Your Complete Guide to Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Looking for an absolutely breathtaking natural wonder in Costa Rica? Let me introduce you to Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of the country’s hidden gems.

Trust me, I’ve lived in Costa Rica, so I know all about the struggle of planning the perfect trip to this picturesque site.

You know, all those questions like ‘When’s the best time to visit?’ or ‘How do I even get there?’

So, in this post, I’ll take you on a journey through my experiences, sharing all my tips and tricks to make sure your visit is just as enchanting as mine was.

How to Get to the Nauyaca Waterfalls?

The Nauyaca Waterfalls benefit from being close to popular tourist destinations like Uvita, Dominical, or Manuel Antonio. Even from San José, it is doable to take a day trip.

By bus: 

If you want to come by bus from San José, you must first take a bus to Uvita via the company Tracopa.

Buses from San José to Uvita leave daily between 6:30 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. Once in Uvita, you will have to take a second bus to San Isidro and ask the driver to get off in front of the entrance to the Nauyaca waterfalls.

A bus leaves from Uvita around 6 am, but it is best to confirm this information on the spot.

If you come from Dominical, the bus (the same one) should pass around 6:30 am. For the return trip, a bus to Uvita (or Dominical) will pass in front of the entrance around 12:00.

You can take a bus from Dominical (towards San Isidro) and ask the driver to take you down to Nauyaca Falls. Before you leave, you should also ask your hotel for the return time.

If you are coming from Quepos, you can first go to Uvita via the Tracopa Quepos/San José line and then follow the instructions mentioned above.

By car: 

The easiest way to get there is by car. The entrance to the Nauyaca waterfalls is located 10 km north of Dominical in the direction of San Isidro.

If you don’t have a car, you can join a tour. Some companies offer day tours from San José that include transportation in a 4×4, park admission, a guide, breakfast, and possibly a jump to Quepos to watch the sunset for around 45 dollars. 

The best time to visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls

Generally, I recommend visiting Nauyaca Falls during the dry season, between December and April.

The sun is more likely to shine and the water level allows for swimming, which is not always the case during the rainy season.

Nevertheless, if you want to avoid the crowds, November can be a good option. The weather is certainly more uncertain, but the heat is less stifling and the site is much less crowded.

Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrance Fee & Opening Hours

As a family-owned tourism company manages the entrance to Nauyaca Falls, admission costs $8 for a foreigner.

Tickets can be purchased every day from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm only (Sundays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm).

What to bring with you?

Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, your picnic lunch, hiking shoes, sandals for swimming and pants (especially for horseback riding), a camera, and protection against water jets.

Where to Stay near Nauyaca Falls?

When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of choices for every type of traveler. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can stay at a nearby eco-lodge or retreat.

It’s a great way to be close to nature and get involved in eco-tourism activities.

On the other hand, if you prefer something more luxurious and comfortable, there are also many hotels and resorts in the area that offer incredible amenities and top-notch service.

Whichever option you decide on, just remember to book ahead to avoid any letdowns.

Accommodation Options	Distance from Nauyaca Waterfalls	Price Range (per night)
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort	14 km	$250 – $400
Dominicalito Dream House	12 km	$150 – $200
Kura Boutique Hotel	18 km	$600 – $900
Nauyaca Waterfall Villas	800 m	$150 – $300

More Tours Near Nauyaca Waterfalls

Here are some suggestions for excursions and places to discover near Nauyaca Falls: 

• Discovery of the Marino Ballena National Park: You can go on a whale watching trip (January to April; July to October); dive or snorkel; and also watch birds. 

• Surfing in Playa Dominical: You can do courses or surf alone. 

• On its 330 hectares of private land, Hacienda Baru organizes on its 330 hectares of private land birdwatching or ziplining. 

• Wildlife observation in Manuel Antonio National Park: sloths, coati, caiman, peccary, and iguanas are just a few of the species that can be observed and photographed.

Why Nauyaca Waterfalls Should Be Your Next Destination

They’re nestled in the heart of a canyon, about 80 meters high! Trust me, they’re definitely a must-see.

These waterfalls are so impressive, with two distinct falls that blend together beautifully. The first one is a whopping 45 meters high, and it puts on quite a show for visitors. You won’t want to miss it!

