Costa Rica waterfalls
Costa Rica waterfalls: the ones worth the hike
Costa Rica is full of waterfalls, from bright blue Río Celeste to falls that pour straight onto the beach. These are the ones we think are worth planning a day around.
Many of them have swimming holes at the bottom, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Swim under
La Fortuna, Llanos de Cortés and Nauyaca
Bluest water
Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park
Near San José
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, about 1 hour away
Wear
A swimsuit and water shoes with good grip
Don’t want to read all this?
Plan your waterfall days
Car rental
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Paz Gardens
Shuttles
Travel insurance
Flights
Trip planner
Arenal and the north
Waterfalls in the north
Some of the most famous falls in the country, all an easy add-on to a La Fortuna or Guanacaste stop.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna Waterfall
A 70-meter fall into a clear pool you can swim in when the water level is right. Get ready for about 200 stairs.
1.5 hours from La Fortuna
Río Celeste
Yes, it really is that blue. Hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to the waterfall and the spot where the river turns turquoise.
Near Liberia
Llanos de Cortés
A wide waterfall with a sandy beach and swimming hole. A perfect stop between Liberia and La Fortuna or Monteverde.
Pacific coast
Waterfalls on the Pacific coast
Pair a beach trip with a waterfall day. Some of these you can see from the sand.
Montezuma
Montezuma Waterfalls
Three falls in a row along a river. People jump from the top two, but we suggest you don’t.
Low tide only
El Chorro
A waterfall that pours straight onto the beach, reached by a long coastal walk from Montezuma at low tide.
Near Dominical
Nauyaca Waterfalls
A two-tier fall with a big swimming hole. The hike can be intense on hot days, so start early.
Rainy season
Uvita Waterfall
A small fall near downtown Uvita that you can slide down when the water is high. Entry costs a few dollars.
Osa Peninsula
King Louis Waterfall
A remote fall near Puerto Jiménez, an easy add-on if you’re visiting Corcovado.
Close to San José
Waterfalls near San José
Short on time? These two work as day trips from the capital or a first or last day near the airport.
About 1 hour from SJO
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Five waterfalls along paved trails, plus wildlife exhibits and gardens. Easy for all ages.
1.5 hours from SJO
Catarata del Toro
A tall waterfall pouring into an extinct volcanic crater in a cool, cloudy area. Lots of stairs to reach the bottom.
Is Costa Rica planning feeling overwhelming? Let us break it down for you.
Sign up for free, step by step guidance (plus your printable planning checklist right now) and we’ll tell you exactly what to do next, and when.
Things to do
Things to do at the waterfalls
A few ways to make a waterfall day even better.
Adrenaline
Canyoning
Rappel down the side of a waterfall with a guide. La Fortuna and Monteverde have the most options.
Cool off
Swim under the falls
La Fortuna, Llanos de Cortés and Nauyaca all have swimming holes. The push from the water can be strong.
Combine it
Volcanoes and hot springs
Many waterfalls sit near volcanoes, so pair them with a hike or a soak.
Free trip planner
Get a custom Costa Rica itinerary
Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Safety
Be careful
Most waterfalls in Costa Rica aren’t regulated. Stay back from the edges, don’t jump from the top and stay out of strong currents under powerful falls.
What to wear
Dress for the water
Shorts and a T-shirt over your swimsuit, and shoes that can get wet with good grip. We love Keen.
What to bring
In your day bag
Packing: water shoes and a dry bag go a long way on waterfall days. See our Costa Rica packing list →
FAQ
Costa Rica waterfalls FAQ: your questions
What is the most famous waterfall in Costa Rica?
The La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal Volcano is probably the most famous, along with the bright blue Río Celeste.
Can you swim at waterfalls in Costa Rica?
At many of them, yes. La Fortuna, Llanos de Cortés and Nauyaca all have swimming holes. Always check conditions, since currents can be strong.
Which waterfall is closest to San José?
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is about an hour from San José and the airport.
Do you need a guide to visit Costa Rica’s waterfalls?
Most can be visited on your own with a small entrance fee. Some remote falls and canyoning trips are best done with a guide.
Keep exploring
Keep exploring Costa Rica
Things to do
Our favorite activities across the country, from volcanoes to night tours.
Planning more of the region? See our full Costa Rica destinations guide.
