Costa Rica has hundreds of waterfalls, from roadside cascades in the cloud forest to wide curtains of water you can swim under. Some of the best are an easy day trip from the Central Valley, and the rest make a great weekend away. Here are seven worth the trip, and how to choose between them.
The short answer
- Closest to the Central Valley: La Paz, about an hour from Heredia or Alajuela.
- Tallest: Catarata del Toro, close to 90 metres, falling into an old volcanic crater.
- Most famous: La Fortuna, below Arenal Volcano.
- Bluest water: Río Celeste, in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
- Best for swimming: Nauyaca in the south and Llanos de Cortés in Guanacaste.
Checked on 21 October 2026. Access and opening hours change with the weather, so check before you drive.
Waterfalls you can visit in a day from the Central Valley
La Paz Waterfall, Vara Blanca
La Paz drops about 37 metres right beside Route 126, between Vara Blanca and Cinchona, about 31 km north of Alajuela. You can see it from the public road, and there is a roadside stop for photos. The private La Paz Waterfall Gardens park next to it has trails to several more falls. The drive climbs through cloud forest and strawberry farms, and it is often cool and misty, so bring a jacket.
Catarata del Toro, Bajos del Toro
Catarata del Toro is one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica, falling close to 90 metres into the crater of an old, extinct volcano, with red and orange rock walls. It sits on a private reserve in Bajos del Toro, Alajuela, roughly two hours from San José. A long staircase leads down toward the base, so wear good shoes.
Waterfalls worth a weekend away
La Fortuna Waterfall, near Arenal
La Fortuna falls about 70 metres from a basalt cliff into a jungle gorge just outside La Fortuna town. It is run by a local community association, and a staircase of around 500 steps takes you down to the river. Combine it with a visit to Arenal Volcano and the hot springs nearby.
Río Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park
The Río Celeste waterfall is famous for its sky-blue water, a colour created by minerals in the river. It is inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, managed by SINAC, so tickets are bought online and swimming is not allowed in the park. Parts of the trail can close after heavy rain or landslides.
Nauyaca Waterfalls, near Dominical
Nauyaca is a two-tiered waterfall in the hills between Dominical and San Isidro de El General, on the southern Pacific side. You reach it on a walk of about an hour from the entrance, or by guided transport from the operators there. The lower pool is the place to swim.
Llanos de Cortés, Guanacaste
Llanos de Cortés, near Bagaces, is a wide curtain of water over a calm pool with a small sandy beach. It is a short walk from the parking area, which makes it an easy stop on the way to or from Liberia and the Guanacaste beaches.
Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula
Montezuma’s waterfalls are a short hike from the beach village of the same name. The lower pool is popular for a swim, but the rocks are slippery and people have been badly hurt jumping from the upper falls. Enjoy the view and stay on the marked trail.
Which waterfall is best for you?
- Only have a day: La Paz or Catarata del Toro from the Central Valley.
- Want the classic photo: La Fortuna or Río Celeste.
- Want to swim: Nauyaca or Llanos de Cortés.
- Want few crowds: Catarata del Toro, especially on a weekday.
Safety tips
- Rivers can rise very fast in the rainy season, especially in the afternoon. Never swim during or after heavy rain.
- Do not jump from rocks or the top of a waterfall. Pools hide boulders, and currents near the falls are strong.
- Wear shoes with good grip, carry water, and start early.
- Many waterfalls are on private land or in national parks. Follow the rules where you pay to enter.
Living near the waterfalls
One of the best parts of living in the Central Valley is how close all this is. From towns like Heredia, Grecia or Alajuela, you can be at La Paz before breakfast is over, and back home for lunch. If you are still choosing where to settle, see our guide to the best places to live in Costa Rica. For the volcanoes behind many of these falls, read Costa Rica volcanoes: which one is best to visit?
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous waterfall in Costa Rica?
La Fortuna Waterfall, below Arenal Volcano, is the best known. Río Celeste is a close second for its blue water.
Which waterfall is closest to San José?
La Paz, near Vara Blanca, is the closest of the big ones, roughly an hour and a half from San José and about an hour from Heredia or Alajuela.
Can you swim in Costa Rica’s waterfalls?
At some of them. Nauyaca’s lower pool and Llanos de Cortés are popular swimming spots. Swimming is not allowed at Río Celeste. Always check the local rules and the weather first.
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