What You Need to Know About Visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls

If you’re chasing waterfalls, Costa Rica is a great place to be. From the famous La Fortuna Waterfall to the quiet seclusion of the Diamante Waterfall, the nation is home to a bounty of these simple yet stunning natural features. However, among the most beloved in Costa Rica are the Nauyaca Waterfalls, and for good reason. A gorgeous two-tiered set of falls tucked away in the rainforest, it offers an energizing nature hike, a memorable sightseeing opportunity, and even a place to enjoy a refreshing swim.

At Vajra Jahra Villas & Retreat Center, we offer a variety of different excursions, but Nauyaca Waterfalls have easily remained one of the most popular. Over the years, we have taken many groups to enjoy the falls at Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. Whether it’s the primary focus of your journey or just one excursion in a long itinerary, this is one spot you’re not going to want to miss on your next trip to Costa Rica.

Curious to learn more? In this blog, we’ll share the details you need to make the most out of your Nauyaca visit. In addition to our own insights, we also reached out to Edison Cerdas, a manager and guide at Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, who kindly shared some of his own thoughts as a longtime insider. Read on to learn what makes Nauyaca Waterfalls such a popular attraction, and how to plan your trip.

Where Is Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Nauyaca falls are located in a rainforest valley in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, stemming from what is known as the Barucito River. Like Vajra Jahra Villas & Retreat Center, Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is located in San Salvador de Barú, drivably near to tourist hotspots like Quepos, Uvita, and Dominical, and a great place to experience Costa Rica’s scenic natural environment.

Edison told us that maintaining the gorgeous natural environment surrounding the falls is a top priority for Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. Though they are “working every day” to increase the park’s offerings and expand the guest experience, he said that they want to keep all their efforts “the most natural as possible… we want to preserve the nature.”

Many of our guests come for the feeling of being surrounded by nature’s beauty. For those already looking to take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, taking a trip out to Nauyaca Waterfalls is practically a no-brainer—and it’s only a short drive from our property.

How Can You Get to Nauyaca Waterfalls?

There are two main entrance points to access Nauyaca Waterfalls. Don Lulo’s Cataratas Nauyaca, the original entrance point, is located to the north of the falls. Our preferred entrance, Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, provides an attractive alternative to reach the falls from the east, and offers some unique advantages. However, both entrances ultimately lead to the same place, though Edison feels that approaching from the Nature Park side gives you the better view.

From either entrance, you can choose to take a longer hike to the falls, or take a trolley ride up to the access point, which leaves you with a much shorter walk. At Vajra Jahra, we offer transportation to Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park from our facility for guests, to make reaching the falls a convenient, stress-free excursion for your group.

What Can You Do at Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Nauyaca Waterfalls are breathtaking and make for a great photo op, but they also feature natural pools where guests can swim. Edison told us that “in Costa Rica, that is not really common; normally you see a nice waterfall but then you don’t have the pool for swimming, or it’s too cold.”

Either entrance will allow you to come hang out or swim at the falls, but Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park aims to elevate the experience for guests by providing more than just the waterfall tour. In addition to the hike to the falls, they have more trails on the property where guests can “hike, explore more, see more wildlife,” as Edison explained. The area is home to several colorful species of birds and other animals of the Costa Rican rainforest.

The park facilities also include a ranch with hammocks and games, as well as a botanical garden housing a variety of different kinds of flora, including coffee and vanilla plants—all in all, “just an opportunity to spend some time in kind of this natural environment.”

When Is the Best Time to Go to Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Costa Rica is known for its consistently cycling rainy and dry seasons. Each has its pros and cons for travelers, which has led to some debate on the best season to visit Costa Rica. The good news is, according to Edison, there isn’t really a wrong time of year to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls. It ultimately depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

During the dry season, the lower pool is ideal for swimming, but the falls themselves are at a lower intensity, which may lessen their visual impact. Of course, this is also the time of year that it’s easier to count on clear skies and warm weather, which many travelers may prefer.

By contrast, the rainy season sees the falls at their most intense, making for an even more impressive sight. However, the amount of flow coming from the falls can get in the way of swimming in the lower pools. Fortunately, at this time, the upper pools, which typically stay pretty shallow during dry season, fill out nicely during rainy season, making them easier to swim in.

