Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southern part of Costa Rica.

The waterfalls sit on a private property owned by a Costa Rican family, Don Lulo.

The Nauyaca Waterfalls are in a canyon approximately 80 meters wide with 6-meter deep pool. There is an upper and lower fall with steps leading to both.

The Lower fall is 20-meter (60 foot) high, while the Upper fall is an impressive 45-meter (140 foot) high.

Location:

Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hd1sku8hem
Google Maps:

Entrance Fee and Parking:

◾Hike – $8 or ¢4,900 per person Foreigners // ¢3,000 or $6 Nationals/Residents
◾Horseback -$70 per person
◾Pickup
Premium 4×4 (truck) – $70 per person.
Economic 4×4 (truck) – $28 per person.
◾Parking: $ 3 or ¢ 1,500 per vehicle. (2kms from main road).

Hours of Operations:

Office: Mon-Sat: 7 am.-2:30 pm. / Sun: 8 am.-2:30 pm
Guide: Mon-Sat 10:am ,11:00 am

◾Hike: Mon-Sat: 7 am.-4:30 pm. / Sun: 8 am.-4 pm
◾Horseback: Mon-Sat: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
◾Pickup
Economic 4×4 (truck): Mon-Sat: 7:00 am ,9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am ,12:00 pm
Premium 4×4 (truck): Mon-Sat: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm

Ways of reaching Waterfall from entrance:

The office for the waterfalls is on the main road. Here you will need to buy tickets from Office Don Lulo.

The head of the trail is about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from the office on the main road. As you turn off the main road it turns into a dirt road. It is very steep in places, so you’ll need a 4×4 here. This road leads to their paid parking lot. The parking lot has a bathroom facility where you can freshen up.

You could also park for free, up on the main road and walk down the 2kms to the paid parking area.

Hike:

Choose this if you love trekking. The trail is about 4 kilometers long and is difficult for people who are not physically fit.

The walk is NOT recommended for children or people with any or some of the following health problems: heart problems, obesity, asthma, pregnant women or any physical condition that limits this kind of activity.

The hike takes about 1-1.5 hrs each way.

Horse ride:

This is one of the easier ways to get to the waterfalls. The horseback tour starts from the paid parking area (2kms from the main road).

The tour includes:

• A Guide
• Horses
• Light breakfast
• Lunch
• Admission ticket

The horseback riding tour not available on Sunday. You need to make reservations beforehand.

It takes about 50 minutes.

Truck:

This is an easiest way for people who would like to reach waterfall without much trouble. You will need to park outside the ticket office on the main road and make your reservations beforehand.

The truck ride has 2 options:

a>Economic 4×4 Tour

Time of stay at the falls: 2 Hours

This tour is not available on Sunday.

The ride takes no more than 30 mins, winding through the bumpy roads of the forest, rewarding us with beautiful views of the jungle all around us.

We met some amazing people on the truck.

b>Premium 4×4 Tour

This is a full tour, not available on Sunday.

The tour includes:

• Guide,
• Car 4×4,
• Light breakfast,
• Lunch
• Admission ticket.

Note: Make the reservation online in cataratasnauyaca.com or via phone at +506 2787-0541.

The Waterfall:

We parked near the office and chose the Economic 4×4 Truck option. From the main road it took us about 30 minutes to reach the Waterfalls.

The trailhead is a dirt road and steep at places with a few streams to cross.

The truck dropped us at the top the steps that lead down to the waterfalls that are roughly 200 mtrs away. This spot also has a bathroom.

As we walked down, we found a sign that points to Catarata 1(Upper falls) and Catarata 2 (Lower falls).

 

We explored the Upper falls first.

The upper falls has several cascades that fall into jagged edged rocks. You can’t swim or bathe in this area.

The lower falls is where you can swim. There’s a huge pool of blue water with plenty of room for everyone to have their own space to relax.

The steps are made of concrete and the handrails made of Bamboo. I struggled a bit on the climb up 😃

You can have a picnic, lay around, swim, or jump (with guide) off the ledge of the waterfall.

What to get:

Swimwear
Towel
Good gripping Shoes
Clothes to change
Water
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Snacks
Dry bag to keep your electronics safe
ID card

Contact:

Cataratas Nauyaca, Dominical – San Isidro PZ, Provincia de Puntarenas
+506 2787-0541
info@cataratasnauyaca.com
http://nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nauyacawaterfalls.cr/

Use the their website to make online reservations and wait for Office team to send you written confirmation. Book in well in advance (4-5 days) to secure your spot.They speak English.

Note:

The rocks around the lower falls can be slippery so bring some good gripping water shoes if you have them.

If you need to change into a swimsuit, facilities are available right at the steps that lead down to the falls.

Just be sure to pack plenty of water as the trail gets a lot of sun and temperatures can get quite hot.

Dogs without leash are not allowed, except guide dogs.

If you want to climb or jump off the waterfall, you will need to work with their guide.

The Horse ride has a weight limit of 220 pounds for people without horse riding experience and 240 pounds for experienced people.