Hiking to Stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica

Hiking to Nauyaca Waterfalls is a popular day trip for locals and tourists alike. Many consider Nauyaca Falls to be one of the most beautiful waterfall systems in Costa Rica. It is easy to see why, nestled in a secluded canyon, accessed only through a tropical rain forest, with flowing waters crashing down on slick boulders over 200 feet high.

These cascading falls in the Puntarenas Province along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica are easy to get to despite their secluded location. In addition, their proximity to towns such as Dominical, Manuel Antonio, and Uvita make hiking Nauyaca falls an excellent choice for an adventurous day trip when visiting Costa Rica’s southern region.

To do this hike as a day trip from Antonio Manuel, check out my “Ultimate one-week Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica itinerary,” highlighting how to make the most out of a short trip.

This guide will answer the most common questions about hiking to Nauyaca Falls while sharing all the information you need to plan a fun and memorable day immersing yourself in one of Costa Rica’s most treasured natural landscapes.

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What to know about Nauyaca Falls

Once at Nauyaca Falls, there are two sections, the upper and lower. The lower section is where most visitors lounge on the boulders, jump from rocks and enjoy swimming in the 20-foot deep natural pool. There is a rope climb to assist in scaling the smooth surface of the waterfall to the 60-foot jumping ledge. Caution! Even with water shoes, the rocks are slippery. Therefore, it is a good idea to only jump with the help of a guide.

Watch below as one man jumps off the 60 ft lower falls (iPhone video quality)

Nauyaca Waterfall, Lower Falls

The upper section, usually empty of visitors, is still worth a look. Observe water plummeting down 140 feet on top of the enormous rocks below. Find a dry spot to enjoy a private picnic, and capture some cool photos—no swimming or jumping here.

The falls are enjoyed during both the dry and rainy seasons, although there are several things to consider when deciding when to visit.

During the wettest months (August-October), the falls are raging with water making it hard to swim and dangerous to jump.
The roads and trails become muddy during the wet season.
During drier months (February-April) the falls are weaker, but swimming and climbing are at their best

Location of Nauyaca Waterfalls

The waterfalls are located on private land off of Route 243 and conveniently located to popular beach towns; Dominical (20 mins, 6 miles), Manuel Antonio (50 mins, 34 miles), and Uvita (30 mins, 18 miles). Driving is the best option, but slightly tricky yet doable bus routes are from Dominical and Quepos. Paid tour options are also available, offering transportation from nearby towns.

When self touring, your first stop will be the tourist office on Route 243, to pay the $10 entrance fee to hike to Nauyaca Falls and a $3 parking fee (if applicable). The small office is open M-S 7 am-2:00 pm and Sunday 8 am-2:00 pm. WAZE app easily pulled up the correct location when entering “Nauyaca Waterfalls.” Once you see the “waterfall” sign and cars parked along the side of the road, you’ll know you are close. The marked unpaved road to the trailhead and parking lot is about a half-mile north of the tourist office.

The parking lot is located about 1.5 miles from the paved road. If you do not have a 4×4 or a high SUV, you won’t be able to access the parking lot with your car, as the road is steep and rocky. In the wettest months (August-October), the rocky road becomes very slick and muddy and unsuitable for anything other than 4×4 vehicles. In that case, it is best to park on the side of paved Route 243 and walk the extra 1.5 miles to the trailhead (or do what we did and ask for a lift with someone driving).

*2022 Update per post comment: The road to the falls parking lot is now fully paved, yay! You will not need a 4×4 to access the parking lot.

The falls themselves are at the end of a well-kept 2.5-mile rocky dirt trail with trailhead access near the parking lot. After hiking to Nauyaca Falls, both waterfall sections are accessible by climbing a few stairs and navigating through slippery boulders.

Hiking to Nayuaca Waterfalls

5+ miles and 3 hours round trip on rocky, hilly terrain in direct sunlight (most of the way) might not be for everyone, but hiking to Nauyaca Waterfalls is a rewarding option if you are willing to embrace it!

The openness of the trail coupled with Costa Rican heat and a few strenuous sections means the hike to Nayuaca Waterfalls can be challenging for those not used to warm weather hiking. However, moderate fitness levels and children frequently playing outdoor sports should do well.

What to know when hiking to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Most of the trail is in direct sun and has a lot of uphill sections
In wetter months the path may be saturated with thick mud
Bring plenty of water and snacks as there is (usually) nothing to purchase during the hike
At the end of the trail, there are slippery stairs and boulders you have to climb on to access the waterfalls and swimming pool
Bring your own TP for the facilities at the falls
There is nowhere to store personal belongings securely

If you choose to hike, that means you can go at your own pace, have the surrounding jungle all to yourself, and take more time looking for sloths and monkeys. There are a few places to stop along the way if you get tired and need a break, but no refreshments or snacks are available for purchase.

Sundays are a great day to hike to avoid the horseriding tours (and horse poo) that share the same trail. If you arrive at the falls before 9 am, you will have the place to yourself. Many visitors clear out around 3 pm to start the trek back. The hiking trail closes at 4:30 pm, although we didn’t get back to the parking lot until after 5 pm and never saw a locked gate.

Alternation forms of Transportation

Besides hiking, there are three other ways to access the Waterfalls

Horseback Riding Tour
4×4 Tour
4×4 Transportation Only

The property encompassing the falls is privately owned by the Don Lulo family, who has worked long and hard to conserve the land while offering guided horseback tours for over 15 years. To keep up with the increasing demand to visit the falls, they introduced another mode of transportation; the 4×4 pick-up truck.

Update for 2022: Per post comment, they may offer $10 one-way rides to and from the parking lot to the falls, a great option for anyone with health issues.

Horseback Riding Tour

The Horseback Tour is a popular 1/2 day tour costing adults $85 each. It fills up quickly, so making reservations online at least a week in advance is suggested. This guided tour includes 2 hours at the falls, a light breakfast, and traditional Costa Rican lunch. It lasts approximately 5.5 hours from 8 am-1:30 pm and runs Monday-Saturday on the same trail as the hike. Book and read more information about the Horseback tour through the reservation link above.

4×4 Pick-up Truck Tour

If horses aren’t your thing, you can have the same experience of the horseback tour minus the horse. Just book the “4×4 Premium Tour,” and you will be at the falls within 30 mins while riding in the bed of a pick-up truck down an alternate driving path. This tour is also $85 per person, includes breakfast and lunch, and runs from 8 am-1:30 pm Monday to Saturday.

4×4 Transportation Only

If you are looking for transportation only, you can skip the guided tour and opt for the “Economy 4×4 Tour,” providing drop off and pick up to and from the falls every 2.5 hours from 7 am to 2:30 pm Monday-Saturday. With a cost of $32, it is a more economical way to see the falls without the full tour or a 5+ mile hike.