Cataratas Nauyaca

This was a really fun stop on our vacation. It is recommended to get your tickets ahead of time at the building before parking at the base area. There are bathrooms and adequate parking at the base camp area, and you have the option of taking a 4x4 up to the embarkation point to the waterfalls, both the upper and the lower. Alternately, you can hike your way up which I am told takes around 45 minutes. When we were there, they had just had an amazing thunderstorm the day and evening before, so the waterfall was very powerful and impressive. We then went down to the lower portion and got in the water for an hour and just enjoyed the sound of the water, the sights and sounds of the jungle, and had an amazing time with our group and others. Speaking of others, it was not overly crowded, everybody was super polite, people gave you adequate space as the rocks were somewhat slippery, and everyone found their own little branch, rock, or nook to place their backpack and clothes before they got into the water. There are also a variety of viewing platforms where you can take your photos. This is a highly recommended stop should you be in the area and is a wonderful part of Costa Rica you shouldn't miss.

Worth the visit and staying for a little while. There are few options to get to the waterfall. Get a ride (around $35 per person, at the time of writing); horseback (not sure about the price); or walking (option one is to walk from the very entrance, or the second option is to drive to the parking lot at the base and walk from there - parking is paid). Plan on 45 to 60 min for a leisurely walk from the base parking lot. The nature is spectacular and the waterfalls are beautiful. Swimming can be done at the lower waterfall. Also, there is plenty of wildlife to be seen.

Beautiful waterfall with several levels and swimming spots. Hike is about 4km/1 hour, easy hike but you need some stamina. You can hike the whole trail for $10 or you can enter at the park side and drive to the falls, for $28.

Fantastic experience!! We took the horseback tour and it was SO fun. My 7YO (no riding experience) had a blast! Erick, our guide, was great. He made everyone feel comfortable, regardless of riding experience (or lack of). Horses are comfortable with the trek, and I enjoyed being on the lead horse who wouldn't allow another to pass. Once at the falls, it was very relaxing and refreshing to swim in the pools. The river crossings with the horses at the end were a fun surprise. The lunch provided was delicious too! Definitely recommend. FYI, once you check in at the main office you will need to drive to a different location to then start your trip into the park (regardless of method). It isn't anything far, but others seemed surprised/taken back by this (we didn't), so figure it's worth mentioning.

Nauyaca waterfalls is the best falls in Costa Rica, though it can be an expensive visit. The cheapest way to see the falls is hiking, which you will still need to pay $10 for. It is 2 miles each way, steep and potentially muddy. You can take a truck for $32 round trip or just $12 for the return trip (although you will also have paid the $10 to hike there). Horse ride is something like $80. I was glad we did the truck. We got in the water at the falls just to say we did but it wasn’t the most pleasant swimming conditions. Pretty crowded, even early, with slippery rocks and the water is cold, the air is cold from wind and spray, and the water is very choppy with giant rocks underneath. Still worth a visit.

Got here on a Monday. We didn’t make reservations but we were able to buy tickets and pickup transport. Wasn’t sure if the walk was gonna be tough cause they say it’s an hour walk to get there but I saw people walking and it doesn’t look that bad. Paid $32 per person including ticket, parking and ride to the waterfall. Is really nice. Id do it again. Even got souvenirs from their gift shop. Our driver Fabian was super friendly.

There are 2 operators that arrive at the falls. We chose the official first ones on the road. To the falls, shorter, and cheaper. They have trucks leaving every hour (9 am, 10 am etc.). We preferred the truck as we were with a kid and it is a 3 km hike both sides from the starting point and the back hike is quite steep. It is AMAZING PLACE! don't miss it, cool pool in front of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica - so beautiful!!! There are local guides in the waterfall helping you to go up INSIDE and into the waterfall in order to jump to the cold refreshing pool. Must must must!!up

The most beautiful waterfall in all of Costa Rica. You can do 25 foot jumps off the diving area. It is very deep here so you need to know how to swim if you are gonna go in. Absolutely magical