7 Epic Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Photos by A Cruising Couple unless otherwise indicated

Costa Rica is renowned for its outstanding natural attractions. Whether it's zip lining through the jungle canopy, lounging on picture-perfect beaches or trying your hand at whitewater rapids, you'll have no shortage of things to see and do in the lush outdoors. That said, be sure to leave time in your itinerary for a visit to at least one of Costa Rica's many outstanding waterfalls.

There are waterfalls in nearly every corner of the country, but these are seven of our absolute favorites:

Nauyaca Waterfall

One of our personal favorites and the first on the list is the Nauyaca Waterfall. Located in Southern Costa Rica on the mountain road from Dominical to San Isidro, this is easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. The twin falls are located inside an 260-foot wide canyon only accessible after a two-and-a-half mile hike or horseback ride into the jungle.

READ MORE: 10 Gems of Costa Rica's Southern Zone

The upper and taller of the two cascades reaches 150 feet high, pummeling the rocks below. The lower falls stand 65 feet high; its steady flow forms a perfect natural pool where tourists, ex-pats, and locals all congregate to cool off.

El Pavon Waterfall

It's not the height of El Pavon that makes it such a unique spot, but the peculiar formation of the falls. One large boulder sits perfectly wedged in the center of the falls as if having been hand-placed there. The easy access and relatively gentle water flow make this an excellent choice for those traveling with kids.

You'll find El Pavon just outside of Ojochal. This is the only waterfall on the list where the entrance is free. For an extra treat, try lunch at the nearby tilapia farm where you can catch your own fresh fish for the restaurant to fry up for you.

King Louis Waterfall

Photo via Flickr/Chicobommba

Way down south, in the far reaches of the Osa Peninsula, is the King Louis Waterfall. While many of the other waterfalls on this list are relatively well known, it's likely you'll have this remote beauty all to yourself. Be on the lookout for poison dart frogs, toucans and monkeys as this waterfall is located in the most biologically intense region on the planet.

Diamante Waterfalls

The Diamante Waterfalls are a set of 10 separate falls, with the tallest towering at 600 feet high. Not for the faint of heart, hiking to these super remote waterfalls is physically demanding. The waterfalls are privately owned, and all tours will need to be arranged through Tree Of Life in Las Tumbas. You can take your pick from a host of tours ranging from single to multi-day. Different options include rappelling, canyoning, cliff jumping, and even overnight camping in a cave tucked behind twin waterfalls.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Located in the popular tourist town of the same name, the La Fortuna Waterfall emerges from the dense jungle before plunging some 200 feet into the emerald pool below. We recommend bringing a bathing suit and a snack so you can swim and relax at your leisure.

Rio Celeste Waterfall

Photo via Flickr/rohit

The radiant bright blue waters of Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park makes it not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country but also one of the most unique. There are two options to reach the waterfall itself. You can follow the bright blue river on a somewhat challenging 4.5-mile hike or take an easier one-mile hike directly to the waterfall.

READ MORE: 9 Exotic Costa Rican Fruits You Absolutely Need To Try

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Photo via Flickr/Carlos Affonso

La Paz Waterfall Gardens claims to be the number one "most visited privately owned ecological attraction" in Costa Rica. The entire area has an aviary, a Butterfly Observatory, a Hummingbird Garden, a Serpentarium, a Jungle Cats Exhibit, a Frog Exhibit and over two miles of walking trails. Get here early as there is plenty to see, and with a $40 admission fee, you'll want to get your money's worth.

Have you visited these waterfalls in Costa Rica? Which is your favorite?

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