Costa Rica is a country as enchanting as it is beautiful – these Costa Rica waterfalls are a must-visit on your next trip.
We’re not kidding when we say that this verdant Central American country is jam-packed with some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.
From the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall to the hidden gems tucked away in remote corners of the country, get ready to dive into the deep depths of the rainforest, scale rugged cliff sides, and take a dip beneath cascading waters.
You’re in for a treat if you have time to visit them all. But, if not, don’t worry – these are the ones you don’t want to miss.
The Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall
No visit to Costa Rica is complete without paying a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. Hidden amidst lush rainforests, this stunning waterfall cascades from a height of 70 metres and plunges into a pristine pool below.
Remember your trusty boots, as reaching this natural wonder involves a picturesque hike through dense tropical foliage. The journey to the waterfall is an adventure in itself, as you’ll need to traverse rugged trails and wooden staircases.
Once you reach the base of the waterfall, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystalline pool or head up to one of the two viewpoints that jut out around La Fortuna.
The area surrounding La Fortuna is one of the best places to explore in Costa Rica, so we highly recommend booking a tour to this waterfall that also includes Arenal Volcano and hot springs.
La Leona Waterfall
We don’t like to play favourites, but we would be lying if we didn’t admit that La Leona was our favourite Costa Rica waterfall. The hike to La Leona Waterfall alone is impressive, and involves weaving through the heart of the Osa Peninsula’s lush rainforest.
To reach the base of the waterfall, you’ll need to be comfortable using a rope to wade through water (the currents are fairly mild but it’s always worth taking precautions.) The swim beneath La Leona Waterfall is a totally rejuvenating experience, providing a moment of serenity amid the untamed wilderness.
Catarata La Cangreja
One of the most underrated waterfalls in Costa Rica, Catarata La Cangreja is a little gem you should visit when in Marino Ballena National Park.
The area itself is pretty yellow, rather than boasting the verdant greenery Costa Rica is known for, but the waterfall itself is stunning. In fact, the waterfall is named after its distinctive reddish colour reminiscent of a crab (cangrejo in Spanish.)
Accessing Catarata La Cangreja requires a trek through the park’s dense jungle. The waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks and into a rather tempting-looking pool at the bottom. Though, swimming is not allowed.
Catarata del Toro Waterfall
Nestled within the rugged terrain of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, Catarata del Toro Waterfall remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
Towering at an impressive height of 90 metres, this waterfall sits in the crater of an extinct volcano. The area surrounding this waterfall is known for boasting an array of birdlife, including chirpy hummingbirds.
One thing to note about this waterfall is that you cannot swim in the pool at the bottom. Plus, the hike to reach the base is extremely steep, so make sure you’re wearing sensible shoes and bring plenty of water.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Deep within Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste Waterfall captivated us with its blue hue. While you can no longer swim in this waterfall, it’s still well worth the visit.
The journey to Rio Celeste unfolds along well-maintained trails, leading you through the enchanting rainforest. As the path winds along the banks of the turquoise river, you can use the handrail to navigate the steeper sections.
This waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica, so it can get extremely busy. We recommend heading there on a tour as it makes the logistics of getting to Rio Celeste a breeze, plus most tours will take care of the national park fee for you (which is $12 USD.)
Our best tip? Avoid visiting on weekends if you can.
Oropendola Waterfall
If you’re heading to the southern reaches of Costa Rica, we recommend you pay a visit to Oropendola Waterfall. This secluded waterfall is named after the distinctive Oropendola birds that inhabit the region.
To reach Oropendola, you’ll need to head on a scenic journey through the vibrant landscapes of the Southern Zone, where winding trails lead to the hidden sanctuary of the waterfall.
The waterfall, framed by dense foliage and moss-covered rocks, spills into a crystalline pool below. Bring your swimming costume and get ready to dive into refreshing waters surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
The Nauyaca Waterfalls present a double delight, featuring two cascades that tumble into crystal-clear pools amidst a tropical paradise.
Accessing Nauyaca involves a journey through the scenic landscapes of the Pacific lowlands. The trail, flanked by dense jungle and alive with the sounds of exotic birds and monkeys, leads adventurers to the main attraction – the twin waterfalls.
The larger upper cascade plummets dramatically, creating a mesmerising spectacle, while the lower falls invite visitors to relax in the cool, inviting pool below.
If you don’t fancy a super-sweaty 4km hike, we recommend you head to Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. From here, you can take a tractor ride to the waterfalls so you’ll only need to spend around 15 minutes on foot.
Blue Falls of Costa Rica
If you want to get bang for your buck, pay a visit to Costa Rica’s Blue Falls. Known locally as “Cataratas Azules,” these treasures are set against a backdrop of lush greenery and towering cliffs.
While the falls are very easy to get to, you do need a guide to be able to visit. You can either book a tour in advance (which is what we recommend) or head there and you’ll be assigned one upon arrival.
The five Costa Rica waterfalls line an easy-to-navigate path, with Tepezcuintle being the only one more difficult to reach. For this one, you’ll need to scramble over boulders, but it’s still manageable for most people.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
For not just one but five epic waterfalls, visiting the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a must.
The journey through La Paz Waterfall Gardens unfolds along well-maintained trails that reveal a series of breathtaking waterfalls at every turn. From the towering heights of the majestic La Paz Waterfall to the serene beauty of the smaller cascades, each waterfall offers something different.
At $52, the entrance fee is pretty steep. But it’s well worth it considering you get a handful of beautiful falls to wander around. Plus the gardens are home to a rich array of flora and fauna, including butterflies, exotic birds, and playful monkeys.
