Two-tier 45-metre falls, three hours deep in the jungle south of Dominical
“Something different happens before 9am”
There is no short route to Nauyaca — the falls sit three hours from the trailhead by horse or foot, deep inside a private reserve on the Pacific slope south of Dominical. The reward is proportional to the effort. The upper fall drops 35 metres into a natural pool the colour of glacial melt; below it the lower fall adds another 10 metres, and the combined spray fills the basin with mist that softens the jungle light. The swimming pool beneath the upper fall is several metres deep, cold, and completely surrounded by jungle and stone.
Fernanda L.
February 2025
The most rewarding hike we did in Costa Rica, and we did a lot of them. The trail is long and warm but the forest changes as you go deeper and by the time you arrive the pools feel completely earned. The upper falls put Niagara to shame for sheer atmosphere. We stayed three hours. Nothing about it was disappointing.
Kai T.
March 2025
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Central America and barely known outside of the region. Six hours round trip but every hour of it is through varied jungle with birds, butterflies, and near the end the sound of the falls guiding you in. The pool at the bottom is cold and magical. We swam for 45 minutes. Bring lunch.
Mia S.
January 2025
Incredible place but the logistics matter. The horseback option leaves at 7am from the trailhead outside Dominical — book ahead in high season. The trail is not marked; most people hire a local guide. The falls are everything they promise but the effort is real. Not a casual half-day.
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