North America

Waterfalls in Costa Rica

5 waterfalls, from La Fortuna Waterfall to Volio Waterfall — at their best January to February and December.

Costa Rica's falls sit within its national park and volcano network. Rio Celeste, in Guanacaste's Tenorio Volcano National Park, owes its striking sky-blue colour to an optical effect from dissolved minerals rather than any dye or pollutant, a phenomenon that draws hikers along a well-marked trail to the falls themselves. La Fortuna Waterfall, near Arenal Volcano in Alajuela province, is the region's signature stop, a single drop into a swimming pool below one of the country's most visited volcanoes. Nauyaca Falls, in the South Pacific near Dominical, is a two-tier fall reached on horseback or by 4WD tour and popular for swimming beneath the upper drop.

When to go

The dry season, December-April, offers the clearest water and easiest trail conditions, particularly at Rio Celeste, where heavy rain can cloud the mineral-blue colour. The wet season, May-November, brings fuller flow to La Fortuna and Nauyaca but muddier trails and a higher chance of afternoon storms.

Getting around

La Fortuna is a short drive or organised tour from the town of the same name, with a paved trail to the viewpoint. Rio Celeste requires a moderate hike within Tenorio Volcano National Park, reached by rental car or shuttle from La Fortuna or Liberia. Nauyaca is typically visited by 4WD or horseback tour from Dominical or Uvita.

Entry requirements

US, Canadian, UK and EU citizens enter Costa Rica visa-free with a valid passport; US and Canadian visitors can be granted up to 180 days, so check the stay you're given on arrival.

Entry rules checked September 2026. They change without much notice — confirm with the official government source before you travel.