OUR FAVORITE GUANACASTE WATERFALLS TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY
Costa Rica is a magical land of mountain rivers, lush gorges, and tumbling elevations – the perfect trifecta for carving out ideal waterfall conditions. Our landscapes are riddled with these natural wonders and it would be impossible to mention them all. But we can clue you in to a few of our favorite Guanacaste waterfalls.
And by a few, we mean 12 – plus an add-on that we think you’ll love! All, within a daytrip of Hacienda Pinilla. Welcome to paradise!
GUANACASTE WATERFALLS NEAR RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK
Distance from Hacienda Pinilla to Las Pailas Sector: 67 miles (108 kms) | 2 hours, 10 minutes
We’ve grouped the following waterfalls together (and listed in alphabetical order), as they are all located within or just outside Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Together, they would make a perfect overnight or weekend getaway!
LA CANGREJA WATERFALL
Located within the protected confines of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, La Cangreja Waterfall requires a bit of commitment: The hike is 3 miles (5 kilometers), one way, but oh, are they worth it!
As you wend your way through the forest’s changing terrain, you’ll be treated to an array of flora and fauna, from iguanas and coatis to 300 bird species and howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkeys. And finally, La Cangreja, a 130-foot (40-meter) cascade that pours itself over a cliff and into a deep turquoise pool below. Note that visitors are not permitted to swim at La Cangreja (no matter what photos you see online).
ADD ON: ESCONDIDO WATERFALL
While we wouldn’t term Escondido Waterfall as one of the ultimate “best” Guanacaste waterfalls, we would recommend a visit if you’re in the area! And if you’re at La Cangreja and have the stamina and desire, this is a wonderful addition to your hike. (It’s just a short fork off the La Cangreja hiking trail.)
It’ll add an additional 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) to your total 6-mile (10-kilometer) hike. But at Escondido – literally, the hidden falls – you’ll find that you are almost guaranteed to be the only one in sight. This is, undoubtedly, one of Costa Rica’s hidden secrets and a lovely added sight for waterfall chasers.
LAS CHORRERAS WATERFALL
Located at Hacienda Guachipelin, just outside Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Las Chorreras promises a scenic canyon, blue waters, and a refreshing swimming hole.
You’ll start with a 30-minute, 1.25-mile light hike to Las Chorreras – a natural paradise of lush trees and expertly carved rock, courtesy of Mother Nature. The water-smoothed canyon creates a path for the twin falls of Las Chorreras (literally, the “outpourings”). Below lies a freshwater pool, tinted slightly blue and beckoning you to cool off with a quick dip.
LA ESTACIONAL
La Estacional Waterfall, or the “seasonal” waterfall, is located along the Las Pailas sector trail of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. As its name suggests, it is seasonal – your best chance of spotting the falls occurs between June and December – but it’s a lovely sight if you’re here for it!
In addition to the tumbling waters, you’ll enjoy spotting the sky-blue pool below (swimming not permitted), as well as Las Pailas incredible attractions, which extend to volcanic fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots.
LA OROPÉNDOLA WATERFALL
Located near the Las Pailas entrance (our favorite!) to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, La Oropéndola emerges from ethereal canyon like a mermaid from water: You don’t know she’s there, almost until she has revealed herself.
It all comes down to the cascade’s positioning: Secreted into a tall and rocky river gorge, tucked behind a corner, you won’t see La Oropéndola until suddenly, you do. And it’s a spectacular sight, as the falls plunge an impressive 82 feet (25 meters) from the Río Blanco (White River) into a sparkling, often translucent turquoise pool below. Enjoy your swim!
LA VICTORIA WATERFALL
At La Oropéndola, we had the Río Blanco (White River); at La Victoria, we have the Río Negro (Black River). And yet, the water is neither white nor black, at either!
La Victoria Waterfall, also located near Rincón de la Vieja National Park, tumbles 115 feet (35 meters) into the Río Negro. It’s not only a breathtaking spectacle but an opportunity for a swim: La Victoria’s cool river-fed pool is safe for swimming, offering a 360-degree view to the surrounding dry forest and scenic trails. You can also cool off beneath the cascade; talk about a photo op!