A typical Costa Rica itinerary includes the beach, the rainforest, a volcano, and a waterfall! And as far as waterfalls go, Nauyaca is one of the best to visit! These towering cascades are strikingly beautiful, but also very accessible! This is one of the only waterfalls in Costa Rica that you can hike or take a shuttle to.
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For this reason, Nauyaca is a great choice for anyone traveling with children, people with somewhat limited mobility, or if you’re short on time! Nauyaca is located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. It’s an easy drive from multiple destinations including Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Dominical.
Read on for everything you need to know about Nauyaca Waterfalls: which company to go with, what to bring, what to expect, and when to visit!
What are the Nauyaca Waterfalls like?
The waterfall is located deep in the jungle. In the surrounding rainforest you may see the striking morpho butterfly, sloths, and even toucans!
There are two distinct waterfalls that make up Nauyaca. The Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls is what I found most breathtaking. This is the one you’ll most likely arrive to first.
To find the pools to relax in, head downstream to the Lower Falls. You’ll find another gorgeous cascade with water falling on either side of a rock formation. You’ll see calm pools of water where you can take a dip. There’s also smooth rocks and spaces where you can spread out to have a picnic.
Which company should you go with?
There are two companies that offer tickets and tours to Nauyaca Waterfall. They both offer standard hiking tickets and shuttles to the waterfall.
1️⃣ Cataratas Nauyaca Don Lulo Family
The Don Lulo entrance is the original tour of the Nauyaca Waterfalls. It is a Costa Rican family’s establishment. To get there, use this address. It is right on the side of the main road so you do not need a 4×4 car. The road to the parking lot is also paved.
When you get to the building below you will pay for the tour you are doing and then drive to the parking area (2km). Parking costs $5; a security guard watches over the parking lot. You will find bathrooms here at the front office where you pay. There are also bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers at the waterfall.
At Cataratas Nauyaca, you have two options: hiking or a shuttle ride. They no longer offer a horseback riding tour. Hiking costs $10 per a person and is along a 5.5km trail (3 miles) each way. Your hike begins right after you pay at the office. The truck shuttle costs $32 and operates on a specific schedule. A truck shuttle tour lasts about 2 hours. Shuttles tours begin at 7am and the last shuttle tour is at 1pm.
Unless you are hiking, it’s best to make your reservation with the Don Lulo team ahead of time to make sure there are tours operating at the time you are coming. You can make your reservations with Don Lulo’s Cataratas Nauyaca here. They also have a Whatsapp number if you have any questions (+506-6280-1790).
2️⃣ Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park has two kinds of tickets: $33 to hike there and shuttle back on a 4×4 open air truck, or $38 to shuttle there and back.
Even if you get a ride on the truck, there is still a bit of walking. You’ll need to walk from the shuttle drop-off spot to the waterfall, about a 10-15 minute walk each way. The walk to the waterfall is a bit steep, so while it’s downhill on the way there, you will need to go uphill on the way back. Overall, this is about 600 meters.
The hike from the waterfall park is 2.7 km each way (1.7 miles). You will want decent walking shoes as it is considered an easy-to-moderate hike.
The shuttle drop-off point is a rancho with bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Back at the entrance, the park office has plenty of parking, free coffee, and even hammocks.
You can book your tickets to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park here. Directions to the entrance can be found here.
3. Other tour options
If you’re looking to meet other travelers and learn about the surroundign area, a guided tour is a great choice! This tour that leaves out of Quepos (a town right near Manuel Antonio) provides transportation to the Nauyaca Waterfalls, lunch, snacks, and water. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, they’ll also show you various spots of the waterfall that you can cliff jump from!
There are also several other tours of various lengths offer transportation from different locations. You can read more about each one here.
What to Know Before Hiking 🥾
As mentioned before, Nauyaca Waterfalls is a moderate hike. It requires some stamina, so it is best suited for people who exercise somewhat regularly.
If you choose to hike, recognize that this area of Costa Rica can be hot and humid. Try to come early in the morning to beat the heat of the day. The humidity in this area of Costa Rica, the time of day you come, and the presence of bugs can make the hike seem longer.
Keep in mind that the trail can have muddy parts, as well, especially if you are coming during the rainy season (May-November).
What to Bring to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
☀️ Reservation Details – If you make your reservations ahead of time, be sure to bring a screenshot of the details!
☀️ Bathing suit, Coverup, Towel, & Change of Clothes – Whether you are hiking to the waterfall or hitching a ride on a truck, you can choose to wear or bring your bathing suit. There are changing rooms at the waterfalls to change after, as well.
☀️ Sunscreen & Bugspray – These are a must, no matter the time of year you are coming. Make sure you protect yourself from nature when out in the jungle!
☀️ Comfortable shoes – If you come to hike, make sure you wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet! Waterproof hiking shoes or hiking sandals like my beloved Chacos are a great option. The rocks are slippery near the waterfall and you may need to cross some muddy and wet areas along the trail.
☀️ Water shoes – Water shoes are great to protect your feet when you wade into the waterfall pools.
☀️ Water to hydrate
☀️ Snacks or a Picnic! – The pools at the lower falls are a great spot to lay back and relax! Bring sandwiches, drinks, and snacks to make the most of it!
☀️ Waterproof bag! – My favorite purchase for Costa Rica! Whether you are hiking in the rainforest, boating on a catamaran, or visiting a waterfall, a waterproof bag is a lifesaver (or phone saver)!
For tried and true must-haves for water activities in Costa Rica, check out my Waterfall Essentials list on Amazon.
When to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
The best time of year to go to Nauyaca Waterfall is in the dry season (December-April) since you can expect a sunny, rain-free day and up-close-and-personal access to the waterfalls. The mornings during the lighter months of the rainy season (May-July) can also be a good time to visit.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are still open during the later months of the rainy season (August to November) but rivers in Costa Rica are subject to flash flooding which can be very dangerous.
The upper falls are also closed during some months of the rainy season due to the extreme volume of water. If you choose to go during these months, be sure to check directly with the company you go with via their Whatsapp number. Don Lulo has always been very responsive when I’ve reached out.
✨ Pro Tip: This natural wonder is usually busier on the weekends. Try to come on a weekday to make the most of it!
Final Thoughts: Why Nauyaca Waterfall is a Must-Do
The Nauyaca is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Costa Rica. Its sheer size is impressive (my jaw literally dropped!) and you have the opportunity to see wildlife in the area, including toucans, morpho butterflies, and sloths. The location is easily accessible from multiple destinations like Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Uvita, and Dominical. Particularly at the Don Lulo Cataratas Nauyaca, the office is easy to find, there is plenty of parking, and the road is in good condition.
Finally, Nauyaca is family and ability friendly because there are so many different ways you can get to this waterfall! Whether you hike both ways, hike one way and shuttle back, or take a shuttle both ways, there’s lots of accomodating options. On the Pacific side of Costa Rica, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are a complete oasis to escape the heat and immerse yourself in nature.
More Essential Info for Your Dream Trip to Costa Rica:
🔹 Costa Rica Planning Guide – Everything you need to know to plan the perfect
🔹 10% off your rental car & a few additional driver – Support a local Costa Rican business that has earned its reputation
🔹 The No-Fail Packing List for Costa Rica
🔹 11 Safety Tips every first time traveler should know
🔹When to visit Costa Rica – The best places to visit during the rainy and dry seasons
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