Nauyaca Waterfalls Hike

An impressive hike through the jungle leads to a stunning two-tiered waterfall and natural swimming pool.

Hiking

The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in the south of Costa Rica, around 20 minutes inland from the beach community of Dominical on the Pacific coast. They lie deep in the rainforest, and many consider them the most beautiful and spectacular of all of Costa Rica's many waterfalls, which is saying something.

No visit to the southern zone of Costa Rica or even the Central Pacific coast is truly complete without hiking the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Intensity

High

Nauyaca Waterfalls Hike Is Featured in These Trips

Here are some of the combo trips we recommend you to check out if you want to experience Nauyaca Waterfalls Hike:

What to Expect from Waterfalls Hike

For such a seemingly remote rainforest location, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are surprisingly easy to visit, especially on a guided hike. Nauyaca property sits on its private reserve.

It's not a particularly long or arduous hike to the Nauyaca Waterfalls. It's a little over 3.5 miles to the falls, which takes around an hour and a half. The trail is relatively well-maintained, although it can get muddy, especially during the May-December rainy season.

You'll sometimes follow the Baru River as it makes its way through the rainforest to the ocean in Dominical. Wildlife spotting opportunities are common, and your guide will point out birds and reptiles to you as the sound of the distant waterfall starts getting louder in the background.

After a while, the green rainforest will clear, and you'll be faced with a big green canyon with two massive levels of waterfalls crashing down in front of you into a fresh, inviting swimming hole that looks irresistible after a hot hike.

The upper level of the Nauyaca Waterfalls is perfect for relaxing with a picnic on the rocks, while the lower level has that gorgeous swimming hole. Spend an hour or so exploring the falls, relaxing, taking selfies, and swimming before heading back to the park entrance.

Hiking Nauyaca is available for anyone staying on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, from Jaco down through Esterillos to Manuel Antonio/Quepos. It makes a great day trip from these destinations. Guests staying closer to the waterfalls in Dominical or Uvita can also take an easy trip to the Nauyaca Waterfalls.

FAQs about Waterfalls Hike:

How long is the Nauyaca WaterFalls hike?

The hike to the falls from the park entrance takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, so 2 to 3 hours hiking.

How do you get to Nauyaca waterfalls?

Unfortunately, you can only get to the Nauyaca Waterfalls on foot, hiking through the rainforest, or riding horseback.

Can you swim in the Nauyaca waterfalls?

Yes, you can swim in the natural pool at the bottom of the lower waterfall during the dry season. However, sometimes during the rainy season, swimming is prohibited. No swimming is allowed on the upper level of the Nauyaca Waterfalls.