waterfalls· waterfall· Remote· Secluded
Blue Falls of Costa Rica
Six turquoise pools of volcanic mineral water — each a different temperature
—
Bijagua
312 saved
Six turquoise pools of volcanic mineral water — each a different temperature
Located in the misty highlands of Bijagua at 900 meters elevation, Blue Falls captivates visitors with its striking turquoise cascade plunging into an emerald pool, the water's extraordinary color created by mineral-rich runoff from the surrounding cloud forest. The waterfall is best experienced in the early morning when mist clings to the canopy and light filters through the jungle, intensifying the blue hues. Located in Costa Rica's northern zone near Alajuela, this remote gem requires a moderate hike through dense forest teeming with resplendent quetzals and howler monkeys, making it equally rewarding for nature lovers and photographers. The cool, refreshing pool below invites swimming after the trek, while the surrounding forest offers countless opportunities for wildlife observation.
You'll hike moderately through dense cloud forest at 900 meters elevation to reach a turquoise waterfall cascading into an emerald pool, where mineral-rich runoff from the surrounding forest creates the water's striking blue color. Plan to arrive early morning when mist clings to the canopy and light filters through the jungle—these conditions intensify the blue hues and are ideal for photography. The remote location means the trail is quieter than popular falls, but prepare for a demanding trek through forest where you may encounter resplendent quetzals and howler monkeys. The cool pool invites swimming after the hike, and the surrounding forest provides abundant wildlife observation opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
Visit May–November during green season when water flow is strongest and the misty cloud forest atmosphere is most dramatic, though mornings before 9am offer the clearest light for photography before clouds intensify; December–April is drier with less water volume but fewer tourists and better visibility for spotting quetzals in the early morning hours (5–7am) before the canopy traffic increases.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
Quiet so far. Be the first to say what it felt like.
Share what this place felt like. Every perspective helps someone find their way here.
Hidden Gems
Impossibly blue river deep in Tenorio Volcano
Waterfalls
A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming
Viewpoints
A famous and accessible active volcano
Waterfalls
Three-tier waterfall at the end of a jungle trail twenty minutes from the village
Viewpoints
One of the most dramatic and iconic highland regions
Living traditions near this place
🪶 Indigenous Cultures
The last speakers of Maleku weave language into palm fiber
🏺 Slow Craft
The world's most ornate wheel, still painted by hand in the same workshops
🏔️ Mountain Foodways
The food that built the highlands
♨️ Thermal Culture
Volcanic heat meets river current in the most accessible thermal zone