“In rainy season,” Edison explained, “we send people to swim in the upper and not in the lower. And now, in the dry season, it’s the opposite way—we send people to swim at the lower, and not at the upper.” This means the core experience is the same, regardless of what time of year you choose to visit. The weather during the dry season might be more comfortable in terms of weather, but the rainy season comes with even better views.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Both entrances offer the option to hike to the falls. The length of the hike depends on which entrance you take, as well as where exactly you start walking from.

• From Don Lulo's, the hike is around 3.5 kilometers (~2 miles) one-way from the parking area, although if you don't have your own car you'll have to hike from the office, which adds an additional 2 kilometers for a total of 5.5 kilometers (~3 miles) each way. This means an estimated 1–2 hours each way, depending where you start from.
• From Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, the hike is shorter, stated to be 2.7 kilometers (~1.5 miles) each way, an estimated 30–45 minutes either way. Alternatively, you can take a truck to be dropped off at the park’s ranch, from which point it is only a quick ten-minute walk to the falls.

How Accessible Are Nauyaca Falls for Visitors with Mobility Issues?

Both the Don Lulo’s entrance and the Nature Park offer shuttle tours to help guests access the falls, even if they are not particularly strong hikers. However, guests with mobility issues should note that even on these tours there will be a short walking portion, which will include a few hundred steps. The walk is not built as a challenging hike, but if someone in your group is likely to struggle with several minutes of light walking, you will want to account for this in your plans.

When Are the Nauyaca Falls Open to Visitors?

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park opens at 7:30AM any day of the week, and tickets to access the falls can be purchased until 2:30PM. Alternatively, Don Lulo’s Nauyaca Waterfalls opens at 7AM Monday–Saturday, and 8AM on Sundays. After opening time, you can buy a ticket to access the falls up until 2PM.

While both entrances list a consistent schedule online, hours can vary based on limiting factors like weather, so be sure to call ahead when the day of your visit arrives.

How Long Can I Stay at Nauyaca Waterfalls?

If you visit the falls from Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, you can take a shuttle back to the office whenever you wish—if one isn’t already waiting for you, you can call one; it’s generally a 15-minute wait at maximum. The last shuttle back from the falls leaves at 4PM, and the office closes at 4:30PM.

Visitors from the Don Lulo’s entrance are expected to leave by 3:30PM. It’s also important to note that if you opt for the shuttle tour, you’ll be scheduled for a specific 3-hour block of time, which includes an hour round-trip to and from the falls.

Can You Swim in the Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Yes, you can swim in Nauyaca Waterfalls. During the dry season, the lower pool is usually the best place to swim, but in the rainy season, the upper pools tend to be a better option.

What Should I Bring to Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Before you go, make sure you have the following items:

• Comfortable, sturdy shoes—avoid lightweight sandals!
• A towel
• A water bottle
• Sunscreen & bug repellent
• A change of clothes

If you’re going in the rainy season, you may also want to bring ponchos or umbrellas and waterproof storage for your electronics.

Chase Waterfalls from Vajra Jahra

Planning a stay and hoping to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls? Why not stay at Vajra Jahra Villas & Retreat Center in Costa Rica? We’ll help you plan your stay, including scheduling and transportation for activities. In addition to the ever-popular Nauyaca Waterfalls, our available excursions also include the Diamante Waterfall, which can be seen directly from the property, plus beach trips, cacao ceremonies, nature walks, and much more—whether you’re a waterfall enthusiast or you’re just looking for a serene rainforest getaway, Vajra Jahra offers the perfect escape into nature.

Sources

Special thanks to Edison Cerdas at Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park for his insights.

• “Detailed Visitor’s Guide.” Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, 10 Aug. 2024, www.nauyacawaterfall.com/detailed-visitors-guide/.
• “Nauyaca Waterfalls.” CostaRica.Com, 21 Oct. 2023, www.costarica.com/attractions/nauyaca-waterfalls.
• “Pick-up Tour.” Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica, 5 Feb. 2026, nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com/en/product/tour-4x4/.
• “Walking.” Nauyaca Waterfalls Costa Rica, 17 June 2025, nauyacawaterfallscostarica.com/en/product/caminata/.
• “What is the Best Time to Arrive at Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park?.” Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, 20 Mar. 2026, www.nauyacawaterfall.com/what-is-the-best-time-to-arrive-at-nauyaca-waterfall-nature-park/.