Top Off the Beaten Path - Waterfalls in Costa Rica
For an expat living in Costa Rica, waterfall hunting can turn a boring day in the city into a jungle adventure.
After several years of experience, I am now offering my top off-the-beaten track finds for those of you who may have less time for getting lost and cannot bare the idea of going home empty handed.
The following are my top picks for waterfalls to visit while traveling in Costa Rica: 1.
Llanos del Cortez -- A popular day trip for locals in Guanacaste, this beautiful swimming hole is just several kilometers beyond the turn off for Bagaces when driving north on the Pan-American Highway.
Continue 2km after the turn off and you will find a small parking area for the Llanos del Cortez waterfall.
The setting is picturesque (though avoid public holidays and weekends if you can if you don't want to share the viwe).
2.
Cocolito Falls -- A true gem, these Montezuma falls are only reachable by a two hour hike along the beach, so bring lots of suntan lotion.
The allure of the falls is that they flow over a cliff falling directly onto the beach in a perfect white sand cove.
To find the falls, walk north from Montezuma along the beach with the national park on your left for the duration of your journey.
You'll know when you get there.
3.
Catarata Las Musas -- Another local secret, many Ticos have been visiting these falls since childhood.
Located close to the town of San Ramon, the area around the falls is equipped with picnic areas, changing rooms and a restaurant.
4.
Los Chorros -- This popular swimming hole is located in the area of Grecia, making it perfect for a day trip from San Jose.
The entrance to the falls requires a small fee as the area has been turned into a park with clean changing rooms, picnic areas and even a hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
5.
San Luis waterfall -- Notable due to its proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve, the San Luis waterfall enjoys a similar misty climate, creating an eerie atmosphere for your visit.
On the way to the Cloud Forest reserve, you will come to a fork in the road where you bare right and continue on for another 7 kilometers to reach the falls, which are just a short walk from a parking area.
6.
Rio Celeste falls -- One of the best photo ops in the country, the Rio Celeste falls are formed by a natural thermal river that runs through the Tenorio National Park in Guanacaste and features a vibrant turquoise glow thanks to the minerals found in the water.
The 30 meter high falls can be reached by hiking along the river or on horseback and are rarely crowded thanks to their off the beaten track location.
After several years of experience, I am now offering my top off-the-beaten track finds for those of you who may have less time for getting lost and cannot bare the idea of going home empty handed.
The following are my top picks for waterfalls to visit while traveling in Costa Rica: 1.
Llanos del Cortez -- A popular day trip for locals in Guanacaste, this beautiful swimming hole is just several kilometers beyond the turn off for Bagaces when driving north on the Pan-American Highway.
Continue 2km after the turn off and you will find a small parking area for the Llanos del Cortez waterfall.
The setting is picturesque (though avoid public holidays and weekends if you can if you don't want to share the viwe).
2.
Cocolito Falls -- A true gem, these Montezuma falls are only reachable by a two hour hike along the beach, so bring lots of suntan lotion.
The allure of the falls is that they flow over a cliff falling directly onto the beach in a perfect white sand cove.
To find the falls, walk north from Montezuma along the beach with the national park on your left for the duration of your journey.
You'll know when you get there.
3.
Catarata Las Musas -- Another local secret, many Ticos have been visiting these falls since childhood.
Located close to the town of San Ramon, the area around the falls is equipped with picnic areas, changing rooms and a restaurant.
4.
Los Chorros -- This popular swimming hole is located in the area of Grecia, making it perfect for a day trip from San Jose.
The entrance to the falls requires a small fee as the area has been turned into a park with clean changing rooms, picnic areas and even a hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
5.
San Luis waterfall -- Notable due to its proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve, the San Luis waterfall enjoys a similar misty climate, creating an eerie atmosphere for your visit.
On the way to the Cloud Forest reserve, you will come to a fork in the road where you bare right and continue on for another 7 kilometers to reach the falls, which are just a short walk from a parking area.
6.
Rio Celeste falls -- One of the best photo ops in the country, the Rio Celeste falls are formed by a natural thermal river that runs through the Tenorio National Park in Guanacaste and features a vibrant turquoise glow thanks to the minerals found in the water.
The 30 meter high falls can be reached by hiking along the river or on horseback and are rarely crowded thanks to their off the beaten track location.
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