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Home » Destinations » Pacific Coast » Dominical » 18 Things to Know About Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica

18 Things to Know About Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Published: July 29, 2022  - Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

A trip to Costa Rica simply isn’t complete without a bit of waterfall chasing – waterfalls are one of the things the country is known for . Luckily, the beautiful rainforests of  Costa Rica are full of spectacular waterfalls , each more beautiful than the last, and the Nauyaca Waterfalls are no exception. My goodness was it stunning to see in person!

Nauyaca Waterfalls can be found in the Southern part of Costa Rica, along the Pacific Coast, just outside of the small bohemian beach community called Dominical . The falls can be easily visited as a day trip from popular tourist destinations like Manuel Antonio , Uvita , or Jaco . 

After a magical hike through the lush primary rainforest, you’ll arrive at one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Costa Rica – and probably the world. The towering waterfalls empty into a pristine jungle pool, perfect for swimming. 

If you want to experience one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful rainforest waterfalls during your trip, you can’t pass up a trip to the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls. We’ve created this guide with everything you need to know to plan the tropical adventure of a lifetime on your visit to Nauyaca Waterfalls. 

1. About Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls are actually two levels of waterfalls that have a combined height of 197 feet (60 meters.) Above a beautiful blue pool, surrounded by thick rainforest on all sides, the falls can only be reached by a jungle hike, in the back of a truck, or a horseback riding tour. 

The Nauyaca Waterfalls require a little more effort to get to than some of the other waterfalls in Costa Rica , but if you’re up for a hike or an easy truck/ horseback ride, you will be rewarded with one of the  best things to do in Costa Rica . 

At the Nauyaca Waterfalls, you can hike and explore all around the falls and take in the views from multiple levels by climbing the huge rocks surrounding the area. You can swim in the majestic pool of the lower falls all day or swim up under the falls to feel the power of the water pouring down on you from above in a jungle shower. 

You’ll be surrounded by the lush rainforest and bio-diverse plant and animal life that make Costa Rica a beloved destination for travelers worldwide. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the country’s rare and endangered wildlife like monkeys, sloths , birds , and more. 

2. Where are Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Located in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica, Nauyaca Waterfalls are on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, only a few hours north of the Osa Peninsula . The area is famous for surfing, nature, and laid-back boho vibes. 

Nauyaca Waterfalls can be found via a 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) hike into the dense jungles outside the hippie surf town of Dominical. The waterfalls feel super remote, but travelers love that they’re accessible from popular beach destinations like Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Jaco. 

The most popular entrance to the falls is just 20 minutes outside of Dominical, home to plenty of cool things to see and do. It’s on a beautiful property in the middle of the rainforest owned by a Costa Rican family, the Don Lulos. 

Related Read: Check out the best hotels in Dominical before you go!

3. The two entrances to Nauyaca Waterfalls 

There are two ways to enter Nauyaca Waterfalls. The first entrance is off the main road from Dominical to San Isidro, known as  Don Lulo’s entrance . This is where we entered as you can access this entrance via bus and a really well-maintained highway that does not require a 4WD. This saves you a ton of time simply because it’s a smooth ride. 

To enter the falls from this entrance off of the main road, drive to the location linked above and buy your tickets from the ticket office. It is here that you can choose how to reach the waterfalls either by hiking, signing up for a horseback riding tour, or purchasing a ride in the truck. After you have your ticket, the attendant will tell you to drive down to the parking lot around 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) down a steep but well-maintained road. 

From the bottom parking lot, the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most hikers. It is a little muddy so don’t wear your best shoes. The distance to the falls from this entrance point is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers.) With that said, it is definitely a hike that requires a bit of effort. It is almost entirely uphill the whole way there, so some level of fitness is required – and bring plenty of water!

The only problem with this entrance is if you book your transport with the truck or horse, you only get 2 hours at the waterfall. Although I personally think this is more than enough time for most, so I don’t think it’s an issue. If you hike, you can spend as much time as you like. 

The second is a new entrance point is called Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. 

The Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park entrance  allows for more flexibility, so you can stay at the falls as long as you like if you choose the truck option, and the hike is also much shorter. The newer access allows you to arrive via the east side of the falls off of the major road and is generally less crowded. 

Turn off the main road, and follow the unpaved road for about 15 minutes. Along the way, you will see signage directing you toward the entrance. 4×4 cars are recommended for this route, but most rental vehicles should be able to make the journey – just be careful and travel at your own risk. 

From this entrance, you can choose to hike from the parking lot or ride in the truck down to the falls (or combine both.) If you decide to walk, it is about 40 minutes down (unlike the other entrance that involves a hike up) to the waterfall and about an hour back. The hike back out is steep and moderately challenging, so many opt to hike in and ride the truck out. 

If you take the truck, you still need to walk another 10 minutes, but this still saves you a lot of effort. 

4. How much does it cost to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls

There are different prices to enter Nauyaca Waterfalls depending on the entrance you choose. 

From Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park, you’ll pay $30 USD ($20 USD for kids) to enter the park. This includes access to the changing rooms, a truck ride to and from the waterfall, and parking. This entrance does not offer horseback riding tours.

The original Don Lulo entrance costs only $10 USD if you choose to hike and $32 USD if you choose to ride in the 4×4 truck. A horseback riding tour is available for an additional fee of around $80 USD. There is also a charge of $4 USD for parking if you take your own car. 

As you can see, there are benefits to both entrances!

5. Do you need to book tickets to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls? 

If you just plan on hiking to Nauyaca Waterfalls or entering from the Nature Park Entrance, booking tickets ahead of time is not necessary. Nauyaca Waterfalls is a popular tourist destination and is open daily, so you can just pay cash or card when you arrive. 

If you want to do the paid truck ride or horseback riding tour at the Don Lulo entrance, you can book online ahead of time if you choose. This will just secure your spot on the horse and truck. 

You can book through the  Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park website here .

6. Can you pay by credit card at Nauyaca Waterfalls? 

Yes, you can pay on either Visa or Mastercard credit cards as well as cash. However, I recommend bringing both – I always get nervous there could be an outage or broken machine! 

7. Nauyaca Waterfall hours?

The actual waterfalls at Nauyaca Waterfalls are open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm every day. This means you can stay at the waterfall until 3:30 pm and then walk back so you can leave the entire park at around 4:30 pm which is when the nature park closes.

However, there are specific hours from each entrance. 

The ticket office at the Don Lulo entrance opens at 7 am, and this is also when the first 4wd tour leaves, with the final departure around noon. From the Don Lulo entrance, you cannot enter the park after 2 pm as the ticket office closes. You can still be in the park until 4:30 pm (leave the waterfall by 3:30 pm); you just can’t purchase more tickets. The full 4×4 tour schedule at Don Lulo is:

Please note, on Sundays, they open at 8 am and the 4×4 does not opporate then.

The Nauyaca Waterfalls Park opens at 7:30 am and stays open until 4:30 pm. They have no last entry, but I am sure you wouldn’t want to arrive later than 2 pm anyway. Remember, at the waterfall, it says you must leave by 3:30 pm.

8. The best time to visit Nauyaca Waterfall?

The best time to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls is early in the morning before the crowds of tourists arrive. The waterfalls open at 7:30 am (Don Lulo’s entrance opens at 7 am), so the earlier you can get there, the better – before 10 am is best if you want to enjoy the peace and solitude in nature. 

We were at the ticket office at 7:00 am when it opened and began the hike right away. When we got to the waterfall after the 1-hour hike (around 8 am), we were the only ones there for 45 minutes. It was magical! 

The peak tourist season in Costa Rica is from December until March, so while that is a great time to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, you will be hitting the crowds. The rainier season can make the waterfall super powerful and muddy, but you won’t see quite as many tourists. Before or after peak season is a great time to visit if you want to experience the magic without the crowds. 

9. Getting to Nauyaca Waterfalls 

To get to Nauyaca Waterfalls, you have plenty of options. There is an accessible public bus from Dominical (to Don Lulo’s entrance). There is also a bus route from Uvita, which can be a little more tricky. Ask your hotel in Uvita or Dominical for bus departure times and locations as they do frequently change.

For travelers with a rental car , it’s an easy drive from the main road that runs between Dominical and San Isidro. 

It’s about 45 minutes by car from Uvita, 20 minutes from Dominical, and about an hour from Manuel Antonio , making it a fantastic day trip from any of these popular tourist hot spots. 

To take the bus from Uvita and Dominical:

• Head to the bus stop across from the Uvita bus station.
• Take the bus heading for San Isidro, which leaves around 6 in the morning.
• Tell the driver you want to stop at the entrance to Nauyaca, which will cost about $5 USD. You can reach the falls by about 7 am via this bus route. 

The same bus passes through Dominical, so from Dominical, you will hop on the bus at about 6:15 am in town at the bus stop pictured above. There are not many options on the way back, so taking the bus is really only convenient from Dominical. We took the bus there, and then asked some other travelers for a ride back in their rental car.

Please remember, the bus drops you at the ticket office on the main road. From here, you need to purchase your ticket and then walk 2 kilometers (2.5 miles) along a paved road to the parking lot and start of the trail. This adds 2 kilometers (each way) to your walk as the trail is 4 kilometers from the parking lot, not the ticket office.

A few other ways to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls include hiring a taxi, which will be pricey and provide only one-way transportation. You will have to get the phone number of a cab driver to schedule the ride back when you’re finished. You can also choose to book a tour to the waterfalls that includes a shuttle service – there are plenty of options departing from Manuel Antonio , Quepos , Uvita, and Dominical. 

10. Is there parking at Nauyaca Waterfalls? 

Both entrances to Nauyaca Waterfalls have large and accessible parking lots, making driving yourself an excellent option for those who are traveling with a rental car . The parking is included with admission from the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park entrance and costs $4 USD at the Don Lulo entrance. 

11. How long is the hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls? 

From the entrance we used (Don Lulo), the hike is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and takes about an hour (we went fast, so allow 1.5 hours.) The way there is much harder from this entrance as you need to hike up to the waterfall. In most sections, it’s not that steep but still challenging and definitely a workout.  

The hike back out is a little easier, but if it’s wet, it can be slippery as you need to hike down some steep sections. 

The hike from the Nauayaca Waterfalls Nature Park is much shorter, and on the way to the waterfall, you only need to hike for around 40 minutes down to the waterfall. The way back up takes a little longer at 1 hour. 

If you choose to hike, it’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and take your time in both directions to really enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle. The hike is moderately strenuous, so you have to be ready for some exercise, but it will be well worth it for the nature you can experience along the way and the refreshing water to cool off in once you reach the falls. 

12. Other ways to reach Nauyaca Waterfalls without hiking 

If you aren’t interested in hiking, have some mobility issues, or simply want to save yourself from sweating on the way to the waterfalls, there are a few other options for getting there that don’t involve walking. 

From the Don Lulo entrance, you can choose to venture to the falls via horseback for $85 USD per person. It’s a fun, and adventurous way to experience the jungle trail on the way to the waterfalls and will save you from the strenuous hike. The tour takes about 5 hours. 

