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.
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.
More places this alive

🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata La Fortuna
A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming
La Fortuna

🌊 Waterfalls
Cataratas Llanos de Cortez
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Bagaces

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

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

🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata La Cangreja
A spectacular waterfall that plunges into a brilliant turquoise pool. Surrounded by lush jungle and volcanic landscapes.
Liberia
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata del Toro
Ninety metres straight down into an extinct volcanic crater — visible from the rim above
Sarchi

🏊 Swimming
Poza Los Coyotes
A hidden oasis where volcanic rivers, waterfalls, and dramatic canyon scenery create one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful natural swimming spots.
Liberia

🥾 Hiking
Barra Honda National Park
Dry forest mesa with 42 caves beneath it — stalactites and fossil seashells 300 metres underground
Nicoya

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

🌊 Waterfalls
Blue Falls of Costa Rica
Six turquoise pools of volcanic mineral water — each a different temperature
Bijagua

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

🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata Aquiares
A stunning waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush rainforest and the historic Aquiares Coffee Estate.
Turrialba
Related collections
If you liked this, try