Discover Costa Rica’s Most Picturesque Waterfall Locations

Costa Rica’s extensive collection of stunning picturesque waterfall locations are arguably one of its best assets. There are few places, anywhere in the world, where you can literally waterfall-hop with such ease. The country’s abundance of rivers, mountainous topography and healthy yearly rainfalls means that no matter where you choose to go, you’ll be right nearby a spectacular waterfall.

Don’t believe us? Oh….you will.

Since not all waterfalls were created equal, if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure trip or an over-the-moon adventure honeymoon to Costa Rica, you really ought to seek out the most jaw-dropping waterfalls of all.

Here are our favorites and, we guarantee you, just a taste of the wonders you can discover here!

Rio Celeste Waterfall

Long before man created Photoshop, Mother Nature created Rio Celeste. The awe-inspiring sight of its baby blue waters is created by a mineral reaction and is incredibly ethereal to say the least. The 90-metre drop simply adds to the amazing spectacle. This is considered the postcard-perfect waterfall in Costa Rica and, although reaching it requires a moderate amount of exertion, the hike up is worth every single sweat bead.

Where: In the northern section of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Northern Costa Rica

Easy to visit from: La Fortuna, Bijagua, Guatuso

Activities: You’ll need to hike and descend over 250 steps. Swimming at this waterfall is not allowed

Best time to visit: December to April, for better viewing

La Fortuna Waterfall

This is one of Costa Rica’s most popular waterfalls, because it’s found right nearby La Fortuna, is (somewhat) easier to reach and swimming is allowed. Being a total stunner also helps! The fall drops 70 metres into a crystal clear pool, where you can enjoy an incredible frolic. There are two viewing platforms here and quite a few amenities. This is one of the country’s most visited sites, so head here at 8 am just as the park opens, to avoid the huge crowds.

Where: Only 3 miles from La Fortuna, Centre-north Costa Rica

Easy to visit from: La Fortuna

Activities: You’ll need to negotiate 500 steps, first down then up! There’s a visitor centre here with changing rooms and amenities.

Best time to visit: All year long, but June to September are particularly ideal

Nauyaca Waterfall

Nauyaca Waterfalls This is one of the country’s largest and most impressive cascades. Nauyaca may fall a tad shorter than the first two (65 m), but it stumbles far and wide, over two amazing tiers. You can swim in the refreshing pool below and, if you’re lucky, may even see a few of the local daredevils take death-defying leaps from the top tier. Breathtaking and terrifying!

Where: In the southern section of Dominical, Southern Costa Rica

Easy to visit from: Uvita, Manuel Antonio, Ojochal

Activities: Easy 1 hr walk to the waterfalls, horse riding tours also available

Best time to visit: All year long, but June to September are particularly ideal

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

A romantic curtain of water descends Llanos de Cortez and although the water volume is quite immense, these are perhaps the most romantic and genteel of all the cascades. Super easy to access, conveniently located and offering an ideal swimming pause on any day trip out and about, these waterfalls are great to visit at any time of year.