Niagara Falls — 4 best value experiences: The endlessly impressive Horseshoe Falls — beautiful both day and night, completely free to view. You can also buy tickets for the boat cruise to get closer to the falls. Journey Behind the Falls — requires a ticket, but absolutely worth it. You can experience the incredibly powerful emerald-green waterfall up close, like “water falling straight down from the sky.” Take the Incline Railway between the hotel and the falls area — saves you thousands of steps. East Izakaya buffet — a Japanese buffet that both locals and even visitors from the U.S. side say is affordable and delicious.
Nauyaca Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
61m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Nauyaca Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Nauyaca Falls famous?
Nauyaca Falls is famous for its stunning two-tiered cascade totaling 61 meters, with the upper tier dropping 45 meters and the lower tier 20 meters. The large natural swimming pool at the base of the upper tier, surrounded by pristine rainforest, makes it one of Costa Rica's most beautiful and photographed waterfalls.
Can you swim at Nauyaca Falls?
Yes — swimming is allowed in the natural pools at the base of both tiers of the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Nauyaca Falls?
Dogs are generally not permitted on the tour or at the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Nauyaca Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Entry fee required — the falls are on private property. Tour packages (horseback or 4WD transport with guide) typically cost around $70-90 USD; hiking-only entry around $10-20 USD. Please check the official website. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Nauyaca Falls?
Parking is available at the private property entrance where tours begin. Access is via guided horseback tour or 4WD transport arranged through the property, or by hiking approximately 4 km on a steep trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Nauyaca Falls?
About 8 km return (4 km each way) if hiking from the entrance, with steep descent and ascent. Most visitors take a guided horseback or 4WD tour instead. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Nauyaca Falls hike difficulty
Hard — the hike involves approximately 4 km each way with significant elevation change, river crossings, steep sections, and uneven terrain through rainforest. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Nauyaca Falls?
May to November (rainy season) for maximum water flow and lush surroundings, though trails can be muddy. December to April (dry season) offers easier access but lower flow. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Nauyaca Falls
From the entrance, the hiking trail descends steeply through rainforest for approximately 4 km, crossing streams and following a dirt road portion. The trail leads to the lower tier first, then continues to the upper tier pool where swimming is popular. Return is uphill on the same route. Most visitors opt for horseback or 4WD transport organized through Nauyaca Waterfalls Tours.
Nauyaca Falls official website
Attractions near Nauyaca Falls
- •Dominical Beach — popular surf beach and coastal town about 10 km west of the falls
- •Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge — trails, canopy tours, wildlife viewing near Dominical
- •Marino Ballena National Park — whale watching, coral reef, and Whale's Tail beach formation
- •Uvita Waterfall — smaller roadside waterfall along the coastal highway south of Dominical
- •Poza Azul Waterfall — scenic swimming hole waterfall accessed from Uvita area
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.