The other option is to take a 4×4 truck. From the Don Lulu office, this costs $32 per person, and you will book a time for the hourly shuttle between 7 am and noon. The premium truck experience includes breakfast, entrance to the falls, round trip 4×4 ride, lunch, and a guide for $85. 

The Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park entrance allows you to approach the falls from the east side, and the cost is $30 USD, including the ride to the falls and access to bathrooms, changing rooms, and the various nature park hiking trails. 

13. How long do you need to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Nauyaca Waterfalls are simply gorgeous, and you will want to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the falls and explore the surrounding areas. If you plan to use the 4×4 shuttle service, you can prepare for a half-day with around 2 to 3 hours for your visit. If you choose to hike or horseback ride, plan for a full day with at least 5 hours. 

Pack some snacks and bring a swimsuit, as you will likely want to swim in the jungle pool and climb on the rocks all day once you arrive. 

We spent a total of 2 hours at the waterfall, which was more than enough time to enjoy it! 

14. Can you swim at Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Swimming at Nauyaca Waterfalls is permitted and encouraged. Plunging in the large deep swimming hole at the waterfall’s base is an unforgettable experience. The plummeting falls empty into a large lagoon-like pool that offers plenty of space for swimming and sunning on the large boulders surrounding the water. You can even swim all the way up to the falls and climb on the rocks underneath the waterfall for a jungle shower. 

The upper falls at Nauyaca are a great place to walk around and take in the views, but you can’t swim in the upper area. There are some seriously amazing views from the upper level, and it’s a great place to take photos of both cascades. The upper fall drops an impressive 147 feet (45 meters). 

The lower falls are the more popular of the two areas, and most visitors can be found hanging out on the rocks and swimming in the pristine waters below the falls. The lower waterfall has tiers about 65 feet (20 meters) high and empties into a large deep swimming hole. It’s the perfect place to swim, relax on the rocks, and enjoy the rainforest. 

Signs are in place to tell you where you can and cannot swim.

You should be a confident swimmer, though, as the current can be somewhat strong.

15. Facilities at Nauyaca Waterfalls?

At the newer Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park entrance, the facilities are plentiful. There are bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers. They can be accessed by the public and are included in the price of admission. 

The Don Lulo entrance doesn’t have facilities besides the small visitor center and a small restaurant along the hike (here, you can find bathrooms and food.) It’s very basic, I would bring everything you think you’ll need, including snacks.

When you get to the actual waterfall, it’s important to note that there are bathrooms at the entrance to the falls, but they are not very nice. It is a remote location. It’s also a good idea to pack your own snacks and drinks; unless you book a tour that includes lunch, there won’t be anywhere to purchase food at the falls, although there is sometimes a fruit stand down the road from the entrance. 

I will mention that while I was at Nauyaca Waterfalls, there was some construction going on, so more facilities might be on the way!

16. What should I bring to Nauyaca Waterfalls? 

To have the perfect day at the beautiful Nauyaca Waterfalls, you’ll want to pack a small day pack with a few essentials. Here is a list of a few things you might want to include for your adventure. 

• Bottles of water – the hike will definitely make you thirsty! Pack more than you think you need. 
• Bug spray – like everywhere in the rainforests of Costa Rica, mosquitos are plentiful. 
• Natural sunscreen that is safe for the water if you plan to swim. 
• A camera 
• Cash for the entrance fees and snacks if you need to purchase them. 
• Towels 
• A dry change of clothes 
• Sturdy shoes – preferably a pair that is good for both the water and the trail. 
• A rain jacket or poncho – especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season. 
• A picnic lunch or trail snacks – there aren’t many food vendors, so it is best to come prepared. 
• Moisture-wicking clothing. 

17. Is Nauyaca Waterfalls suitable for kids? 

Nauyaca Waterfall is an excellent destination for families with kids of all ages. It’s important to remember that the hike is moderately strenuous and takes about an hour each way, so if you’re choosing the walking route, use discretion about whether or not your kids will be up for it. If not, you can always choose to take the 4×4 shuttles to make the journey to the falls a little easier. 

Kids should use caution while swimming at the base of the waterfall. There are lifeguards on duty, but the pool is deep, so keep a watchful eye on little ones. 

18. Best tours to Nauyaca Waterfalls

If you’re staying in some of the popular tourist destinations on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, you might choose to opt for a guided day trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls. A few awesome tours include round-trip shuttle service , which are great options if you’re visiting Costa Rica without renting a car. 

From Manuel Antonio

If you’re coming from Manuel Antonio, this guided waterfall tour makes an excellent choice. It’s a full-day excursion and takes about 6 hours from start to finish. It includes an air-conditioned shuttle from the steps of your hotel all the way to the waterfall’s entrance and a knowledgeable guide who will point out all of the flora and fauna along the journey to the waterfall. The tour includes breakfast and a traditional Costa Rican lunch before returning you back to your hotel. This is one of the best tours in all Costa Rica !

From Quepos

From Quepos, this great tour option allows you to reach the falls with a shuttle service right from your Quepos hotel. The guided hike and tour to the waterfall take approximately 7 hours. The guide will show you all the best swimming spots and jump off the rocks into the pool. The tour also includes lunch, snacks, and water throughout your day. 

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Thanks for reading!

Now you know everything there is to know about visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls. I hope you enjoy this magical destination as much as did! If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below.

For more blogs about Costa Rica, check out these related blogs below:

Where to stay near the San Jose Airport

The BEST restaurants in Dominical

Epic things to do in Dominical

Nauyaca Waterfalls: Most Beautiful Waterfall in Costa Rica

The Nauyaca Waterfalls of Costa Rica is like a scene from ‘The Jungle Book’. Hike through the thick, lush jungle until you see one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. This two-tiered waterfall has a combined height of 61 meters (or 200 feet), with multiple natural pools at the bottom that are great for swimming. It is located on the South Pacific Coast, close to Uvita and Manuel Antonio . Read how to visit the majestic Nauyaca Waterfalls!

• About the waterfalls
• How to visit
• How to get there
• Tips for visiting

The Nauyaca Waterfalls Experience

These two falls are tucked away in a vast canyon surrounded by lush jungle about 30 minutes from Dominical. The Nauyaca Waterfalls are the ultimate ‘natural paradise’ and one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica – an experience not to be missed! 

Hike down through a lush green forest, cross bridges, and pass by small waterfalls until you hear the powerful sound of the water crashing down onto the rocks. That’s Nauyaca! 

Visit the upper falls to look down over the edge to the lower falls and natural pool. There is no deep swimming pool at the upper fall, which is why you’ll find most people bathing down at the lower falls.

Admire the full scale and beauty of the Nauyaca Waterfalls from the lower falls. At the lower falls, discover a natural swimming pool that is 6 meters (or 20 feet) deep at one point. At the weekends, locals climb up the waterfall and jump into the pool, putting on a show for passers-by. There’s also a small cave on the side to explore. 

Swim at the pool or sit in the waterfall for a powerful shower! Please note that this is at your own risk because old trees might fall down the waterfall, especially during the rainy season.

See all the hotels near the waterfall .

How to Visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls?

The Nauyaca Waterfalls have two entrances. First is the original entrance on the main road from Dominical to San Isidro. The second is a new entrance named Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. Let’s compare both options:

Don Lulo’s Entrance 

The original entrance to the Nauyaca Waterfalls is located directly on the main road. This is a well-paved road, and there’s no need for a 4×4 car. This is the location . 

Hotels in Nauyaca Waterfalls 😴

You can get to the waterfall in a few ways from the parking area: hiking, by truck, or horseback riding. The well-maintained trail is along a river followed by a moderately steep walk downhill.

We recommend hiking for about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) which costs 10 USD per person, or opting for the 4×4 truck tour at 32 USD per person. The tour allows you to be at the waterfall for two hours and has fixed times:

• 07:00 am – 09:30 am
• 08:00 am – 10:30 am
• 09:00 am – 11:30 am
• 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
• 11:00 am – 01:30 pm
• 12:00 noon – 02:30 pm

We personally went for the second entrance (written about below) because we wanted to be flexible with times and enter and leave whenever we like. 

Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park

The new entrance provides access from the eastern side of the Nauyaca Waterfalls. The entrance of Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park is located off the main road, a much less crowded option! The road towards the entrance is unpaved, and you need to follow it for about 15 minutes. About halfway, you’ll find signs pointing towards the entrance. If you drive slowly, this is doable with any kind of car. This is the location . 

You have a few options from the main parking to get to the waterfalls. Hiking, by truck, or a combination of both. We preferred hiking down (since it’s all downhill) and getting the 10-minute truck ride back up because it’s really steep. In total, it’s about 35 minutes down to the waterfalls and 50 minutes back up to the entrance. There is no schedule for the truck; they just drive up and down whenever it’s needed.

It’s good to know that the truck does not go to the foot of the waterfall, only until the ranger point. From the ranger point, it’s still about 10 minutes hiking through the wonderful, lush green jungle, but this is doable (even with kids). 

Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

The park is open daily from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The entrance fee is 20 USD for kids and 30 USD for adults. It includes the truck ride, parking, bathrooms, and changing rooms. Save on money by only taking the truck back to the park entrance.

How to Get to the Nauyaca Waterfalls?

No matter what entrance you choose, getting to the waterfalls is pretty much the same by following road 243 from Dominical to San Isidro. Nauyaca Waterfalls are most easily reached from Uvita (~ 45 minutes) or Manuel Antonio (~ 60 minutes). You can drive to Don Lulo’s entrance without any problems because of the paved roads. However, if you visit Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, you will drive on an unpaved road for about 15 minutes. Luckily you do not need a 4×4 to visit either entrance. 

We recommend to rent a car in Costa Rica through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour

If you don’t have your own transport, you can also opt for a tour of the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Most tours include the entrance fee, lunch, drinking water, and transportation from and to your hotel. Prices for a (half) day tour range from 130 USD to 180 USD per person.

Where to stay near Nauyaca Waterfalls

If you’re planning to visit the waterfalls in the early morning, it’s an excellent option to find a hotel close to the entrance to avoid all possible traffic. See all the hotels near the waterfall .

Tips for Visiting the Nauyaca Waterfalls

Alright, now are you feeling excited to visit the waterfalls? Here are some final tips for visiting the Nauyaca Waterfalls. 

• Avoid the crowds and be there before 10 AM. 
• It’s a large space so even if when it gets busier you can move all the way to the back and enjoy the water.
• Take your swimming suit and towel. 
• Wear shoes in the water. The rocks in the water are extremely slippery. 
• Take plenty of drinking water. There are no shops at the waterfall just pure nature! :)
• Take some snacks for that same reason. 
• Use mosquito repellent. Opt for a non-chemical soap so it doesn’t harm nature when you swim in the water.
• Check the weather beforehand. If it rains too much, the waterfall might be closed.

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Rio celeste waterfalls, costa rica: ultimate visitors guide, bajos del toro: 4 best waterfalls to visit (costa rica).

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Are you allowed jump from the top waterfall into the lower pool? I see you can buy Don Lulo’s tickets online, but do you have to reserve a certain day or are the tickets good for any day?

The tickets can just be purchased at the entrance. 🤗 And you are not allowed to jump of the waterfall.

