacuare Waterfalls
Not all waterfall hunts in Costa Rica have to result in hiking through the jungle, some you can find cascading directly into the beautiful flowing rivers. You just need to know where to look.
It is no secret that there are many adventurous things to do in Costa Rica and white water rafting is at the top of that list. Rio Pacuare is one of the best rivers to raft in Costa Rica, not only for the beautiful rainforest surroundings, but also because of the waterfalls you can raft beneath.
A rafting experience on this river will typically take about 4 hours and the three beautiful narrow waterfalls are waiting for you towards the end of the experience. You’ll already be wet from your journey so navigating through the fresh spray of these waterfalls will provide a memorable way to end the adventure.
However, you don’t necessarily have to raft to find the waterfalls along Rio Pacuare. Many people choose to stay in an eco-lodge along this river so they can explore the rainforest surrounding it.
Salta Falls is a 27-foot waterfall that you can base jump from and there is another smaller jump on Linda Creek at the Macaw drop. Both of these options provide an opportunity to swim at the peaceful watering holes in the lush picturesque surroundings.
Recommended By Kerry Reed from VeggTravel
Waterfalls in Guanacaste Province
The Guanacaste Province is found in Northwest Costa Rica, bordering Nicaragua to the north. Popular towns to base yourself in this area are Liberia (a good stop if travelling from Nicaragua); and along the Nicoya Peninsula at places such as Tamarindo or Nicoya.
10. Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
The Llanos de Cortes waterfall is a popular destination for both locals and tourists in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Known for its refreshing swimming hole and stunning natural beauty, this waterfall is an easy and fun place to visit in Costa Rica.
The waterfall, which is about 40 feet high and 50 feet wide, is fed by the Rio Blanco river. At the bottom of the cascading falls, there is a large, shallow pool of clear, cold water where visitors can swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Llanos de Cortes waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, which are home to howler monkeys, toucans, and iguanas. Visitors to the waterfall can often spot monkeys overhead, hanging out in the trees as they make the short hike down to the base of the falls.
While there are organized tours that take you to Llanos de Cortes, it is easy to visit in a self-drive, as well. Tucked away off the North Interamerican Road, this picturesque waterfall is a convenient stop on the way from the popular beaches in Guanacaste to the Arenal Volcano area – Costa Rica’s premier adventure destination.
Recommended By Melissa from Parenthood and Passports
11. La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
The start of the hike to La Leona Waterfall is a 20-minute drive from the nearby town of Liberia. An experience to this hidden waterfall is a little different to all others listed here.
La Leona Waterfall can only be reached by navigating the Rio Blanco, in the shadow of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, navigating through a canyon. The pool of water at the foot of the waterfall it is a clear blue turquoise colour, similar to Rio Celeste.
The Leona waterfall can only be visited as part of a tour as its not that easy to get there. There are multiple tour agencies offering a tour with different prices and slightly different experiences. You will find agencies offering this tour from Liberia, Tamarindo and the nearest town, Curubande.
Be prepared to get wet, whoever you go with. During the journey, you’ll be climbing over rocks, hiking through jungle, walking through caves, crossing rivers and swimming in the Rio Blanco. Check that your agency will provide a dry bag and lifejacket. The round-trip hike should take about 3 hours or so depending on your exact starting point.
Finally, you will arrive at the cave and hear the roar of La Leona Waterfall. Visiting La Leona Waterfall is a real adventure but well worth the work. If you have them, bring closed toe walking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and some quick dry clothes.
Waterfalls near San Jose Costa Rica
San Jose Province includes the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. If you only have a short time in Costa Rica and are passing through the capital, you still have the opportunity to get out of the city and see some nature.
As well as Nauyaca waterfalls mentioned below, Bajos del Toro and La Paz waterfalls are less than two hours’ drive away from the capital.
12. Nauyaca Waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls are located on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, close to Dominical. It is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall with a combined height of just over 60m.
Sitting in a canyon surrounded by lush jungle, Nauyaca Waterfalls should be on everybody’s itinerary. The Lower Falls is a roughly 20m tiered waterfall and has the most inviting natural pool in front of it. The pool is the perfect place to cool down in the crazy humid heat. Plus, you can also get a power shower by swimming up and under the falls.
The Upper Falls is roughly 45m tall and has several cascades. Although you can’t swim in front of this one, you can still walk up to it. Together they definitely provide an unforgettable sight. You can also bring a picnic, sit on one of the many rocks and admire the stunning views Nauyaca Waterfalls offer their visitors.
The land around it is privately owned and it only opened to the public in 1992. There are now two entrances to the waterfalls and you can get there in multiple ways. From Don Lulo’s entrance you can do a 12 km point-to-point self-guided hike for only $10.
You can also opt for a 4×4 truck ride or a horseback riding tour to reach the waterfalls for $32 and $80 respectively. The Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park entrance is $30 and that includes a truck ride to the start of a much shorter hiking trail.
Although it’s very close to Dominical, you can also get to Nauyaca Waterfalls from either Quepos or Uvita. You can read this detailed guide on how to get to the waterfalls without a car.
Recommended By Kitti from Kitti Around the World
The Best Costa Rica Waterfalls - Summary
Thanks for reading, I hope you find this article useful and are now inspired to visit as many waterfalls as possible the next time you visit Costa Rica.
This list shows that wherever you are in Costa Rica, you are never far from an amazing waterfall.
Let me know if you have any additional waterfalls you think should be added to this list.
Thanks for reading
I will eventually be planning a trip to Costa Rica so I loved learning about the waterfalls. While there I plan on seeing some