The second waterfall, it ends its course about 20 meters below, in this really refreshing natural pool, before quietly trickling down to the Barucito River bed, further downstream.

But you know what really makes the beauty of the Nauyaca waterfalls unique? It’s the natural setting, with the green trees and the gray rock, all just shining in the sun.

Hiking To Nauyaca Waterfalls

Before accessing the falls themselves, you will first have to walk the 6 km that separate them from the entrance of the site.

You can decide to walk this distance. It is the most popular and also the most economical. You will only have to pay the entrance fee of $8. In all, the journey to the waterfall lasts more or less 2 hours.

You will cross various landscapes of forest and go along the famous Barucito river. The path climbs a little but it is quite accessible. 

The most difficult part will be perhaps to support the heat, particularly strong during the dry season.

A small advice: privilege the morning. That will allow you to avoid the big heat but also the affluence of the tourists.

At the end of the 6 km, you will finally arrive at the waterfalls, accessible via several staircases, which will lead you initially to the first cascade of height.

From the platform, you will have a breathtaking view of this huge waterfall. It’s time to take out your camera. Stairs allow you to go down to the foot of the waterfall.

Horseback to Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park

You can also reach the Nauyaca waterfalls on horseback! Some agencies provide this option for around $70 per person. It includes entrance to the site, a guide, breakfast, and lunch.

You will start your ride at the parking lot. The activity lasts about 5 hours (between 8 am and 1.30 pm). A nice way to admire the surrounding nature and maybe see some wildlife.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

For me, it was pretty clear from the start that I would go on the trek by myself. The route isn’t complicated at all, just a wide clay road that takes you through fields and forests.

It’s a great chance to see the tropical vegetation again and spot some cool creatures along the way.

Speaking of which, that’s where I came across this gorgeous Blue Morpho butterfly just casually crossing my path.

If you set off early enough, you can beat the crowds and be one of the first to reach the destination.

The organized tours usually start around 9:00 am, just like most other visitors. But I was already on my way by 7:30 am.

When I finally reached the waterfalls after about an hour, there were only four of us there. And guess what? No one had jumped into the water yet. So, the lagoon was all mine!

Nauyaca Waterfalls: FAQ

How do I get to Nauyaca Waterfalls?

There are a few transportation options to reach Nauyaca Waterfalls. You can either rent a car and drive to the location or take a bus or taxi from nearby towns.

The falls are located in the Dominical area of Costa Rica, and there are signs along the way to guide you.

Are there any hiking trails at Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Absolutely! Nauyaca Waterfalls has a fantastic set of well-maintained hiking trails that let you explore the area and soak in breathtaking views.

They offer different trail options with varying levels of difficulty, so you can pick the one that suits your preference and fitness level.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls?

When you visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, safety is key! Make sure to wear the right footwear, bring plenty of water, and be careful while hiking and swimming near the falls.

Just follow any signs or guidelines posted to have a safe and fun experience!

Can I swim in the Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Absolutely! You can totally swim at Nauyaca Waterfalls. The pools near the falls provide an incredibly refreshing and one-of-a-kind swimming experience.

Just remember, it’s important to be cautious and stick to the designated areas for your safety.

Are there any accommodation options near Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Sure, there are plenty of accommodation options near Nauyaca Waterfalls. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly lodges to fancy resorts, catering to different preferences and budgets.

It’s a good idea to book your place ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

Before You Go

Read more of my posts from Costa Rica.  I’ll take you to places that even Costa Ricans don’t know about.

• 10 Epic Things to Do in Uvita Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Beaches: From Quiet Paradise to Surfing and Party Meccas
• What to do in Manuel Antonio?
• La Fortuna Costa Rica: Your Ultimate Travel Bucket List Destination
• Arenal Volcano Hike: A Detailed 2024 Guide to Costa Rica’s Famous Volcano
• Hiking to the Rio Celeste in Costa Rica (2024 Guide)
• Best things to do in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
• I Lived in Nicoya Peninsula and This Is the Most Peaceful Place in the Country
• 5 Best Hot Spring Hotels in Costa Rica (2024)

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