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Discover Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica: The ULTIMATE Guide

Ready to visit one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica? You are in the right place! Nauyaca Waterfalls in Costa Rica is magical.

This guide will offer a breakdown of the two park entrances that run tours to the two tiered wonder.

When we visited Nauyaca Waterfall last year, we chose Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park and had one of the best days of our Costa Rica trip.

This waterfall is something special and should be on everyone’s Costa Rica itinerary!

Let’s get you started on planning your trip to Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica.

Some links in this post are affiliate. If clicked, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Important Nauyaca Waterfall Information

There is only ONE Nauyaca Waterfall in Costa Rica. However, there are TWO park entrances via different companies; Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park and Nauyaca Waterfalls. This blog will point out the differences between the parks. Whichever company you choose, you will end up at the gorgeous two tiered waterfall.

Table of Contents

Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica: Your ULTIMATE Guide

Where is Nauyaca Waterfall in Costa Rica?

Nauyaca Waterfall is located in the San José province of Costa Rica.

Labeled as the star on the map below, Nauyaca Waterfall is located close to Puntarenas Province.

Visiting this waterfall is a great day trip from the nearby beach towns of Uvita , Dominical and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

How to get to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Driving is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Nauyaca Waterfalls.

I recommend renting a car during your trip in Costa Rica for the ease and flexibility.

When driving in Costa Rica, download the free App, Waze .

Google Maps and Apple Maps do not work as well in Costa Rica and many locals use Waze themselves.

Download the App before you get to the country so it is ready to go.

Click here for rental cars in Costa Rica.

Taxis, buses and tour options are available from close by towns.

Continue reading for all of the options!

Driving San José to Nauyaca Waterfalls

When we visited Nauyaca Waterfalls a few months ago, we drove from the capital San José, Costa Rica via Route 2 .

Once reaching Pérez Zeledón , you will change to Route 243 and continue all the way to Nauyaca Waterfall.

The drive from the capital to the waterfalls is approximately 160 kilometres and 3-4 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Driving from Dominical or Uvita to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Driving from Dominical or Uvita, Costa Rica is easy and straight forward. 

From Dominical take Route 243 until you reach the waterfalls park entrance. 

The drive takes approximately 40 minutes.

From Uvita , drive along Route 34 until you reach Dominical, then switch for Route 243 until you get to the waterfalls.

The drive takes approximately 1 hour.

Buses or Taxis

There are buses from Grupo Blanco that stop at Nauyaca Waterfall from Dominical and San Isidoro, Costa Rica.

Taxis are available from nearby towns (Dominical & Uvita), and cost about $20 USD.

Always negotiate with the taxi driver BEFORE the drive starts, and/or make sure they turn the meter on.

Which Nauyaca Waterfall Park Entrance Should I Choose?

The park entrances are relatively the same and the end result for both is Nauyaca Waterfall.

The differences lie in the transportation, tour option and length of time allotted to staying at the waterfalls.

Nauyaca Waterfalls has been around for a long time and has established tours.

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is a newer facility with no time restrictions at the waterfalls.

We chose Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park and were very happy with our decision.

Continue reading for a further breakdown of what each park has to offer.

Nauyaca Waterfall Entrance Fees & Tour Options

Nauyaca waterfalls entrance fees & tours.

Nauyaca Waterfalls has four different tour options to choose from. 

The premium tour options below include free parking at their office. If you choose the hiking tour, you will pay a small fee for parking.

Click here for the Google Maps parking link.

Prices updated February 2024.

Option 1: Hiking Only

This hike is a long one, 12 kilometres round trip.

The hike to the waterfalls is 6 km along rugged dirt roads, and 6 km back to the office.

This hike is labeled as difficult and is a great option for those visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls on a budget.

• $10 USD per person
• 3,500 colones for Costa Rican nationals

Included in your ticket:

• Entrance into the park
• No restrictions on visiting time

Option 2: Horseback Riding

The Horseback Riding tour is offered from Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM. 

This tour requires a reservation and accepts beginner horseback riders.

There is a maximum weight capacity of 220-240lbs to be able to ride the horses.

•  $80 USD per person
• Entrance to the park
• Free parking
• Round trip horseback ride

Option 3: Premium 4×4 Tour

The Premium 4×4 tour is offered from Monday – Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM.  

Reservations are required.

• $80 USD per person
• Round trip transportation in a 4×4
• Guided jumping in the summer

Option 4: Economic 4×4 Tour

The Economic 4×4 tour is offered daily at multiple times . You get 2 hours to spend at the waterfalls.

• $32 USD per person
• Guided jumping (summer only)

Book your Nauyaca Waterfalls tour directly on their website.

Don’t want to visit Nauyaca Waterfall on your own? Take a guided tour from Manuel Antonio!

Nauyaca waterfall nature park entrance fees.

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park has two different tour options to choose from.

These are transportation tickets only and not guided tours. 

Parking is included in each tour listed below.

Click here for the Google Map parking link.

Option 1: Hiking + Trolley

The first option includes a 2.7 kilometre downhill hike from the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park office.

Trolley ride back up to the office when you have finished having fun at the waterfalls. 

• $28 USD per person (adult)
• $25 USD per child (3-12 years)
• 10,000 colones for Costa Rican nationals
• Use of the rancho: showers, bathrooms, hammocks, games
• Unlimited coffee

Option 2: Trolley Round Trip

The second option is the one that we chose.

We wanted to do the hike, however our time was limited and the weather was very hot.

The trolley drops you off at the ranch and there is still a short 10 minute hike through the rainforest to the waterfalls.

• $38 USD per person (adult)
• $35 USD per child (3-12 years)
• 13,000 colones for Costa Rican nationals

You can book in person (we just walked in)!

Or, book directly on their website here.

Our Experience at Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica

We chose to go with Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park and we could not have been happier. 

Communication with the team was smooth and they communicated in English.

I was WhatsApping them in the morning as it was a holiday, Good Friday , and I wanted to make sure they were open (which they were)!

They sent the google map coordinates, linked here.

We used the App, Waze to get to the park from San José, Costa Rica.

Purchasing Tickets & Trolley Ride

We opted for the round trip trolley tickets.

We purchased tickets at their head office and received wristbands. We were then taken by trolley down to the ranch. 

The road is very bumpy and you could easily lose your belongings off of the truck, hold on to everything tightly! 

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park Rancho

All ticket options at Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park give you access to the amenities at the ranch.

Spend time relaxing on their hammocks, use their toilets or take a quick shower (great for after the waterfalls).

From the ranch, you must hike down the final 10 minutes to the waterfalls themselves.

The hike is through the lush rainforests. It is a gorgeous walk.

Do not wear white shoes like I did, they’re still orange and brown today. *crying*

Hike to the Upper Falls

Start off with the Upper Falls of Nauyaca Waterfalls.

These falls are great for photos. Spend time admiring the waterfalls and taking in the fresh ambience.

Some people were swimming under the upper falls but I do not recommend it.

The swimming is better and safer at the lower falls!

Swim at the Lower Falls

Set yourself up along the rocks at the lower falls and enjoy swimming in the fresh waters of Nauyaca Waterfalls.

We spent a few hours swimming around the falls, staring at the falls, and just enjoying ourselves in their presence.

The two tiered waterfall is so unique and magical, it takes your breath away.

We swam up to the rocks just at the base of the falls and sat under them. It was such a surreal experience.

I got water up my nose one hundred times under there, so if you hate that, don’t go under the falls.

Hike Back to the Ranch

After our amazing day chasing waterfalls, we hiked back to the ranch.

Here, you can clean yourself up and wait for your trolley back!

How long to spend at Nauyaca Waterfall?

How long you spend at Nauyaca Waterfall will be dependent on the tour option you choose.

We visited from Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park and had no time limits. We spent 3.5 hours here.

If taking a tour with Nauyaca Waterfalls, you will be limited to 2-4 hours.

Nauyaca Waterfall Tours

Would you prefer to visit Nauyaca Waterfall on a structured day tour? No problem!

There are a couple tours that go to Nauyaca Waterfall from the Manuel Antonio & Quepos region.

Half-Day Guided tour To Nauyaca Waterfall from Quepos with Paddle 9

This tour starts with a pick up at your accommodation in the Quepos area and heads straight to Nauyaca Waterfall.

The tour is offered daily and starts at 9:00 AM. 

Entrance to the park with a guided tour, snacks, lunch and water are all included in your tour.

View prices and booking here.

All-Inclusive Full-Day Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour with Bright Adventures – Costa Rica

This full day tour from Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica has a LOT to offer for a great price.

The tour starts with pick up in the Manuel Antonio area and heads to a secluded beach, Playa Linda .

After some time here, head to Portalón to see a small waterfall.

You will then be taken to Dominical , (one of my favourite towns in Costa Rica), and you will end your tour with a 4 hour Nauyaca Waterfalls adventure.

The tour price includes pick up, round trip transportation, entry to the park, snacks, lunch, water and goggles. 

Click here to book this full day tour .

Where to stay when visiting Nauyaca Waterfall

I recommend staying in the nearby towns of Uvita or Dominical, Costa Rica . They are both located just under an hour away and make for the perfect day trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Alternatively, you can opt to add Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica to a longer Manuel Antonio itinerary , as the drive is also under an hour!

These towns in Puntarenas Province are SO worth your time. Do not skip them.

Although we drove from the capital of San José, Costa Rica, we then continued our 3 week Costa Rica trip in Uvita and Dominical, Costa Rica. 

Accommodations:

• Click here for hotels in the Manuel Antonio & Quepos region
• Click here for hotels in Dominical
• Click here for hotels in Uvita

Busy? Pin the Nauyaca Waterfall Guide for later!

Need help with personal travel planning.

I create custom itineraries and activity guides starting at $25.00 CAD per day!

Final Thoughts on your time at Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls in Costa Rica is one of those places that photos do NOT do justice. You have to go see it for yourself.

The two-tiered waterfall is fascinating to look at, refreshing to swim in and so COOL to be in the presence of.

Do not skip out on this gem while visiting Costa Rica. I honestly loved it even more than La Fortuna waterfall (still love that one though) .

Get to planning your Nauyaca Waterfall trip and PURA VIDA!

Joanna Neander is the author and creator of Plan Before Land. She is dedicated to creating detailed travel itineraries to help the travel planner in you! Joanna's most visited continents include, North America, Central America & Europe. Asia coming soon! Join along on Joanna's travels.

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Nauyaca Waterfall Full Guide

• August 7, 2021

As I mentioned in the Bahía Ballena post, I had to do an article to talk just about Nauyaca Waterfall! For me, this is the most majestic waterfall in Costa Rica, and you should visit it. Let me show you why!

Short on time? Take a quick look:

• Location: Barú, San José ( Drive there )
• Difficulty: Easy
• Access: Any car
• Contact: Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park: +506 8771-4222 / Nauyaca Waterfalls: +506 6280-1790
• Cost: From 3,500 colones ($6) to 50,000 colones ($80)
• Parking: Yes
• More info about the place:   Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park IG  and  Nauyaca Waterfalls IG
• Hidden Gem Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ways to access Nauyaca Waterfall

This article will be a different article from what I generally write. Usually, when I write about a place, I mention everything you need to know about one place (tickets, facilities…). You can access Nauyaca Waterfall in two ways or with two different companies, let’s say. Company number one is  Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park , and company number two is  Nauyaca Waterfalls . So since I have accessed Nauyaca Waterfall through the two ways, I will let you know about both.

