Costa Rica is a land of natural abundance, with emerald rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and, of course, waterfalls. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and explorers, with promises of beauty and excitement around every corner. And with numerous towering waterfalls located across the country, you’re guaranteed an adventure.
That’s why Costa Rica Waterfall Tours has “waterfall” in our name. These cascades are at the heart of our Jaco Waterfall and Canyoning Tours, where we don’t just admire the falls but jump straight in!
We’ve created this guide to the top waterfalls in Costa Rica so you know exactly where to go when you visit. If you have any questions about our waterfall experiences, feel free to get in touch with our team.
Let’s dive in!
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Just over an hour’s drive from San Jose, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens are one of the top attractions in Costa Rica. You won’t just see one waterfall, but five different majestic cascades in this ecological park. Spend a whole day here walking the trails through the cloud forest and chasing each waterfall. The tallest waterfall here is Magia Blanca, which falls from a height of 120 feet! The eponymous waterfall La Paz drops slightly lower from 110 feet, while the shortest waterfall here is just 15 feet in height.
While you can’t swim at these waterfalls, you’ll still find yourself fully immersed in nature — the gardens also serve as a wildlife sanctuary for a diversity of animals. Encounter jungle cats like jaguars, slow-moving sloths, and indigenous butterflies at an observatory.
Jaco Waterfalls
With a number of waterfalls located near the town, there’s little wonder why Costa Rica Waterfall Tours has set itself up in Jaco. During our Explorer Tour from Jaco, we travel into the hills above the town where you can find a range of cascades. At 1,000 feet above sea level, we trek into the rainforest and start our hunt. Discover waterfalls ranging in height from 4 feet to 25 feet, where you can swim in the natural pools or even enjoy some cliff jumping!
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, we also offer Costa Rica canyoning in Jaco. Rather than sitting back and taking photos, go rappelling down the cascading waterfalls! During this tour, we hike, swim, cliff jump, and even zipline. After practicing on dry rock, you’ll get to rappel down a waterfall four times for a close-up experience unlike any other! We provide all the safety equipment necessary so you can push your boundaries in comfort.
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
Arguably one of the best swimming spots in Costa Rica, Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is the place to be on a hot day. Located in Guanacaste province in the north of Costa Rica, these waterfalls are easy to access on a short walk from the parking lot. While it may get crowded on the weekend, you can enjoy a more peaceful swimming experience during the week. Wade beneath the cascades or admire the treetops above as you float serenely. Bring a picnic along so you can have a bite to eat while sitting on the banks of the water.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
The Rio Celeste Waterfall is a sight to behold. White waters plunge from 70 feet high into a pool of bright blue waters you’ll have to see to believe. Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste Waterfall can be reached on a hike and further down a wooden staircase. Along the way, you can spot sloths, monkeys, frogs, and more. Make sure to wear good sneakers and bug-repellent spray. For the best chance of seeing the blue waters at their brightest, visit outside of the rainy season. If you would like more details on the seasons, check out our blog: When is the Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica?
El Tigre Waterfalls
The hike to the El Tigre Waterfalls may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You’ll embark on an 8-kilometer trek through lush greenery, across 10 hanging bridges, and pass four gushing waterfalls. Have a dip in the river to cool down if you work up a sweat. And if you don’t want to exert yourself too much, it’s possible to arrange to ride the last section of the hike on horseback! Alternatively, grab a 4×4 ride back to the start where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Located beneath the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Falling from a height of 70 meters, this waterfall can be accessed on a moderately challenging hike through a biological reserve. Embark on a trek down 530 steps to the waterfall, where you can cool down with a swim in its turquoise waters. The journey takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on your fitness levels, making this waterfall easy to visit on a day trip.
People who may not be able to walk down to the waterfall can still admire the waterfall from a viewpoint 200 meters away. There is also an accessible orchid garden in the reserve where 200 native species of orchids grow. Continue your adventures in the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can find hot springs and lava fields.
Chase Costa Rica’s Waterfalls with Our Team!
This is just the beginning of Costa Rica’s waterfalls — far more awaits upon your arrival in this magical country! Whether you’re looking for an easy and relaxing experience in nature or a thrilling outdoor adventure, wherever you go, you’ll find a breathtaking waterfall.
Our team offers even more waterfall experiences, including our Extreme Adventure Tour from Jaco, Costa Rica where you can jump from waterfalls 40 feet high or go slipping down a natural slide. You can also take it easy if you’d prefer to float in the waters instead. For the adrenaline junkies among you, we also have an Extreme Jaco Canyoning tour that involves rappelling 150 feet into a pool!
We certainly know our way around Costa Rica’s waterfalls and can accommodate you for any kind of adventure. Get in touch with us to find out more about our tours.
