10 Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica You Must Visit

The first time I visited Costa Rica was with Felicity during our round-the-world journey a few years ago. We were immediately struck by how easy the country is to travel in—welcoming locals, good infrastructure, and that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Since then, we’ve been back a couple of times, including a memorable six-month journey through Central America where Costa Rica quickly became one of our favorite stops.

Yes, it can be pricey in parts compared to its neighbors, but overall it remains surprisingly affordable and absolutely worth it. What keeps drawing us back is the sheer variety of experiences packed into such a small country—volcanoes, rainforests, pristine beaches, and of course, some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Over our visits, we’ve made chasing waterfalls something of a tradition. There’s nothing quite like cooling off under a jungle cascade after a long hike, or stumbling across a hidden turquoise pool that feels like your own private paradise. Below are some of the top waterfalls in Costa Rica—a mix of famous highlights and lesser-known gems that left a big impression on us.

1. La Leona Waterfall (Curubandé, Guanacaste)

If I had to pick one waterfall that captures the wild spirit of Costa Rica, it would be La Leona Waterfall. Tucked away near Liberia, this is more than just a scenic spot—it’s an adventure.

To reach La Leona, we hiked through rivers, squeezed through caves, and waded past canyon walls painted in dramatic orange hues. At the end, the waterfall revealed itself in a breathtaking turquoise pool. Sliding into the water felt like stepping into a dream.

What I loved most about La Leona is that it’s not simply a viewpoint—you become part of the landscape, swimming under the cascade and exploring the canyon around it. It’s also a guided experience, which makes the adventure safe while keeping it intimate and relatively uncrowded.

If you want to experience it for yourself, you can find all the details and book a tour here: Leona Waterfall. Trust me, it’s worth it.

This is where Leona Waterfall is:

2. La Fortuna Waterfall (Alajuela Province)

On our first trip, we couldn’t miss La Fortuna Waterfall, one of Costa Rica’s most famous. Set near Arenal Volcano, it plunges about 70 meters into a lush canyon.

The walk down is over 500 steps, and I remember my legs trembling a bit on the way back up—but the view at the bottom made it all worthwhile. The sheer power of the water, crashing into the emerald pool below, is awe-inspiring. Swimming isn’t recommended directly under the falls, but there are calmer spots downstream where we cooled off.

Facilities like a visitor center, restrooms, and a restaurant make it easy to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want something straightforward.

3. Rio Celeste Waterfall (Tenorio Volcano National Park)

Few places in Costa Rica have captured my imagination like Rio Celeste. Local legend says God dipped his paintbrush into the river after finishing the sky, giving it its neon-blue hue. Standing at the lookout point, I could believe it—the color is otherworldly.

The hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park is part of the experience. We walked through dense jungle, spotting birds and listening to howler monkeys before finally reaching the waterfall. Swimming isn’t allowed here to protect the ecosystem, but honestly, just gazing at that glowing cascade was unforgettable.

4. Catarata del Toro (Bajos del Toro)

During our longer Central America trip, we made a detour to Catarata del Toro, and I’m glad we did. Dropping 270 feet into an extinct volcanic crater, it feels like nature’s amphitheatre.

The descent to the base took us about 90 minutes, but the mist rising from the waterfall against the mossy, reddish crater walls was worth every step. It felt raw and untamed, like we’d stumbled into a secret world. If you have time, you can also pair it with a visit to the nearby Blue Falls.

5. Blue Falls of Costa Rica (Bajos del Toro)

Speaking of which, the Blue Falls are a series of cascades fed by mineral-rich streams, glowing with a milky turquoise tint. We spent an afternoon here, swimming in natural pools and enjoying the peace of a place that feels off the tourist trail.

If you want a less crowded experience than Rio Celeste but with equally magical water, this is the spot.

6. La Paz Waterfall (Alajuela, near Poás Volcano)

Not all waterfalls require a long hike: La Paz Waterfall is visible from the roadside, making it one of the easiest to visit. On one of our road trips, we pulled over to snap photos and then continued into La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where trails wind through cloud forest and wildlife exhibits.

It’s a great stop if you’re traveling between San José and the northern regions of Costa Rica.

7. Montezuma Waterfall (Nicoya Peninsula)

When we toured the Nicoya Peninsula, we made sure to check out Montezuma Waterfall. This three-tiered cascade has become famous for cliff-jumping videos. While we didn’t take the leap ourselves (I’ll admit I’m cautious around slippery rocks), watching locals and braver travelers make the plunge was exhilarating.

It’s a bit rugged to reach, so wear proper shoes, but it’s a fun spot if you’re exploring the laid-back beach town of Montezuma.

8. Uvita Waterfall (South Pacific Coast)

Sometimes the smaller waterfalls are the most fun. At Uvita Waterfall, Felicity and I took turns sliding down the smooth rock face into a natural pool. It’s not huge, but it’s a refreshing and playful stop if you’re in the area.

We loved how low-key it felt—just a small entrance fee and a café nearby. It reminded us that not every great experience in Costa Rica has to cost a fortune.

9. Llanos de Cortez Waterfall (Guanacaste)

Another family-friendly spot, Llanos de Cortez features a wide curtain of water falling into a sandy-bottom pool. We visited early in the morning and had the place almost to ourselves. Swimming under the falls and even slipping behind the curtain of water was pure joy.

It’s easy to access if you’re traveling around Guanacaste, and a great place to relax for a few hours.

10. La Cangreja & Oropendola Waterfalls (Rincón de la Vieja)

Near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, these two waterfalls are well worth the hike. La Cangreja is tucked away in the forest, while Oropendola dazzles with a bright blue pool beneath a canyon cliff.

I remember standing on the suspension bridge above Oropendola, looking down at the pool glowing in the sunlight—it was one of those “wow” moments that stick with you.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Costa Rica

• Go early to beat the crowds, especially at Rio Celeste and La Fortuna.
• Bring swimwear and water shoes—you’ll want them at places like La Leona, Llanos de Cortez, and Uvita.
• Respect safety signs—some waterfalls have strong currents or slippery rocks.
• Budget smartly—some waterfalls charge higher entrance fees, but others (like Uvita) are very cheap.
• Book guided hikes when required, as at La Leona.

Final Thoughts

For us, chasing waterfalls has become one of the highlights of traveling in Costa Rica. From the raw adventure of La Leona, to the surreal color of Rio Celeste, to the playful slides at Uvita, each one offers a different glimpse of this country’s natural beauty.

Costa Rica might be small, but its waterfalls are mighty—and they’ll keep calling us back for years to come.

Marco

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.