Cataratas Nauyaca

Nice waterfall hike. I initially was going to park at the visitor center but I am so happy I paid the $5 to drive down and park at the bottom of the steep hill. It was still a great 4 mile hike in and out from the parking lot. Be careful swimming in the falls, the current is strong but it’s so refreshing. Bugs were pretty annoying but bug spray helped. Go right when they open as it gets busy with tours. Was able to shower off at parking lot which was nice. There are also bathrooms right at the waterfall. Got a little muddy at times so bring a change of shoes for when you’re done. I also changed into teva’s at the waterfall to wear into the water as the rocks are slippery.

Truly an amazing adventure. The view of the falls is spectacular. My wife and I walked it at 60 and 65 years of age and it was exhausting. Even after a slip and fall at the fall I still walked the 2 miles or 2.5 kilometers back. I will do it again just for the walk in the jungle.

A short hike (about 45 minutes) that leads to a beautiful waterfall. We were lucky to arrive early when there were fewer people. By the time we left, the area in front of the waterfall was getting very crowded. I recommend going as early in the morning as possible if you want some peace and space to swim.

Beautiful waterfalls! Feels like a scene from Avatar per the kids. Easy walking trail with some short steep areas, stairs to waterfall unavoidable but not very difficult- glad we didn't pay extra for the truck ride. Bathrooms available at top of the stairs with drinking water also. Swimming hole is a bit chilly but feels great in the Costa Rican heat. Highly recommend

Nice hike with a great reward at the end. We park at the main entrance because we wanted to do the 11km hike but I would recommend parking at the real parking and not at the main entrance like we did. The added 2km of hike weren’t worth it as it was an amazingly steep road (not trail) to reach the entrance of the trail.

Great hike! About a 2 mile moderate hike with some muddy spots. Get there early so you don’t have to compete with the trucks of tourist they bring up if you don’t want to hike. You can swim in the pools below the falls but the current is strong so stay to the far left side of the falls.

Gorgeous waterfall hike! Admission is cash only (colones or US dollars accepted); we paid $10 USD each plus $5 for parking. We parked at the guarded main lot and hiked in on foot, which ended up being around 4.5 miles round trip. For an extra fee, you can take a trolley or go by horseback, but we did not use these options since we wanted to get there right as it opened at 7:00am. We are visiting in August during the “green season” so expect muddy trail conditions on your way in with a few steeper parts on the dirt road. I’d recommend sticking to the sides of the road while hiking in since they are more compacted and easier to navigate. Bathrooms and potable water are available right before you get to the falls. Be aware that the stairs down to the falls are slippery so tread with caution! The water was beautiful and refreshing after a humid hike in, definitely dip your feet in or go swimming while you’re there. We read elsewhere that jumping into the pool is only allowed with a guide present which is available between 9:30-11:30am which we did not get to try since we arrived earlier than that.

Beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica! If you decide to self-guide be mindful of the very steep, 2-ways road to get to the parking area and also that is about an hour walk each way to see the waterfall and get back. The walk can get difficult especially because of the very high humidity.