waterfalls· Easy Hike· Family Friendly· Swimming
Los Chorros Waterfalls
Twin falls and swimming holes in the forest above Grecia — a local favourite for good reason
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Grecia
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Twin falls and swimming holes in the forest above Grecia — a local favourite for good reason
“Something different happens before 9am”
Los Chorros is a pair of waterfalls above the agricultural town of Grecia in Alajuela, accessible via a short trail through secondary forest and reaching two swimming pools — one at each fall — that are popular with local families and within a comfortable day-trip range of San José. The falls drop into pools of good depth over dark volcanic rock, the vegetation growing right to the edge of the water on all sides. Unlike the more photographed highland falls that require significant hiking commitment, Los Chorros is reachable in under an hour from the car park and the swimming pools are calm and safe for children. The surrounding secondary forest is dense enough to feel removed from the agriculture immediately outside it. Weekdays the site operates at a fraction of weekend capacity. In the rainy season the flow increases substantially and the pools take on a darker green colour from suspended volcanic sediment.
The site features two distinct waterfalls, each dropping into its own swimming pool over dark volcanic rock, accessible via a short trail through secondary forest in under an hour from the car park. Both pools are calm and safe for children, making this suitable for families seeking a swimming destination without requiring significant hiking commitment. Weekday visits operate at a fraction of weekend capacity, allowing for a more peaceful experience in the dense surrounding forest.
What Changes Through The Year
Green Season (May–Nov)
Water flow increases substantially and the pools take on a darker green colour from suspended volcanic sediment.
Getting There
From San José, drive northwest toward Grecia in Alajuela province. Los Chorros is located above the town of Grecia; follow local signage from the town center to the trailhead parking area.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
“Visit on a weekday to experience the falls with minimal crowds—weekend capacity is substantially higher. The pools appear noticeably darker green during rainy season due to volcanic sediment suspension, which some visitors find less visually appealing for photography.”
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