For both options, you’ll have to take route 243 (San Isidro-Dominical road). You can take it from San Isidro (San José) or Dominical (Puntarenas). Both times I took this road from Dominical, the road is in better shape, and I was also vacationing near the area (in Manuel Antonio, 1h 30min away).

Here is how long it takes from key touristic places of Costa Rica:

• San José: 4h
• Manuel Antonio: 1h 20min
• Bahía Ballena/Uvita: 50min
• San Gerardo de Dota: 2h
• Corcovado: 2h

Related Post:  Manuel Antonio National Park Full Guide

Exact Locations

You can access both places with any car, and also both parks have a parking lot. Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park has parking free with the entrance. At Nauyaca Waterfalls, you’ll have to pay $4 extra.

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park

• Exact location:   Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park location

To get there, you’ll have to deviate from the main road for around 15min. After that, you’ll find the place at your right, almost at the end of the road. The parking lot is for approximately 25 cars, but more space is to park near the place even if it’s full.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

• Exact location:   Nauyaca Waterfalls

Two big pros of this park are: One, it’s right in front of the main road (route 243) and two, it’s closer to the more tourists areas. The parking lot in front of the site is limited (maybe for ten cars). But they have another larger parking lot inside the property. The only thing is that the road isn’t paved, and I’m not entirely sure if a sedan type of car could make it in the rainy season. Just make sure to ask the company and consider that some days have sunny mornings in the rainy season, but after mid-day, things change.

@ycostaricaa Nauyaca Waterfall always a 10/10 #costarica #hiking #waterfall #fyp ♬ stan – favsoundds

Tickets and Packages

• National visitors:  12,000 colones Adults / 10,000 colones Children (3 to 12 years old)
• International visitors:  $30 Adults / $20 Children (3 to 12 years old)

Both fees offer a ride to and from the beginning of the trails. If you want to walk to the beginning of the trails (around a 45min walk), you can do it, and you’ll pay less. Please confirm this with the park.

There are four packages you can purchase with this company. The fees of these four packages varied depending on if you are a national or international visitor:

• Walk-Hike: $10 (Internationals) / 3,500 colones (Nationals)
• Economic 4×4 Tour: $32 for both
• Horseback Riding Tour: $80 for both
• Tour 4×4 Premium Tour: $80 for both

The distance from the office to the waterfall is 12Km and from the larger parking lot to the waterfall is 8Km (total). If you pay for the Walk-Hike package, you’ll have to walk. The distance depends on where did you leave the car. If you don’t want to hike, you can take one of the other three options. The Horseback Riding Tour and the Tour 4×4 Premium include lunch and a guide.

You need to know that I visited most recently Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. I visited Nauyaca Waterfalls two years ago, so some things have changed. Everything I put here is based on my best research and what I remember when I visited this place.

This park opened less than one year ago. They have an office where you pay for the fee and leave that car. This place also has plenty of tables to have lunch (they offer lunch service, but you have to request it with time). The bathrooms are in good shape, and there’s a small gift shop where you can buy local craft beer and coffee.

There are also other facilities at the beginning of the trails (this is where the truck leaves you). Here you will find a place to rest while waiting for your ride and clean bathrooms and showers.

At the office, there are bathrooms and showers in great shape. There are also places to rest after enjoying the adventure. During the hike, there is a small facility with restrooms and areas to fill your water bottles.

It’s important to know that there are no facilities right next to the waterfalls for both places.

The Adventure

Ok, here starts the fun part! I enjoyed it a lot both times I went to visit this impressive waterfall. Both times I went around July-August (middle of rainy season). The weather was nice, a bit warm during the morning and rainy during the afternoon, and the river flow was strong, a lot of water in the waterfall! If you visit in the dry season, the waterfall will still have water but not as much as during the rainy season (less photogenic).

If you came to Costa Rica for a vacation, I suggest visiting the Manuel Antonio area and take a one-day tour to Nauyaca Waterfall. Did you rent a car? I suggest you visit Nauyaca Waterfall and also Uvita Waterfall. If you want to learn more about this zone, check this article:  Uvita Waterfall in Bahía Ballena

The hiking trails

Both parks offer trails in excellent shape,  they might be muddy depending on the season, but nothing to worry about. Also, there are two kinds of trails here, the long trail (if you didn’t pay for the ride) and the short trails (just the ones near the waterfall). I enjoyed the short trails of Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park more because these had more signs, and it was deeper in the mountain. But for the long trail, I thought Nauyaca Waterfalls had a better trail cause all the trail was inside the rainforest. The other park had a part in the town. 

In Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, there are also four different trails (Upper Falls Trail, Big Pool Trail, Riverwalk Trail, Rainforest Trail, and Mountain Goat Trail). During each trail, you’ll find places to sit and rest and, in some, even places to make a picnic. The trails are not long (525m/0.3mi the longest) and easygoing, even for my parents that are above 60 years old.

In Nauyaca Waterfalls, there are not as many signs telling you where you are as in the other park. You have to follow just one road until you get deeper into the rainforest and then find the waterfall and natural pool. 

Attractions

One big difference between the two parks is that they will get to a different side of the waterfall. With Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, you’ll see the waterfall from the left and Nauyaca Waterfalls from the right. The significant differences are two, one, from the left side, you’ll be able to see a cool cave right next to the waterfall where there are even places to sit and enjoy your time there. 

The other big difference is the access to the natural pool. From the right side, I remembered that the access was a bit more complicated (slippery), and it’s usually more crowded. Nauyaca Waterfalls opened more than three years ago, so it’s more known while Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park opened almost one year ago. There are generally fewer people on the left side (Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park), making it easier to access the big natural pool.

Also, from the left side (Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park), there is a “small beach” right next to the river that it’s an excellent option for the elderly or the kids . You can also access this “small beach” from the other side, but it’s more complicated since you’ll have to cross the river or the natural pool swimming. 

Other Majestic Waterfall: Llanos de Cortés Waterfall in Guanacaste

Most Photogenic

I think the photos from the left side look a lot cooler since you can take pictures where you can see both waterfalls from the second waterfall. The photo above was taken from the left side (Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park). 

Both companies offer safety recommendations and give you a number in case of emergency. Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park has their phone number in every sign you see along the trails in case you needed. There is also a person at the waterfalls/natural pool/river section that is always helping everyone or even telling everyone more about the zone.

Final Results

By now, maybe you have already made up your mind and decided which park to visit. I enjoyed my time in both parks and recommended both. If you are in the mood to do a longer hike or do it via horseback riding, I recommend visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls.

If you don’t want to walk too much, I recommend visiting Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park since the short trails are fantastic and easygoing. Either option you choose will be a good choice!

Manuel Antonio , San José

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls

Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, which is easily accessible from Dominical, Uvita , and Manuel Antonio.

We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica that you shouldn’t miss.

You can visit two beautiful waterfalls, swim in the natural pools at the bottom, or spend a few refreshing hours.

In this post, you can find out how to get there, the best way to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, including entrance fees, and tips for visiting.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park

• Don Lulo's Entrance Fee

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Where is Nauyaca Waterfall

The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in a canyon deep in the jungle in southern Costa Rica.

The waterfalls are easily accessible, about 1 hour’s drive from Manuel Antonio and 30 minutes from Uvita, near Dominical.

Best Time to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls

The best time to visit Nauyaca Falls is from December to April during the dry season.

Because there is little rain during this period, the trail is less slippery, and the weather is pleasant for hiking.

During the rainy season, there can be heavy rainfall, and the water level will be higher, making swimming and jumping in the pools unavailable.

Recommended post → Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

How to Get to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Visiting the Nauyaca Waterfalls is a popular day trip from Dominical, Uvita, and Manuel Antonio. Follow Route 243 from Dominical to San Isidro.

The best way to get to the waterfalls is by car, as the public bus is difficult, or you can join guided tours that include a transfer.

Book Nauyaca Waterfall tour here.

Nauyaca Waterfalls has two entrances: Cataratas Nauyaca Office and Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park.

Read our → Costa Rica Itinerary

Cataratas Nauyaca Office

The original Nauyaca Waterfalls entrance is on the main road from Dominical to San Isidro, known as Don Lulo’s entrance. This is a well-maintained road, so no 4×4 car is needed.

During our travels, we always use  Discover Cars  for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.

The original access is the more popular, from where you can access the waterfall by hiking, horseback riding, or 4×4 truck.

The quickest and easiest way to get to the waterfalls is the 4×4 truck ride, which costs 32 USD and includes the entrance fee and round trip.

The truck ride departs from the office with a minimum of 2 people.

The 4×4 vehicle leaves every hour between 7 AM and noon, and the journey takes 20 minutes, and then you can spend 2 hours at the waterfalls.

See also → How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica

The other access is a new entrance, the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, which provides entry from the east side.

The road to this entrance is unpaved for about 15 minutes. We recommend driving a 4×4 car on this route, but you can travel in any vehicle at your own risk.

Book your  Nauyaca Waterfalls tour  from Manuel Antonio.

The waterfall route is less crowded, so if you travel by truck, you can stay longer at the falls, and the hike is shorter.

Another stunning waterfall in Costa Rica → La Fortuna

Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Nauyaca Waterfalls depends on which entrance you arrive at and whether you want to access the falls by hiking, horseback riding, or 4×4 vehicle.

Book your tour online , which includes the entrance fee.

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park Entrance Fee

From Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, the entrance fee is 30 USD for adults and 20 USD for children (3-12 years old).

It includes access to the changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, the hiking trail and trolley ride to the waterfalls, and parking.

Don Lulo’s Entrance Fee

The waterfalls are in a private nature preserve owned by a Costa Rican family tourism company.

From the Nauyaca Waterfalls office, there is a 10 USD entrance fee for a hike to the waterfall.

You need a reservation to visit the Nauyaca Waterfall, which you can easily and quickly book through the official website.

You can also visit the waterfall by horseback riding for 80 USD per person or traveling by 4×4 truck for 32 USD, and a 4×4 premium tour with lunch for 80 USD.

Keep reading → Rio Celeste Waterfall Guide

When you arrive at the office, you must register and buy a parking ticket for 2500 colones (5 USD).

Good to know Horse ride tours start at 9 AM and are only available from Monday to Saturday.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Opening Hours

• Nauyaca Waterfalls can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM and Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM.
• Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Hike

We chose the original entrance to Nauyaca Falls, where the office is located directly on Route 243. You can find the location here . We made the reservation in advance and then purchased our tickets on arrival.

The hike distance from the office to the waterfall is 6 km. If you have a car, you can continue to the parking lot and start the walk from there.

The trail from the parking space to the falls is 4 km, and it takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Read our → Uvita Guide

The trail to the Nauyaca Waterfalls is a well-maintained path along a river in the jungle. This is an easy-moderate hike with steep, slippery, and muddy parts.

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica.

We recommend hiking in the morning and taking plenty of water with you.

