Costa Rica Waterfalls Map

Volcanic mountains and heavy rainfall give Costa Rica hundreds of waterfalls. These are the most rewarding to visit, from easy roadside falls to jungle hikes.

  • Waterfalls

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

La Fortuna Waterfall
~70 m
La Fortuna descent
~500 steps
Río Celeste
Blue
Fullest falls
Green season

The best waterfalls

  • La Fortuna Waterfall: plunges about 70 m into a jungle pool a few minutes from La Fortuna. A steep staircase of about 500 steps leads down; swimming is possible in the river below. See the Arenal map.
  • Río Celeste: famous for its sky-blue water, caused by minerals mixing where two rivers meet. Entry to Tenorio Volcano National Park is by ticket bought online; swimming is not allowed. See the Río Celeste map.
  • Catarata del Toro: one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, dropping into an extinct crater in the mountains north of Grecia.
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens: a private park with five waterfalls on easy trails, an hour and a half from San José.
  • Nauyaca: a two-tier waterfall near Dominical with a large swimming pool. Hike about 4 km each way or ride up by 4x4.
  • Llanos de Cortés: a wide waterfall with a sandy beach and pool, an easy stop on the way to the Guanacaste beaches.
  • Montezuma: three tiers in the jungle behind Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula. Do not jump from the upper falls.

Waterfall tours often add hanging bridges, hot springs or canyoning.

Waterfall tours ↗

Tips

Waterfalls are fullest in the green season (May to November) and clearest in the dry season. Wear shoes with grip, bring swimwear, and never swim near the falls after heavy rain, when flash floods can occur.

Plan your trip to Costa Rica

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in La Fortuna.

Find places to stay ↗

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous waterfall in Costa Rica?

La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal Volcano, followed by the sky-blue Río Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Can you swim at Río Celeste?

No. Swimming is not allowed inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, but some private properties outside the park have blue-water swimming spots.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.