AVORA
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Adventurous

Go in headfirst

There's a version of adventure in Costa Rica that doesn't involve zip lines or guided tours. It's the waterfall that requires a river crossing to reach. The summit that clears just as you arrive. The swimming hole that has no sign, no path, no designated parking. These places ask something of you — and they reward it.

Year-roundHikersTrail runnersSwimmersOff-trail explorers

When to visit

The dry season (December through April) keeps trails accessible and rivers crossable. The green season brings waterfalls to peak flow — the trade-off is mud and occasional closures.

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Catarata La Fortuna

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A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming

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Cataratas Llanos de Cortez

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Cataratas Llanos de Cortez

The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous

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Cataratas Nauyaca

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Cataratas Nauyaca

Two-tier 45-metre falls, three hours deep in the jungle south of Dominical

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Volcán Tenorio

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Tenorio combines rainforest, geothermal activity, wildlife, waterfalls, and a river whose color seems almost unreal.

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Catarata La Cangreja

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Catarata La Cangreja

A spectacular waterfall that plunges into a brilliant turquoise pool. Surrounded by lush jungle and volcanic landscapes.

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Catarata Aquiares

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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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Catarata Las Chorreras

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Catarata Las Chorreras

Swim beneath Catarata Las Chorreras, where crystal-clear turquoise pools, volcanic-rock canyons, and lush forest create a beautiful hidden escape.

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Blue Falls of Costa Rica

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Blue Falls of Costa Rica

Six turquoise pools of volcanic mineral water — each a different temperature

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Catarata Bijagual

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Catarata Bijagual

Witness one of Costa Rica’s tallest waterfalls, where four spectacular cascades plunge through a lush mountain canyon.

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Irazú Volcano

🔭 Viewpoints

Irazú Volcano

A crater lake the colour of oxidised copper, sitting in a landscape that looks like it forgot to grow anything

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Laguna Río Cuarto

🔭 Viewpoints

Laguna Río Cuarto

The deepest natural crater lake, where emerald and sapphire waters are framed by lush rainforest and steep volcanic walls.

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Catarata San Fernando

🌊 Waterfalls

Catarata San Fernando

A towering waterfall that crashes down a lush volcanic canyon surrounded by vibrant cloud forest.

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