Good to know You can stay at the waterfalls until about 3:30 PM.

Cataratas Nauyaca

The Nauyaca Waterfall has two stunningly beautiful waterfalls. You can swim in the lower falls.

When you arrive, a short walk takes you to the upper or lower falls, where there are stairs and handrails. There is a fantastic viewpoint at the upper falls, or you can continue the stairs and take closer to the falls.

However, the stones can be slippery, so take care. Then, enjoy a refreshing swim at the lower falls.

What to Pack

• Quick-dry towel
• Mosquito repellent
• Water shoes
• Camera gear
• GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
• Plenty of Water

Tips for Visiting the Nauyaca Waterfalls

• Arrive as early as possible!
• Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid.
• As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
• Take plenty of water and snacks.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes or use the bathroom near the park or the waterfall.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose  SafetyWing  for our travels.

• The best photo location is on the east side of the waterfall, which is reached by crossing the river. Alternatively, you can arrive from the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, and you won’t have to cross the river.
• Use a polarized lens to protect your camera and get better-quality photos.
• Be careful, and don’t underestimate the strong current of the waterfall.
• Always keep an eye on your valuables while swimming in the water.
• Lock your car, and don’t leave valuables out of sight.

Where to Stay near Nauyaca Waterfalls

Most people take a day trip to the waterfall from Uvita or Manuel Antonio. These are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in Manuel Antonio

• Luxury:   Makanda by The Sea Hotel
• Mid-Range:   Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
• Budget:   Jungle Beach Hotel

Best hotels in Uvita

• Luxury:  Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa
• Mid-Range:   Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Budget:  Yuli Hotel

We hope you found our guide to Nauyaca Waterfalls helpful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

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Nauyaca Waterfalls / Cataratas Nauyaca - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Nauyaca Waterfalls Guide

Costa Rica is famous for its waterfalls. And for travelers visiting the South Pacific Coast , the Nauyaca Waterfalls are one of the main attractions. The trailhead to the falls is just 20 minutes from Dominical, one of the bigger towns on the southern coast. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Manuel Antonio .

Nauyaca Waterfalls consists of two falls that combine to an impressive 200 feet high. The pool at the bottom of the first waterfall is too rocky for swimming, but the second waterfall below is about six feet deep – perfect for a refreshing swim!

How To Get There

The falls can be accessed either on a hiking or horseback riding excursion on the private property of Don Lulo. You must purchase tickets within their small shop on the side of Route 243.

Hiking to Nauyaca Waterfalls:

Nauyaca Waterfalls aerial via @jcarvaja17

The trail to Nauyaca Waterfalls is 6 km or 3.7-mile (1 – 1 ½ hours) one-way (so 12 km total in and out) hike. The level of difficulty is classified as intermediate so you’ll want to be in decent physical shape. It can get a bit muddy – particularly in the rainy season. Bring hiking shoes with traction.

The hiking trail and horseback riding trail are the same. The trailhead begins in the parking lot. You’ll begin along the scenic Baru River.

There’s plenty of wildlife in the South Pacific region. Be on the lookout for sloths, monkeys, and toucans, hummingbirds, and other tropical bird species.

Hikers should bring their own drinks and snacks as they are only provided with guided tours. Sun protection and comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended.

Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls:

Nauyaca lower falls via @twofromiceland

The alternative to hiking to the falls is horseback riding. The horseback riding excursion is able a half-hour into the falls – starting from the Don Lulo shop.

The guided horseback tour starts at 8:00 am, ends at 1:30 pm, and includes lunch. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. The horseback tour is closed on Sundays. Reservations for horseback riding do need to be made in advance, and our Costa Rica Experts can help handle the details for you! *There’s a 220 lb weight limit for horseback riding.

Nauyaca Waterfalls FAQ:

For more, check out more of our must-visit costa rica waterfalls   or  browse our  vacation packages  to get started planning your trip.

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Nauyaca Waterfalls: Spectacular Waterfalls in the Rainforest

April 3, 2020 By Sammi 63 Comments

When it comes to the best waterfalls in Costa Rica , Nauyaca waterfalls are definitely one of our favorites. Here is our guide to visiting this amazing natural beauty including tips for what to wear, how to get there and what you need to know about these waterfalls before you go.

How to get to Nauyaca Waterfalls : 2 Options

The waterfalls are located on a private property owned by a Costa Rican family, Don Lulo – this is the original Nauyaca Waterfalls Park. You will arrive at their office to pay the entrance fee and then head to the waterfalls from there.

These are the GPS coordinates to plug into Google Maps or Waze: 9.280789 , -83.822594. The plus code is 75FJ+68 Santa Juana, Puntarenas Province, Pérez Zeledón.

From Route 34 (Costanera Sur), the Nauyaca waterfall office is about a ten minute drive from where you turn left onto Route 243 on the way to San Isidro de General . If you crossed the bridge and passed Dominical, you have gone too far. The turn is at a very obvious intersection with signs to Platanillo.

The main road is well paved and as of June 2021, they have just paved the road from the main street down to their parking lot. It is accessible for all cars and no longer required to have only 4×4 or 4wd. This is for the Cataratas Nauyaca Waterfall office.

The Nauyaca waterfalls are located 160 kilometers (100 miles) from San Jose and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Dominical in the South Pacific of Costa Rica.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrance Fee and Hours

There are three ways to get to the waterfall from the Don Lulo office. You can hike, go on a truck or go horseback riding . Must make reservations beforehand.

They are open Monday – Friday 7 AM to 2 PM and on Sundays 8 AM to 2 PM.

• The entrance fee for the waterfalls is $10 USD per person.
• The horseback riding tour is $85 USD per person.
• The 4×4 truck is $32 USD per person and they have schedules at 7 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM and 12 PM. They bring you back two hours after you arrive at the waterfall.
• They also offer a premium truck experience which includes light breakfast, entrance fee, roundtrip truck ride, lunch and guide for $85 USD per person. Starts at 8 AM and ends at 130 PM ish.
• Parking is $3 USD.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park

There is a new nature park that provides access to the eastern side of Nauyaca Waterfalls. They offer a 10 minute truck ride to the waterfall access and once you get off, it is a 600 meter walk down to the waterfalls. It costs $27 USD per adult and includes entrance fee, trolley ride, parking, bathrooms, changing rooms and access to their nature park hiking trails. Must make reservations beforehand. You can find them on Google Maps/Waze under Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park.

You can visit Nauyaca Waterfalls via this nature park or the Don Lulo family office (horseback ride, truck and the 4 km hiking trail).

Should You Hike, Truck or Horseback Ride?

The trail is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through the dense rain forest. You can choose any of the 3 options to get to the waterfall.

Nauyaca Waterfall Horseback Riding

We have gone horseback riding twice and it’s a very nice ride through the forest. They include lunch on the tour after you visit the waterfall.

The horse back riding tour runs everyday Monday – Saturday. Duration of the tour is 8 AM to 130 PM which includes light breakfast, horse, guide, lunch and admission fee. Additionally, the weight limit for the horseback ride is 104 kg or 230 lbs. Nauyaca Waterfalls horseback riding tour costs $85 USD per person.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Hike

For the Nauyaca Waterfalls hike, I recommend people to be in moderate shape. It is hot and humid with bugs so if that doesn’t sound appealing to you, then I recommend going on the horseback riding tour. And if horses don’t appeal to you, then there is the pick up truck option.

The trail is the same for both hiking and horseback riding so if you are hiking, make sure you are prepared to get a little bit dirty and wet, especially in rainy season. There are some puddles and muddy spots along the way (not to mention some horse poo).

The hike takes about 1-1.5 hours one way depending on how fast you walk to the waterfalls. As for the hike, it is wonderful since you can take your time, take pictures and spot wildlife (lots of sloths and toucans in this area). Definitely worth every step!

Nauyaca Waterfalls Truck

Don’t want to pay for horses but don’t want to walk? Take the Nauyaca Waterfalls 4×4 truck! This is by far the easiest and fastest way to get to the waterfalls. The truck tour fee includes entrance fee and truck ride. Or you can opt for the premium tour and get a guide, light breakfast and lunch included.

Nauyaca Cataratas

Upper falls.

The upper falls comprises of several cascades and you can’t swim or bathe in this area. You can walk around the rocks (careful it’s slippery) to get amazing views of the upper fall and the top of the lower falls.

This upper falls is a 45 meter (147 feet) drop. Also keep your eyes out when you go up there because I saw an otter jump into the water once!

Lower Falls

This is where most people spend their time, the lower falls. There is a lovely deep pool you can swim and bathe in and plenty of rocks to sit on. You get a stunning view of both waterfalls surrounded by lush green jungle and the sounds of nature.

This second fall is a tiered waterfall of 20 meters (65 feet) and the pool is six meters (19 feet) deep.

You can have a picnic, lay around, swim and relax. The local guides tie a rope onto the rocks and help visitors so they can climb up and jump off. Be very careful and do not climb up there on your own if there’s no guide, it is slippery!

Yeison brought his drone and took an awesome video of the waterfalls from the air. See what it looks like from above and watch one of the guides leap off a high ledge of the waterfall. Truly amazing! (And don’t try this yourself!)

We also took a video of the Nauyaca horseback riding tour. Watch it below!

What to Wear and Bring

• You can bring your swimsuit and change at the office.
• Bring lots of water, bug repellent and sunscreen.
• There are no food or snack stands so bring your own.
• Bring waterproof equipment if you plan on bringing electronics. A waterproof backpack is highly recommended.
• Wear closed toed shoes (no flip flops) since it get muddy/steep on some parts of the trail. The rocks are slippery at the waterfall. If you wear tennis shoes, you’re going to have wet socks and shoes by the end of the hike.
• Wear shorts and a tank top/short sleeve shirt that dry fast. It is very humid! If you are visiting in rainy season, I do recommend a rain jacket.

What to Know About Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls

First, I recommend going there as early as possible if you want to have it for yourself. This waterfall has gotten very popular and it gets crowded in the afternoon, particularly the months of December – April.

Second, when it comes to water levels, we visited in February and August. The photos and videos above are from our visit in February. The photo below is from August. When we visited in August, the waterfall was SO full, we couldn’t walk down to the pool because it wasn’t there! It was extremely windy and not nice for swimming.

This is something to know about visiting Costa Rica during rainy season as waterfalls are a lot fuller. If you’re visiting August – October, see how the conditions are first. All we could do is stay near the steps as it was raining too hard.

Remember, this is the South Pacific of Costa Rica where it is very humid and can rain even in the dry season so pack appropriately. When we visited in February, it poured every day for almost a week! Check out our ultimate Costa Rica packing list and rainy season packing list for more tips.

Third, there are no facilities at all at the waterfall itself. So if you get hurt, need assistance or anything, help won’t come quick. Cell phone reception is pretty much nonexistent too. Bring plenty of food and water.

Fourth, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings while at the waterfall. Don’t leave your phones and cameras sitting out in plain sight.

Lastly, p lease be very careful on the rocks!

Where Can You Visit From?

You can visit the Nauyaca Wateralls from Manuel Antonio , Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal. From Manuel Antonio, it is about a 45 minute drive. From Uvita, it is about 25 minutes. The best way to get there is via car, it is very complicated to get there via bus.

