waterfalls· waterfall· Secluded· volcanic
Catarata Aquiares
A stunning waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush rainforest and the historic Aquiares Coffee Estate.
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Turrialba
A stunning waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush rainforest and the historic Aquiares Coffee Estate.
Catarata Aquiares plunges 50 meters into a pristine volcanic pool on the misty slopes of Turrialba Volcano, its waters crashing through a cathedral of rainbow eucalyptus and dense rainforest. This hidden waterfall sits within the historic Aquiares Coffee estate, where you can experience both the raw power of nature and the rich heritage of Costa Rica's coffee culture in one remarkable location. The crystalline pool invites swimming, while the surrounding cloud forest creates an almost mystical atmosphere, especially in early morning when mist clings to the canopy. Access is typically through the coffee estate, making this a unique destination where adventure and agricultural tourism converge.
A 50-meter waterfall plunges into a crystalline volcanic pool surrounded by rainbow eucalyptus and rainforest on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano; the waterfall sits within the working Aquiares Coffee Estate, combining waterfall swimming with coffee heritage exploration. The hike is straightforward (1.3 km each way) but requires walking through active shade-grown coffee fields and rocky terrain to reach the falls; wear high-traction water shoes as volcanic boulders around the pool are extremely slick when wet. Visit between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM to avoid sudden afternoon rains common to the volcano valley; the mist-draped canopy is most atmospheric in early morning.
Best Time to Visit
Visit in the early morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) during the dry season (December–April) for clear skies and minimal rain risk, though the green season brings lush canopy and misty ambiance.
What Changes Through The Year
Dry Season (Dec–Apr)
Clear morning light ideal for photography; lower afternoon rain risk if you finish by noon.
Green Season (May–Nov)
Cloud forest canopy is dense and misty, creating a mystical atmosphere; afternoon rains are more frequent, making morning-only visits essential.
Getting There
From Turrialba town center, head to the community of Aquiares and locate the centuries-old Ceiba Tree, which marks the classic trailhead. The trail begins at the Ceiba Tree entry point and descends 1.3 km through coffee fields and secondary forest to the waterfall.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
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