Like many waterfalls in Costa Rica, access is through a private property so you have to pay a local cash who will be holding fort at the entrance. Look for rustic hand-painted signs just past Carara National Park. Reaching this trailhead requires some patience. To cool off, jump into the base of the waterfall, and swim further downstream where small pools of fresh water are located. Keep an eye out for colorful birds and wildlife like scarlet macaws and poison dart frogs. The path takes about an hour each way and allows for jaw-dropping glimpses through the trees from various viewpoints. Located an hour north of the surf town Jaco, this towering 600-foot waterfall is reached by climbing a steep, mossy trail through the rainforest. Bijagual Waterfall (2-3 hours) Bijagual Waterfallįar less-visited than La Paz, Bijagual Waterfall (also called Manantial de Agua Viva) can be difficult to find and that’s part of the fun. The highest waterfall in the park, Magia Blanca, is 120 feet tall, which has a viewing platform directly behind the chute for photo opportunities. Hike along 2.2 miles of trails on your own or sign up for a guided tour. There are five waterfalls in total - said to be the most easily accessible in Costa Rica - with numerous species of birds, capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, and one of the largest butterfly observatories in the world. Get in touch now La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1-2 hours) La Paz Waterfall GardensĪn easy jaunt from San José, this popular eco-park and wildlife preserve is not exactly off the beaten path, but parents with small children will appreciate the family-friendliness and clean facilities.

Our specialists can help you find all of the best waterfalls, volcanoes, and beaches to include on your trip. Please Note: There may be entrance fees to national parks and private hiking trails.

Keep in mind that from January to April it seldom rains in much of the country, which might make the views less spectacular. The wet season - between September and December - is the best time to see gushing waterfalls, especially in Guanacaste, the Pacific Coast, and Central Valley. The views from the top are the main attraction, but so are the biodiverse nature trails with rare species of plants, birds, and wildlife. Costa Rica offers some of the most scenic waterfalls in Latin America for memorable day-trips no matter what region you visit.

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