A journey through Costa Rica’s waterfalls

Hey, adventure seekers! If you’re on the lookout for a tropical paradise filled with stunning scenery, wildlife, and of course, epic waterfalls, Costa Rica is calling your name. Grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into some of the country’s hidden gems that will have you saying, “Wow!” at every turn.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Tucked away near the Arenal Volcano, this beauty is a must-see. After a short 600 meter hike down about 500 steps, you’ll be greeted by a jaw-dropping cascade of water tumbling from 70 meters high into a crystal-clear pool. Picture this: lush green (really) high trees and branches spreading around the waterfall hiding the depths of the forest, the sound of rushing water, and a refreshing dip that will make you feel like a million bucks. You can also learn about the local Makeku tribal culture. Other than the waterfall, La Fortuna also has various other places you can enjoy, like the hanging bridges, the hot springs, the adventure sports and more waterfalls.

Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste is a lesser-known hidden treasure that will blow your mind. Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is only a two hour drive away from La Fortuna, this waterfall is famous for its striking turquoise waters. How does it get that incredible color? It’s all thanks to a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals in the water that turn the water blue with the help of the sun rays reflecting off of them. The hike to the waterfall is a breeze compared to La Fortuna, but, fortunately, the views are just as breathtaking. Plus, the journey takes you through lush rainforest, and several hot springs that are too boiling to swim in, but beautiful enough to enjoy from the bridge.

Lost Canyon:

Add scaling down waterfalls and jumping into small natural pools to your itinerary.

Go canyoning through the depths of the natural playground that is Lost Canyon. If you’re a little bit on the adventurous side, you simply cannot miss the waterfall rappelling experience here. This adrenaline-pumping activity will have your heart racing as you descend into the stunning canyons and waterfalls that come up to 200 feet. The guides are super friendly and will walk you through every step, so even if you’re a newbie, you’ll be scrambling over boulders and dropping into jungle pools like a pro in no time.

Llanos de Cortés

If you’re looking for a more serene experience, the enchanting Llanos de Cortés Waterfall is for you. This gem is located near the town of Bagaces and is less touristy, giving you a chance to soak up the tranquility. The waterfall tumbles gracefully into a large swimming area, perfect for lounging and cooling off after a day of exploring. Bring a picnic, lay down your beach towel on the sandy beach, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. The view almost seems ethereal, especially when there’s more greenery and moss on the rock surrounding the waterfall. Secret tip: the surrounding area also has an isolated natural pool that is only accessible through the clear trail that’s on the other side of the river. The trail also leads you to the top of the waterfall, letting you enjoy the view from above.

Montezuma Waterfalls

Before you wrap up your waterfall tour, don’t forget to swing by the stunning Nicoya Peninsula. Not only is it home to some of the country’s best beaches, but you’ll also find the picturesque Montezuma Waterfalls, a collection of three waterfalls that are only accessible through a short hike or through a private trail that requires a fee. The hike will have you scaling the sides of rocks with the help of ropes and climbing up the riverbed all the way to the end and it will lead you to the series of beautiful cascading falls. Through a bit more climbing and crossing rivers, you can find the other two waterfalls in the vicinity that are relatively shorter but less crowded. 

So, whether you’re trekking through lush jungles, scaling waterfalls, or just soaking in the stunning views, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for a trip that’ll leave you with memories for a lifetime. Happy travels, amigos!