If you don’t have a car, there are some tour companies from Manuel Antonio who offer this tour such as Paddle 9.

This is one of the most magnificent natural attractions I’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. It is now one of my top favorite waterfalls along with the Catarata Llanos de Cortes in Guanacaste and Catarata del Toro in the Central Valley. You can read about other Costa Rica waterfalls we love in this post.

Looking for more things to do in Dominical? Check out our top 10 things to do in Dominical and Uvita post !

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Reader Interactions

Carol Simpson says

March 29, 2022

Hi what time do you think would be good to do the hike and avoid the major crowds? It seems all the tours are done by 2 So maybe later in the day is better? We are in that area Week of April 4th.

April 4, 2022

Weekday in the morning as soon as it opens

Britton Pinkham says

January 4, 2022

Hi thanks for your blog! Is it necessary to hire a guilde for this fall, or can you go on your own?

January 5, 2022

You can go on your own if you hike

Brittany Burnes says

Hello! I was wondering if you had tried the new nature park yet (or knew of anyone who has)? My husband and I have gone the Don Lulo way (both hiked and the truck), but we have not tried the new option yet. For our upcoming trip we will be traveling with another couple with some minor mobility issues, so I am wondering which option will be easiest (as the Don Lulo side has quite a few stairs). I know they will have some hiking stairs either way, but I am just curious before I make our reservations. Thank you!

January 11, 2022

I haven’t been to the new one but I’ve seen a lot of videos. I know you take a truck for pretty much almost all the way and then you walk about 5-10 minutes down to the waterfall from the place they drop you off, I saw some stairs in the video

Angela says

December 30, 2021

Can you access the waterfalls from either place on a Saturday?

December 31, 2021

You can check the operation hours of both parks on their websites, I would assume they would be, most tourism places open everyday or close on Sundays

December 27, 2021

We are headed there in a few days. We were thinking about hiking. One person in our party has a harder time with elevation changes. Can you let us know if the hike has lots of hills or if it is relatively flat?

The trail is fairly flat, but it is very hot and humid and it’s not a short walk so just keep that in mind. Have a great time

Sean Hanks says

April 10, 2021

Do you have to set reservations in advance or are you able to just show up? I am trying to find where i can make reservations but I’m not seeing a webiste or anything, My group and I are just planning to hike.

April 11, 2021

Hi Sean, for COVID they do require reservations, here is their site: http://nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com/?product=english-walkhike

Wendi Brady says

April 6, 2021

Thank you SO much for your amazing blog – SO helpful for both of our trips to Costa Rica in 2017 and now. We just took the horseback tour today (April 6, 2021) and have a few updates. They now start at 9am and don’t include the light breakfast, but the lunch was delicious! And because of government covid restrictions they aren’t able to use the rope to help people climb up the falls to jump off. Still an amazing tour and I’d still highly recommend it!

April 7, 2021

Thank you for the update Wendi! Glad you had a good time!

March 29, 2021

Hello! First I’d like to say all of your blogs are great! I have question about visiting Nauyaca Falls, Do you know if we need to reserve the 4×4 truck option with a time slot in advance or can we go to the office the day of? Also what is the main website to purchase tickets? Thanks in advance!

March 30, 2021

Hello Craig, from what I’ve seen on their site and social media, they ask for reservations since they have limited space and for COVID.

February 23, 2021

I’m trying to figure out the difference between the two different entrances. Someone recommended the new nature park entrance. Is one experience better than the other? We plan on taking a truck either way.

They’re both nature parks, the new one has just the 4×4 truck and you only have to walk maybe like 5 to 10 minutes down to the waterfall from where they drop you off at the truck. The other one, the older one (Don Lalo) offers the truck, hiking and horseback riding and if you do horseback riding, they also include a small breakfast and lunch so that one offers some more options to get to the waterfall but the new one has a fun truck experience and doesn’t require as much walking. The new one also has the entrance to the waterfalls on the other side.

Beth Kipping says

February 3, 2020

We are driving our kids to this, dropping them off and picking them up later. 2 questions Is there anything near by 2 people in their 60’s (one with a bad knee) can do while the others are hiking? How long is the drive from Playa Bejuco, Pantarenas? Beth

It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Bejuco. I don’t know if you guys want to do anything while you wait but you can check out Dominical which is very close and drive around the area and check out different beaches.

Jessica says

January 23, 2020

Which tour company did you use for booking horseback riding to the falls? There are multiple ones online when I was searching ranging in prices from $75.00-85.00.

We went directly with the Nauyaca waterfalls office!

Chris McW says

January 9, 2020

My husband and I will be in Dominical Feb 9th -15th. and are planning to do the horse back riding to the falls. I noticed that most people in the video had backpacks. Is it safe to leave your backpack on the rocks while you swim. Do most people just not bring money with them?

January 10, 2020

Hi Chris, if you bring anything, always keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave your cameras or phones in plain view. I haven’t really heard of too much theft at the falls because usually people who visit go in groups but unfortunately it is always a possibility. You won’t really need to bring a lot of money since you can bring exact cash to pay for the horseback riding tour.

November 18, 2019

Is it possible to park our car at the office and walk the rest of the way? We will NOT have an SUV, just a regular car, so we’re worried about driving down to the parking lot (given your description above). We plan to be there this coming January.

November 20, 2019

Hi Karen! So we spoke with the Nauyaca waterfalls office and they said that during rainy season, that part of the road is very slippery and it is not suitable for a sedan or normal car, a 4wd/4×4 is necessary. For January, it will be the start of our dry season but the South Pacific does tend to rain a bit more. When we visited the waterfall in mid-February, it had rained pretty hard nearly that entire week so it’s really difficult to say whether it’ll be dry enough for the road to be OK because there is a possibility for it to rain in January in that area too.

The office is right off the main road and they don’t really have anywhere else to park. They have all the guests drive down to their parking space by the horse stables.

I wish I could help more but that’s what they told us and when it comes to weather, it is very hard to say how it will be. For the South Pacific and that area, it is always best to have a high car due to the road and weather conditions in that area.

November 22, 2019

Thanks a million for the information!!!!!!!

Marlon says

June 27, 2019

Hey Sammi, first of all thanks for the great guide! I plan to go there tomorrow. Hiking is no problem for me I am used to temperature etc. However I have a huge backpack and a small one. Do you know if there is anyway to store the big backpack at the entrance? I will visit it while traveling through, so there is no way for me to leave it elsewhere. Thank you in advance!

June 29, 2019

Hi Marlon, you can ask the office to see if it is possible to leave your backpack there since last time I remember they don’t have lockers.

Felicia Murrell says

May 12, 2019

How far are the falls from Playa del Cocos? Do you need to rent a car to get there?

It is about a 5 hour drive from Coco, the best way would be to drive and stay a night in Dominical or the area.

Richard says

January 15, 2019

It seems that the third option, taking the truck , there is a schedule were your thwere for 2 hours, Has anyone done this and is it worth it ?

December 24, 2018

can you hike in and take the truck back out?

December 27, 2018

The truck has to be reserved in advance so I think if you reserve it, you should be able to. You will need to contact the park office to make sure and make reservations.

Tommy K says

August 6, 2018

I’m going to be driving down from Manuel Antonio. Where do we pre-book the 4×4 ride to waterfall once there?

August 7, 2018

You can check on the Nauyaca Waterfalls website and contact them to book it.

February 6, 2018

Hi Dianna, I am not sure if you will be able to do Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca by bus (enjoyably) due to the schedule and the bus will only drop you off at the entrance office, the falls is still a long way in (around 4 kilometers one way). You need to take the bus from Quepos to San Isidro, ask the driver to get off at Nauyaca and for the whole hike and time staying at the fall is around 4-5 hours (or you can take the truck which saves some time). If you want to take the bus, it looks like there’s a bus from Quepos to San Isidro at 530 AM and 1130 AM and a bus from San Isidro to Quepos back at 1130 AM. The bus ride from Quepos to Nauyaca is maybe around 2-2.5 hours so you will need to make sure you make it to the entrance office by 1130 AM.

Dianna says

Hey, first of all I wanna say that your posts about Costa Rica have been super helpful to me as I plan a 5 day trip for my boyfriend and I. We are going this May and will be in Quepos for about 2 1/2 days, which I fear isn’t long enough for everything we want to see/do. But we’re trying to make the most of our time without feeling too rushed. This waterfall has essentially been on and off our list several times because while we really want to see it, we aren’t sure we’ll have time. One of the issues is that we won’t have a rental car and are depending mostly on the public transportation in an effort to keep costs low. I have had trouble finding info on getting to the waterfall via bus. I realize it will make the ride longer and I have no problem getting up a little earlier to ensure that we have plenty of time to enjoy it. But I am wondering if the bus would drop us off at the entrance area or if we would have to find additional transportation from where ever it does drop off. I’m also wondering how getting a bus back would work. Any help or advice on this issue would be really helpful! Thanks 🙂

December 5, 2017

Hi, Is the falls closed on Christmas day? We are visiting this month and want to hike on our own to the falls. Thanks!

December 6, 2017

Ni Iango, the falls are open but only for hiking.

November 29, 2017

We area travelling to the area in January. Do you know if the pick up truck option is still available? Do you we need to book ahead of time and what time would you recommend getting there? Your website has been so helpful in planning our trip. Thanks so much for your help!

November 30, 2017

Hi Kelly, it should be and I do recommend booking in advance because the waterfalls are very popular and January is a busy time. I recommend going early in the morning (weather down in the South Pacific doesn’t always adhere strictly to dry/rainy season and we have been there in February where it poured rain for days) and so you can have all day to enjoy it.

May 12, 2017

About 25 minutes

Ashley Cubillo Devine says

May 10, 2017

How long is the drive from Uvita?

Sierpe Outfitters says

February 17, 2017

Beautiful video!! good info too! thank you!

February 2, 2017

Going in a few weeks , is the waterfall still worth the hike in the dry season. Went to a few last year in feb. that were just a trickle

I think so – the pictures in the post were taken when we went in February 2015 and it was gorgeous. Way better than when we went last August when it had way too much water

October 9, 2016

Hi! How much time do we estimate for the whole trip including the horse back riding part to the waterfalls 🙂 We plan to head out there from Manuel Antonio

yeison says

Hi Saana, around 6 hours from Manuel Antonio but it all depends of how long the group will stay at the waterfall and traffic.

Landon says

April 6, 2016

Could you give me an idea of how long it would take to vist this waterfall. We are driving from San Jose to Uvita and wondering if this would be a good stop. Our flight gets in at 11 so there is no way to get an early start. Thanks

The hike 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) each way so you won’t be able to stop by on your way to Uvita. It gets dark at 6 PM and by the time you drive from San Jose to Dominical, it’ll be at least 2 or 3 PM and the waterfalls close at 6 PM. You should do it the day after or during your time in Uvita since Uvita and Dominical are very close. You need at least 5-6 hours for this waterfall/hike.

