Waterfalls
These are some of the best waterfalls in the area to explore.
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Nauyaca Waterfall (biggest in area)
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A 50 minute drive from the house will land you in the mountains of the South Pacific region home to one of the most remarkable natural wonders of Costa Rica. Nauyaca WaterFalls are a two tiered waterfall. The first tier offers a pool perfect for swimming. Often there will be locals that will help you up the rocks where you can jump into the lagoon. In view above the swimming hole is the grand 175ft water fall. After a swing we like to go explore this upper waterfall and get your pictures sure to wow anyone.
Once at the entrance, you can get to the falls by hiking on foot, 4X4 truck tour, or horse tour. We always opt for the 4X4 truck tour and leave plenty of energy for the rest of the day. These tours do sell out quick so reserve as soon as you can with the Nauyaca waterfalls website. The tour allows for 2 hours at the falls and it's plenty of time to soak up the good energy that surrounds. I've added bellow in the Good to Know section. Those who want to hike this need to understand that it is about 45 minute, very steep ups and downs, and stretches are in the sun. This and the humid jungle make this hike not for everyone.
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Good to Know: ​
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Book the highly recommended 4X4 truck tour in the Nauyaca Waterfalls website here: https://nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com/?product=4x4
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The tour schedule for the 4×4 Economic Tour can be found on the website. They have about 8 trip times per day. We like to get on the 9am or 10am tour and be out in time for lunch after working up an appetite.
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The tour fee is $32 per person (minimum quota of 2 people must be met)
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Uvita Waterfall and Butterfly Garden
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After a relaxing breakfast at home we like to head to the Uvita waterfall to start our day. It is only 5 minutes drive from the home. The waterfall is perfect for all ages. A pathway from the entrance provides a short walk on flat ground through the Jungle to the falls. There are easy to access swimming holes and a jump platform. a little further up is the waterfall which can be seen from the pools below. For those looking for a little adventure, climb the later to the top of the waterfall and slide down the fall into the pool below. Before you leave, stop by the butterfly garden at the entrance. They have several varieties of butterflies in a special enclosure. Blue Morpho butterflies float by all around you.
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Good to Know: ​
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There is parking at the entrance to the waterfall facility.
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The entry price is $4 per person.
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They have bathrooms at the entrance.
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If you slide down the waterfall make sure you scoot on your but to get in place (don't walk as it is slippery). Once in place, cross your arms over your chest, tuck your head in so your chin touches your chest, lean back and slide.
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We like to bring in a couple of beers or soda in our backpack to have while we are at the falls. Please be respectful, discrete, and always keep your trash to trow away when you leave at the entrance.
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Eco Chantales Waterfall
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This waterfall and nature preserve is off the beaten path. You will need a 4x4 vehicle as you will be on mountainous dirt roads to get to the falls entrance. This waterfall is spectacular and has pools that you can swim in too. It is much less crowded than Nauyaca due to the drive up the mountains to get to it. The staff is friendly and there is a good restaurant at the entrance with great food and drink. I still recommend Nauyaca if you can only pick one, but this is great too is you have time to do more during your stay.
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For the adventure seeking, you can also book a ATV tour that take you to the falls as well. https://www.atvmonkeyride.com/
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Good to Know:
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You will need a 4x4 or you can get help with transportation by talking with our Property Management Company who is caring for you on your stay at the house. If you drive, there are a few hanging bridges that you have to drive across, I would not recommend the drive for someone afraid of heights or not a steady driver.
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The power of the waterfall changes with amount of rain. During the rainy season (especially October and November) the waterfall can be too powerful of currents to wade in the pools below.
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We always suggest going in the morning before it gets too hot.
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The entrance fee is 3000 colones per person and is cash only.
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The walk down to the falls is only about 10-15 minutes.
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Ojochal Waterfall (Cascada El Pavon)
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20 minute drive south of the home and you will reach the entrance to the Cascada El Pavon. This waterfall know for its unique boulder that is lodged between the start of the waterfall. This is not the grandest waterfall but it does have nice pools to lounge in and enjoy some hours in the jungle. There is no entrance fee to this waterfall. There isn’t really a dedicated parking lot for El Pavon Waterfall. You can just park on the side of the road. It’s not secure at all, so make sure not to leave valuables inside of the car. Take it all with you.
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Good to Know:
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The walk to the waterfall is really short and not difficult so you can wear sandals.
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There are no facilities so wear your swimsuit and bring a towel.
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You can have lunch at the Tilapia Restaurante nearby, where you can catch your own fish. It’s right next door. Nice local restaurant.
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A 4X4 would be a good idea, but not absolutely necessarily. Do note that the road is not paved and there are some parts that have some big holes. In the rainiest months, a high car would be most comfortable, especially for the South Pacific where many roads require a 4×4.
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