Book the Best Lodges in Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica

If you love getting lost in remote areas surrounded by forests, then Bajos del Toro is the place for you. This hidden gem is great for those nature lovers who love misty days, cooler climates, and exploring uncrowded places. This often-overlooked corner of Costa Rica is perfect to experience the country’s authentic rural tourism and beautiful landscapes the way locals enjoy them.

Cottages, small hotels, and bed & breakfasts are all available for visitors. The best among them is El Silencio Lodge. This luxury eco-lodge focuses on wellness and sustainability, providing access to the top attractions of the area in a relaxed and peaceful environment. Besides, its restaurant is to die for!

In addition to the quiet environment and the lush highland forests, Bajos del Toro is famous for its many waterfalls. The Toro Amarillo River has sections where its waters and waterfalls become strikingly blue and turquoise. The colors occur naturally because, on either side of Bocas del Toro, there are active underground volcanic areas.

Hiking to these waterfalls is an adventure in itself, with expansive landscapes of the Poas Volcano in the distance. Some of the waterfalls even have connections to Indigenous stories, such as the Tepezcuintle Waterfall, which is named after the legend of how pre-Columbian hunters chased a tepezcuintle (known in English as the lowland paca, a large rodent in the rainforests of Latin America) through the forest all the way to the waterfall. The most scenic of the waterfalls is likely Toro Waterfall. The hike to get there is not a breeze, but the beautiful, narrow fall stands proudly at around 300 feet. With a natural pool at the bottom, it’s perfect for a splash if you aren’t afraid of the cold.

If you love nature, you’ll get a kick admiring the rich variety of local flora and fauna. The cloud forests of Bajos del Toro are a sight to enjoy and one of the highlights of this location. And if you’re a birdwatcher, this place doesn’t go wrong. Species vary from the more humble robin redbreast to the famous toucan and even quetzals.

Tucked between Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Poas Volcano National Park, Bajos del Toro is an area with fewer tourists but with great landscapes and forests, apt for exploration and photography. It is a small village in a very rural area, so it has few facilities and most buildings are houses. However, the center of the village has a coffeeshop, a few simple restaurants, a pizza place, a grotcery store, the school with a soccer field, and various hotels and lodges.

Bajos del Toro also has a rich cultural past. The name “Bajos del Toro” highlights that these are the lowlands of the Toro Amarillo River. The river is named after a local legend. Folklore says that once, many decades ago, cattle farmers who were passing through left behind a large yellow bull (literally toro amarillo in Spanish). The animal was as beautiful as it was massive, and the farmers in the area tried to catch it, but it was too powerful and they never succeeded. The animal roamed the fields near the river, so it became known as the yellow bull’s river, or río del toro amarillo. The name stuck!

The area’s main economic activity is agriculture (for crops and ornamental plants), some small cattle farming, and rural tourism. Nearby there are also hydroelectric energy stations. It’s a quiet place, usually visited for wellness and relaxation. However, the Toro River also offers some white water rafting if you want a bit of action.

Bajos del Toro usually has cooler weather, especially at night. During the day it can get very hot, though! Weather can be a little unpredictable at times so make sure to have a little of everything at hand, from rain ponchos to shorts and hoodies. When you hike through the forest, stay on the designated paths and heed your guides. You may spot some signs warning you to be careful about snakes, but there aren’t that many around. Simply follow all necessary precautions when deep in the forest and you’ll be fine.

Bajos del Toro offers the best of both worlds. It is pretty close to the city (about two hours north of San José) while still maintaining that feeling of remoteness. In addition to the on-site activities, nearby attractions include the town of Sarchí, with its cultural highlights and only 40 minutes away; and La Paz Waterfall, with an on-site zoo and plenty of activities for the kids, only a little over an hour away. If you have time and opportunity to explore a little further, the Agrio River is a good way to immerse yourself further in nature. And if you find roadside attractions quirky and entertaining, then Dino Land Park might be up your alley, with dinosaur animatronics, waterfalls, gardens, and many photo ops.

Poas Volcano is one of the mountains you can spot on the horizon from Bajos del Toro, and it is tempting to go exploring. Recently, the park has often closed due to some light volcanic activity. In Costa Rica, environmental authorities prefer to fall on the side of caution. It is still a worthwhile visit if you get the chance!

Because of its remoteness, we recommend to hire a private driver to get into and out of Bajos del Toro (this is why all of our vacation packages include private transportation). A knowledgeable driver will navigate confidently the narrow roads even when it’s rainy or misty. If you prefer to rent a car and drive yourself, keep in mind that the roads might not be in top condition and it’s easy to encounter plotholes or uneven terrain. Always exercise caution and only drive during the daytime. Phone signal can get thin in this area, so it’s best to download any necessary maps so you can access them offline. Buses that pass through Bajos del Toro are few and far between, so a car or shared van will improve significantly your experience.