October 29, 2015

Manuel Antonio to Dominical is a fairly straightforward, paved road. However, if you are planning on driving to the waterfall do know that the property’s parking lot requires a SUV because the road down although short, is not paved and very steep with lots of holes. YOu may be able to scrape by with a sedan but even the tour people and property owners told us it’s better to have a SUV. You can get a short glimpse of what the road is like in this video of the horseback riding tour here: Nauyaca waterfalls

Evelyn says

November 11, 2015

Ok, the thing is we’re planning on renting a sedan because we’re only using it to go from San Jose to Manuel Antonio and Puerto Viejo, but we want to go to the waterfalls, and i can’t find any information on tours departing from Manuel Antonio and going to the waterfall. So renting a SUV just for that part of the trip it seems a little too much.

You can probably do it with a sedan, just be super careful because it is a bit steep and unpaved. But if it rains, it might not be possible since it’ll be super slippery and muddy. So you can probably get away with a sedan for that area (I think I remember seeing a Honda Civic in our group), just drive very carefully.

February 1, 2016

We just went there few days ago. Here is the scoop. There is 4 kilometers steep and pretty bumpy road that we drove to the point where the parking is. We had AWD and it was pretty rough, so I would NOT recommend sedan at all, even to get to their parking lot. Then, there is another 4km to the falls that you can either walk or ride a horse. After parking lot there is about 1-1.5 kilometers you still can drive down, but ONLY if you have 4WD, but then – there is absolutely no way. There is a huge boulder on the way and the road is pretty much impassible by any vehicle. So, we hiked for another 2.5 kilometers. Now, if you don’t might hiking, I would recommend rather to do that, since if you manage to get there before (or after) the horseback riding group does, you have the place pretty much to yourself, except may be very few people that also were walking by their own (or none). We did that and that was awesome, but then – bid group of horseback riders arrived and it got little crowded. Not to mention the price difference. Enjoy.

Hi! How’s the road to get there driving from Manuel Antonio? Can you do it in a sedan?

Gareth says

June 21, 2015

great thanks 🙂 Could you please explain the difference between the Nauyaca Waterfalls and the Baru Waterfalls? The internet shows pictures of them both as the same thing, it’s very confusing hahah

I have no idea, maybe Baru was their previous name. Never heard of it

June 20, 2015

Is there a specific opening time for entrance to the waterfall?

The office opens around 8 AM. You have to stop by there and pay your fee.

Zascha says

March 24, 2015

A friend of mine used to live in Costa Rica, and the more stories she tells me about that place, the more I want to go there. And this post certainly helps. Such a beautiful waterfall!

Hi Zascha, glad you enjoyed it. It is a gorgeous waterfall! Hope you can visit one day!

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Exclusive deals

Nauyaca Waterfalls in Costa Rica: What To Know Before You Go

Of all the waterfalls we visited during our 3 week road trip through Costa Rica, Nauyaca was by far the most spectacular and majestic. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best waterfalls in all of Costa Rica, along with the Rio Celeste Waterfall .

Tucked away in the lush jungle of the Puntarenas region of southern Costa Rica,   The Nauyaca Waterfalls (Cataratas Nauyaca) tumble over a combined 200 feet (61 meters) into a large natural swimming pool. They’re the perfect place to experience the raw power of nature in Costa Rica, and make an excellent day trip from many popular nearby beach towns, such as Uvita and Manuel Antonio.

Whether you’re looking for an epic jungle adventure or simply want to kick back and relax on the shore, you’re bound to be as spellbound by Nauyaca as we were.

So here’s a full guide on how to visit the spectacular Nauyaca Waterfalls, including 3 different ways to get there, when to go, and what to bring.

The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in a canyon , deep in the dense jungle along the Pacific Coast of southern Costa Rica. The falls are part of the Barucito River , which runs through a beautifully maintained, privately owned nature preserve just off Route 243.

Nauyaca is surprisingly easy to access and is best done as a day trip from Uvita, Dominical, or Manuel Antonio.

Here’s a quick overview of drive times:

• Dominical: 20 minutes; 6 miles
• Uvita: 30 minutes; 18 miles

Read more: How to Plan Your Road Trip using Google Maps

HOW TO GET THERE: CATARATAS NAUYACA OFFICE

Nauyaca waterfalls are located on private property owned by Don Lulo . You must stop by their office (the Cataratas Nauyaca office ) to pay your entrance fees before you go to the waterfalls. The price of your entrance fee will depend on how you want to get to the falls. More on that below.

The best way to get there is to drive yourself. However, if you don’t have a car, you can also take a bus from Dominical or Quepos. Tour transportation options are also available from nearby beach towns and hotels.

To get to the Catarata Nauyaca office , turn onto Route 243 from Constanera Sur (Route 34). It will be a left turn if you come from Manuel Antonio, and a right turn if you come from Uvita. The turn is very obvious with signs to Platanillo.

Follow Route 243 for about 10km. The Cataratas Nauyaca/Nauyaca Waterfall office will be on the right. Park in the spots in front of the office and go in to pay your entrance fee.

The location for “Nauyaca Waterfalls” on Google Maps is incorrect. The office is actually further up the road than where Google Maps brings you.

Here’s a map of the exact location of the Cataratas Nauyaca office on Google Maps:

The Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is located about 30 minutes from Cataratas Nauyaca office, further down route 243. Here’s a map of the two offices in relation to each other . As of writing this, Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park only offers  trolley rides to the waterfalls for $30 a person.

HOURS AND ENTRANCE FEES (2022)

• The office is open from 7am – 2pm Monday through Saturday, and 8am – 2pm on Sunday.
• The waterfalls close at 3:30pm, so you have to be out by then if you hike in.
• The parking lot is open from 8am – 4pm. The only way to access the parking lot is with a parking ticket, which you buy at the office.

Entrance fees

Here’s a quick overview of current entrance fees for Nauyaca Waterfalls (updated 2022).

• The entrance fee to Nauyaca is $10 per person if you are hiking
• The basic 4×4 truck ride is $32 per person
• A full premium truck tour including breakfast, lunch, and a guide: $85 per person
• Horseback riding tour: $85 per person
• Parking fee for your vehicle: $4 per person

At the time of writing this (December 2022), reservations are required for all tours to Nauyaca Waterfalls. This includes self-guided hikes. Keep reading for more details on the different ways to get to the waterfalls, including reservation information and time slots.

HOW TO GET TO THE FALLS: SELF GUIDED HIKES AND TOURS

Choose any of these options to reach the waterfalls!

Self Guided Hike

You can hike to Nauyaca without a guide by following a rocky, dirt trail through the jungle. The hike is 2.5 miles one way, or 5 miles round trip and is rated as moderate. However, there’s a long stretch of the trail that steeply climbs uphill, so some people may find the hike more strenuous. Overall, you should be in moderate shape to complete the hike.

To hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, stop at the main office and pay the $10 entrance fee. If you have a car, you will also purchase your parking pass and then proceed to the parking lot.

The trailhead is located just down the path from the parking lot. From there, simply follow the signs! The hiking trail is the same as the one for the horseback tour, so watch out for passing horses

It should take you about 1-1.5 hours to get to the waterfalls.

Things to know before you hike: 

• Price to hike: $10
• Make a reservation ahead of time here . You will pay in the office once you get there.
• Reservation times: 7am, 9am, 11am (Monday – Saturday); 8am, 10am, 12pm (Sundays).
• Your reservation time is 4 hours long and runs from the moment you buy your ticket until you leave the waterfall (the hike back to the parking lot is not included)
• I recommend wearing hiking boots. The trail is rocky and can get extra muddy in the rainy season.
• The weather is hot, humid, and buggy. Dress appropriately and bring bug spray!
• Pack enough water! There is nowhere to buy food or drinks.

Nauyaca 4×4 Truck Ride

Taking the truck is honestly the fastest and easiest way to the get to the waterfalls. So, if you’re short on time (like we were!), this is your best option.

The pick up truck costs $32 per person and includes your entrance fee and the round-trip truck ride. It’s obviously a little bit more expensive than hiking, but we felt that saving the time and effort was well worth the extra money.

The truck tour begins along the side of the road, just outside the office.

You have to make a reservation online in advance , and pay in person once you get there. The truck departs every hour between 7:00am – 12:00pm and takes about 30 minutes.

You’re allowed 2 hours at the waterfalls once you get there , which we found to be a good chunk of time.

If you feel like making an entire day of it, you can book the premium truck tour for $80 per person, which includes a guided tour and lunch.

Horseback Riding Tour

Horseback riding is a popular way to reach the waterfalls and makes for a beautiful ride through the jungle. The horseback riding tour starts at the parking lot and then follows the hiking trail to the waterfalls.

The tour runs Monday – Saturday and costs $80 per person. It is a full guided tour that lasts from 9am to 1:30pm and includes admission, lunch, and the round trip ride on horseback.

You don’t need to know how to ride horses to take the horseback riding tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls. However, there is a weight limit of 220 pounds for people who don’t know how to ride and 240 pounds for people with experience.

Reservations need to be made in advance . I recommend booking as soon as possible, since this tour tends to sell out.

CATARATAS NAUYACA

Nauyaca Waterfalls are split into two sections, the upper and lower. The truck and horseback riding tours will drop you off at the entrance to the falls, where the trail splits for the upper and lower falls. Both falls are accessible via a short walk and a series of stairs with a bamboo handrail.

Upper Nauyaca Waterfall

The upper falls cascade 147 feet (45 meters) into a pool that feeds the lower falls. While not as grand as the view from the lower falls, the upper falls are still very picturesque and worth visiting.

You can view the falls from view platform or continue down the steps and explore the rocks around the pool. Be careful because the rocks can be slippery!

While you can’t swim here , it’s still a good spot for photos or a quick picnic if you brought snacks with you.

Lower Nauyaca Waterfall

Let’s be honest – the lower falls are what you came for! This lower section is where you can lounge around, swim in the natural pool, and appreciate the grandeur of the falls. Not to mention, snap some epic photos.

The lower falls are accessed via a 100 meter walk down a steep staircase. I recommend wearing shoes with some sort of grip on them (grippy water shoes work well), because the rocks leading up to the falls are slippery.

The natural swimming pool is about 20 feet deep

For the absolute best view of the falls, cross the river by navigating the boulders next to the pool. The water is about knee deep, but go super slowly and watch your footing! We saw several people trying to cross with their camera gear on their backs and fall into the water.

While you’re on the other side of the river, follow the path into the jungle and make your way down to the riverside. It’s a great place to soak in the views from a different angle, and escape any crowds that form at the base of the falls.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NAUYACA

The best time to visit is in the dry season (mid-December – April), when the water is the bluest and the weather is the best. Our photos were taken at the beginning of January, for reference.

To avoid crowds, I recommend booking before 9AM for hikes and tours. Sundays are the least crowded day to visit because the horseback riding tours don’t operate.

We visited at 8am mid-week and, while we certainly weren’t the only ones there, we didn’t find the waterfalls to be overly crowded at that time. I think it also helps that the office now limits spaces on time slots to help keep the crowds down. This is why it’s important to book your slot in advance.

Visiting in the off season brings a high chance of heavy rains, that will cause the waterfall to swell and make the pool inaccessible.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

Wear and bring only what you absolutely need. There are no lockers or places to leave your belongings at the falls.

