10 Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has some of the best waterfalls in Central America, and there is plenty to choose from! Here's my list of my top 10 favorite.

For those of you that are new.. welcome to my blog! My name is Savanna Crowell and I'm a wanderer who likes to share travel tips and favorite destinations. If you are interested in knowing more about my background, travels, or dreams in life, check out the 'About Me' section of my website. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @solowithsav to join me on my journeys!

My 10 Favorite Waterfalls

10. Manuel Antonio Waterfall

Manuel Antonio Waterfall is found within Manuel Antonio National Park. Although this waterfall isn't the most stunning in the country, it's definitely worth the visit if you are at the national park!

9. Monteverde Waterfall

This one is a hidden gem! Found on the way to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this waterfall may not be as tall as the others but is just as beautiful! It costs $10/USD and is also a beautiful 30-min hike each way!

8. Montezuma Waterfall

This one is on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula off the Pacific Coast. Parking costs $2 USD, other than that there is no entrance fee which is unlike many of the waterfalls in Costa Rica. From downtown Montezuma, walk or drive 0.3 miles to the small bridge that crosses Rio Montezuma. Just after the bridge there is a trail and parking lot.

7. La Cangreja

Nestled in La Cangreja National Park is this towering 130-ft waterfall. It costs $15 USD to hike near the waterfall and to enter the park.

6. Llanos de Cortés

This waterfall is located near the town of Bagaces, just a half hour south of Liberia. It's a short drive off the Pan American Highway (Route 1) and less than a two-hour trip from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, and other beach towns in Guanacaste.

It costs $7 USD/person, with additional costs for parking on site.

5. Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste is one of the most famed waterfalls in Costa Rica, and for good reason! The blue pool of water the falls are going into isn't edited, being the biggest attraction. It's so unique and makes for a wonderful day trip and beautiful hike. It's $12 USD/person and the Río Celeste trail is 3.7 miles long round trip, but not particularly strenuous. You should plan on about three hours to complete it. Depending upon the time of year, however, it can become very muddy.

4. La Paz Waterfalls

La Paz is much more than 4 beautiful waterfalls, there's a garden, butterfly garden, and zoo with animals found in different parts of Costa Rica. The cost is a little more than other places at $44 USD for adults, but this gives you access to all the waterfalls and attractions and it's worth it! If you want to see some of the waterfalls without paying the entrance fee, drive a little further down the road and 2 of them are right on the roadside.

3. Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca really was a pleasant surprise! The pictures don't do it justice! These roaring 2 waterfalls have an entrance fee of $12 USD/person for the 2.5 mile hike each way to the falls. You can have the option to take horseback or ride a truck to get there as well, but that costs extra.

You can walk and climb on the rocks of the highest waterfall, but the bottom one is where the magic happens. You can swim in the water and get amazing views of both the stunning waterfalls together!

PS. we do have a sad story from these waterfalls though, this is where we had a crash landing into the water stream and lost our drone! So, if you visit and find a white DJI MavicAir let me know ;)

2. La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna is beautiful town with a stunning waterfall nestled into its lush rainforest. This one is a MUST if you're visiting Costa Rica, and give yourself plenty of time because you could spend a while here! For $18 USD/person, you can visit their butterfly garden, swim in the waterfall, spot wildlife, and get amazing views!

If you're visiting Costa Rica I would recommend spending some time in La Fortuna and visiting this beauty.

1. Catarata Del Toro

This was my favorite waterfall we visited in the country. It's so breathtaking to see the 270-ft drop into an inactive volcano! If you're visiting Costa Rica this was is a must! It's $14 USD/person since, like a lot of waterfalls in Costa Rica, access to Catarata del Toro is through private property so you have to pay to visit.

It makes as an excellent stop in-between San Jose and La Fortuna!

LOCATIONS:

Of the 10 waterfalls within the country

In Conclusion,

These are just a few of the beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. I hope I have inspired you to check out some of them for your next vacation to Costa Rica! The country is now fully open to tourists, so start planning your trip! Until next time friends..keep exploring!! xxx, Savanna