• Wear lightweight breathable clothing , especially for the hike. It’s very hot and humid.
• Wear your swimsuit , or bring it to change at the falls. There are facilities once you get there.
• Bring a small backpack to carry your things. I highly recommend a waterproof backpack or dry bag.
• Bring enough water and snacks. You can buy them at the office, but there’s nowhere to get food/water once you get to the falls.
• Wear hiking boots for the hike and bring water shoes to help you navigate the slippery rocks at the falls.
• Bring bug spray, a towel, and sunscreen (I like these eco-friendly ones ). I also recommend a rain jacket if you go in the rainy season.

Read next:   Best Hiking Backpacks for Women in 2022: Find the Perfect Hiking Pack for Your Next Adventure

TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING CATARATAS NAUYACA

• Aim to get to the waterfalls around 9 or 10AM for the best light. At this time, the sun should just be peaking over the canyon wall. Any earlier and the falls are in shadow, so the water won’t be as blue. Any later and the sun will be straight overhead.
• Use a circular polarizer to cut the glare on wet surfaces. We love these Hoya NXT Plus polarizers .
• Shoot with a wide angle lens. Our photos were taken with the Canon RF 24-70mm .
• Cross the river for the best angle via the eastern side of the falls. This is assuming you book with Cataratas Nauyaca. If you take the trolley ride from Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, you won’t have to cross the river.

More guides to Costa Rica!

The Ultimate Guide to Drake Bay, Costa Rica (Things to Do, How to Get There, and Where to Stay!)

How to Reach the Magical Rio Celeste Waterfall in Costa Rica

11 of the Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Do you plan on visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls in Costa Rica? Let me know in the comments! I love to hear from you!

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Hi! I’m heading to CR February 18,2022! This is 1 of my must do stops! Regarding sunscreen is sun bum and k to use?

Any tips on driving?( besides requesting spare tire and jack?!)

Hey Tricia! Sun bum is totally fine to use :) And a few quick tips for driving are to know how to change a spare and avoid driving at night. As far as driving to Nauyaca goes – you shouldn’t have any issues. The main roads are in great shape around Uvita. I hope you have the best time!

Very nice description and recommendations about visiting these waterfalls…thank you…

Hey José – so happy to hear you liked this post! Thanks for reading :)

[…] Alternatively, considered one of our favourite spots was Nauyaca Waterfalls! Positioned lower than an hour south of Manuel Antonio, Nauyaca is probably the most magnificent waterfall in all of Costa Rica (and nonetheless considerably of a hidden gem). We beloved that there was room to unfold out, swim, and take images, even in excessive season. Don’t really feel like making the hike? Merely e book a truck trip from the Nauyaca Waterfalls Workplace! You could find all the main points and important ideas in my Nauyaca Waterfalls guide. […]

Excellent read packed with great info and recommendations. I’ll be going with the family in August and this was one of my must do waterfalls, rain or shine but just hope we’re able to get into the water. We’ll be opting the 4×4 since I have a 3 yr old and the teens can do what they want. Lol. Thinking of also doing the blue falls of Costa Rica and la Fortuna falls. Thanks again.

Hey Santosh – I’m happy to hear you found this Nauyaca waterfall guide helpful! You definitely won’t regret taking the 4×4 (especially once you see how steep the hike is on the way in!). I also have a guide to Rio Celeste and La Fortuna , which includes La Fortuna waterfall if you’d like more information. Crossing my fingers for good weather for you. Cheers!

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Nauyaca  Waterfall  Tour

Hike, Swim & Jump

150 ft Waterfall

Tractor Ride & Costa Rican Lunch

This Double-decker Rainforest Waterfall Has It All!

Nauyaca is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica and should be a stop on anyone’s list when visiting Costa Rica’s central pacific coast. Our Nauyaca tour includes a nice hike to the top tier of this epic 150 ft waterfall which will then be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the pool beneath the lower falls . We’ll also hop on a tractor ride up to our lunch spot to recharge after enjoying the falls.

Why Book With Paddle 9?

Visit one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular waterfalls, nestled deep in the rainforest

Nauyaca is unique for its two tiers - take in the misty views of the upper falls before heading to the lower cascades to cool off in the swimming hole below

Our fun and knowledgeable guides will educate you about Costa Rica’s history, flora & fauna, while keeping you safe and entertained throughout the day with acrobatic flips from waterfalls!

Click the tabs to find out more

Trip details, good to know, pricing & logistics.

$130 per person $100 per person (child 6 years or younger) + 8% sales tax starting July 1st, 2022 + 13% sales tax starting July 1st, 2023

Departure time

Meeting point.

The Paddle 9 tour office in Quepos or we can provide transportation from anywhere in Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

Pickups outside of Quepos or Manuel Antonio are available for an additional cost. For more information or to schedule a pick up outside of these areas, please contact us .

Availability

Available daily, all year round

7 hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

2 person minimum – 20 person maximum

• Transportation
• Natural fruit drink
• Tractor ride
• Certified guides
• Park entrances

Not included

• Picture package (available at an extra cost)
• Guide gratuity

What to bring

• Bathing suit
• Water shoes, rugged sandals or sneakers
• Extra set of dry clothes

Trip Overview

Our tour begins with an hour ride to Nauyaca, once there we will take a tractor down to the waterfall, all while learning about the area’s flora and fauna on the way.

On our hike you will be rewarded with swimming, jumping, and the stunning vistas of the Nauyaca Waterfall. This waterfall consists of 2 tiers, the bottom fall is ideal for swimming and jumping. The bottom tier is about 75 ft. The upper waterfall stands about 150 ft tall. Both have swimming holes and areas to explore.

Before heading back to town, we will hop on a tractor ride to the restaurant where we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Please advise us of any health conditions, recent injuries (especially back, neck or shoulder surgeries) or medical procedures that could affect your tour experience. Let us know about pregnancy, back pains, and any walking as well as dietary restrictions or preferences.

We have two rules at Paddle 9: 1) Be safe! and 2) Have serious fun! Paddle 9 prides itself in running safe tours and transport with the best logistics and safety procedures in the industry. Our guides and staff are well-trained in emergency situations and take your safety very seriously. Should an accident occur, we are covered by a comprehensive umbrella liability insurance policy.

Have more questions? You can check out our FAQ page .

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!

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Full day waterfall tour, eco-chontales waterfall experience with blue clay, paddleboard & waterfall tour.

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Nauyaca Waterfalls

• Horseback riding
• Wildlife watching
• Cliff jumping
• Swimming at waterfalls
• Lunch included
• Location : 6 miles from Dominical
• Hours : 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Price : $80 per person; transportation not included

Spring water tumbles down the falls, over 140 feet, crashing into the plunge pool below. Underneath the first waterfall, whitewater clatters down the steps of a second, 60-foot cascade into a deep pond. It's the perfect spot for a swim after the horseback ride through the rainforest on the Nauyaca Waterfall Tour.

You'll find the entrance to the waterfalls just 5 miles from Dominical, on the way toward Perez Zeledon. Trek to the falls on your own for a $10 entrance fee or join the Jimenez family horseback tour for a more engaging experience that includes breakfast, lunch, wildlife watching and cliff jumping.

The Jimenez family, owners and tour operators of the falls, protect nearly 50 acres of secondary rainforest surrounding the falls. Erick Jimenez leads the tour while his aunt and grandmother prepare breakfast and lunch at their home hidden among the surrounding flora.

After a mile-long ride into the forest, guests sit down for breakfast underneath an awning beside the family house. While eating, Erick shows off the family pets; a pair of scarlet macaws and a group of peacocks. Every morning Erick's aunt tosses a bunch of banana out to feed a troupe of capuchin monkeys that play in the trees above the house.

At the falls, Erick searches for blue-jean poison dart frogs while guests change into their bathing suits. Afterwards, Erick leads guests to the falls. At the bottom of the cascades, guests can swim while Erick prepares for the cliff jump.

In an amazing display of skill, Erick dives under the falls, climbs up the center and ties a rope 30 feet above the water. He then invites everyone to follow, helping guests climb to the top for a once in a lifetime chance to cliff jump into the falls below.

Departure & Return

• Departure point : Tour starts at the administrative offices of the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Tour departs from all major hotels in Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal for an additional transportation fee
• Departure time : Hotel pickup is between 30 and 60 minutes before tour start time depending on hotel location
• Return details : Tour returns to original departure point between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Nauyaca Waterfalls in Pictures

Nauyaca waterfalls cascades - costa rica.

nauyaca waterfalls tall fall - Costa Rica

nauyaca waterfalls macaw - Costa Rica

nauyaca waterfalls lunch - Costa Rica

nauyaca waterfalls horses - Costa Rica

nauyaca waterfalls horse - Costa Rica

nauyaca waterfalls cliff jump - Costa Rica

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Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour

The Nauyaca Falls is an iconic attraction of Costa Rica. This incredible waterfall will take your breath away. Nauyaca is located approximately 1 hour from Manuel Antonio National Park, the Nauyaca Waterfall is a fantastic and epic scenery to enjoy, the Nauyaca Falls Tour is one of the best experiences while on vacation in Costa Rica.

History of the Nauyaca Falls:

The name Nauyaca originates from the nickname of an extremely popular Pit-Viper snake, which has as a commonly known mostly as Fer-de Lance Snake.

Long ago, when the place was not yet a touristic attraction, the locals discovered this heavenly place while exploring the mountains of Barú. Along their hike they found many of the Fer De Lance Pit-Viper snake species (known for some people as the Nauyaca Serpent). That is how the locals began to call this place as the Nauyaca Waterfalls, and nowadays its name is currently known in Costa Rica as an iconic tourist attraction.

About the tour

The Nauyaca Waterfall tour begins with transportation pickup near the Manuel Antonio Park or Quepos City. Our tour guide will bring some snacks as breakfast for the tour. During the activity, your guide will explain to you about the history of Costa Rica, as well as the history of the Nauyaca Falls. The walk is approximately 2 hours in, and you can observe different species such as toucans, eagles, hawks, lizards among other species...

The Nauyaca Waterfall is considered the most scenic waterfall in Central America. Its pristine waters make this place a spectacular visit. Once we arrive to the falls, there you can enjoy a refreshing dip while relaxing after the hike. Also, you can walk up to the waterfalls above to make some impressive photos of the scenery.

Upon our return we will enjoy a delicious typical lunch in a restaurant of traditional and authentic Costa Rican food.

The Nauyaca Falls Tour promises you a memorable experience during your vacation in Costa Rica.

• ~8 hours (from door to door)
• Round trip transportation, nature specialist, entrance fee, bottles of water and lunch
• Camera, binoculars, insect repellent, sun screen, hat and hiking boots
• Reserve now

Transportation Rates Note

• Pickup from Quepos City & Manuel Antonio is included in the regular price
• Pickup from Esterillos - Jaco - Los Sueños is NOT included in the regular price. Please let us if you need to have the transportation from these specific areas. We would be pleased to customize your tour
• Do you have any question on how to book a package with various activities?
• Do you need to accommodate a large group?
• Do you have special needs on your trip?

Please Contact us

Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour Photo Gallery