This post shares everything you need to know about visiting Nauyaca Waterfalls. One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, they are not so straightforward to visit with two different entry points and various transport methods to choose from.
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links, that may earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For full information, please see our disclaimer here. While all efforts have been taken to ensure the information included in this post is correct and current, travel information such as opening hours, business operations and prices change frequently. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers.
About Nauyaca Waterfalls
When planning our trip to Costa Rica, the image of the picture-perfect Nauyaca Waterfalls was saved in my Instagram folder time and time again.
Just a short distance from the popular beach towns of Dominical and Uvita, it’s also possible to visit the falls on a day trip from Manuel Antonio. Nauyaca Waterfalls has become very well known in the past few years, and is a staple on most people’s Costa Rica itinerary.
Although the falls look like something out of a jungle fairy tale, I was worried they wouldn’t live up to the hype. Usually, when places become that popular, they can lose some of their charm. But I can tell you, Nauyaca Waterfalls met and exceeded all our expectations!
The upper and the lower falls
There are two sets of magical falls at the Nauyaca Waterfalls – the upper falls and the lower falls.
The upper falls cascade more than 80 metres (260 feet) over a rocky cliff face, into a bed of giant boulders below. Depending on the season, there can sometimes be a few small swimming holes, but mainly the water continues flowing downstream towards the lower falls.
The lower falls are the real gem of Nauyaca Waterfalls. The most perfect waterfall you have ever seen, a curtain of water drops 26 metres (85 feet) into a huge pool below. This is where you should spend most of your time, and the pool is the perfect place for a swim.
After wading through some shallow rocks at the edge of the pool, it drops down to 7 metres (23 feet) deep. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can swim all the way to the waterfall and climb up onto the rocks. Standing under the strong spray is a magical experience, and jumping back into the pool and letting the current push you towards the edge is incredible.
The lower falls at Nauyaca Waterfalls seriously felt like a fairy tale. With the water flowing over the tiered rocky cliff, a view to the upper falls above, lush jungle greenery all around and the sun beaming down through the forest, it was like a scene from a movie.
How to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
Despite being such a highlight of our time in Costa Rica, planning our visit here was complicated! It took a fair bit of research to understand how to actually visit Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Two competing businesses have separate entrances, and a number of different ways to get from the entrance to the falls themselves – it is super complicated.
So, in this post, I want to clarify how it all works, lay out both your options in detail and make it easy for you to plan your trip to the incredible Nauyaca Waterfalls.
The two entry points to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
As your research has probably told you, there are two separate ways to access Nauyaca Waterfalls.
The first thing I will say is that you will end up in the exact same place. So in the end it doesn’t really matter which you choose. You will still experience the same waterfall. There are minor differences between the two, but essentially, it’s the same.
But each entrance has different costs, different ways to access the waterfall (hiking, a ride in a truck, horse riding etc.), and are in different locations. It’s worth taking the time to read about both, to decide which is right for your circumstances.
The two access points to Nauyaca Waterfalls are:
- Don Lulo’s Nauyaca Waterfalls (the original option)
- Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park (the new option)
Which entrance should you choose?
The QUICK answer ππΌ
- π° If you’re on a budget – Don Lulo’s at just $10 per person for hiking both ways, plus $4 for parking if required.
- π If you’re taking the bus – Don Lulo’s, as their office is on the main road. You can then choose to walk or take transport.
- π₯Ύ If you’ve got a car, and you’re happy to walk a little bit – Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, with its one-way hike and one-way transport option for $28.
- π If you have a car and you don’t want to walk – either option. Don Lulo’s is cheaper ($32) with less walking (150 metres / 500 feet), but has a 2-hour time limit at the falls. Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park has no time limit, but is more expensive ($38) and requires a longer walk (750 metres / 0.5 mile).
- 𦽠If you or anyone in your group has accessibility issues – Don Lulo’s. There are still some stairs, but the transport drops you within 150 metres (500 feet) of the waterfalls.
Don Lulo’s Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Google Maps location – here & here (there are duplicate entries for the same place)
- Website
- Facebook page
Don Lulo’s aka Nauyaca Waterfalls is the original access point to the falls.
Their office is on the main road between Dominical and San Isidro, Route 243. This makes it a great option for those arriving by public transport, as there is a bus that will stop right out the front.
Their ticket office has clean bathrooms and some typical touristy signs for the falls. They also have a car park a further 2 km / 1.2 mi down the road for those that are driving. The car park is accessible by any type of vehicle. Some old blogs will state you need a 4×4 but this isn’t true, it was paved the entire way. There are also bathrooms here too.
Don Lulo’s offers 3 ways to get to the waterfalls:
- π₯Ύ Hike both ways – $10 per person
- π» Take a 4×4 pickup truck both ways – $32 per person
- π Horseback riding tour – $80 per person
You approach the falls from the western side of the river, and from what we saw, this is the better side for getting closer to the upper falls. There is a series of boardwalks and lookouts leading to the falls, with bathrooms and changing rooms.
Their ticket office hours are:
- Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Sunday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
You must leave the waterfalls by 3:30 pm every day.
Hiking to the waterfalls
If you are looking for the cheapest way to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, hiking both ways from Don Lulo’s entrance is the best option. It is $10 USD per person.
This is the option we took, and we drove to the waterfalls in our Nomad America Troopy.
You must first buy your ticket at the office, which is located on the main road.
From there, you have two options for hiking to the falls, depending if you have a car or not:
- You don’t have a car (or you can’t find anyone to give you a lift!), so you walk the entire way. It is approximately 6 km / 3.7 mi one way from the office to the waterfall, so you will end up walking 12 km / 7.2 mi total.
- If you do have a car (or can snag a lift with someone, we gave some girls a ride), once you have bought your ticket, you drive another 2 km / 1.2 mi down a steep road to a car park. You need to pay $4 for parking. From here, you only need to walk 4 km / 2.4 mi to the waterfalls. A total return trip of 8 km / 4.8 mi.
The first 2 km is a very steep paved road. It’s downhill in the beginning, so it’s not too tough when you’re first starting out. But on the way back up, after you’ve already walked for 10 km, and tired yourself out swimming in the falls, it would be tough!
If you’ve got a car, and you can drive to the car park, the hike is pretty straightforward. If you’re planning to do this, you first need to pay $4 for car parking at the office and get a ticket to display in your window.
The trail from here switches between a gravel road, and into the forest. Most of the way is shaded. There are sections of incline, and overall the way there is harder and more uphill than on the way back. We didn’t find it too strenuous at all, and you’ve got a beautiful waterfall waiting for you at the end, so it’s very manageable!
Taking a 4×4 pickup truck to the waterfalls
If you’re not up for a hike, you can opt to jump in the back of a 4×4 pickup truck, which will drive you practically all the way to the waterfalls and back again.
The truck drops you off approximately 150 metres (500 feet) from the falls, and you will need to walk on a wooden boardwalk and down some steps.
It is $32 per person, and this cost includes parking if you need it.
The truck leaves from the ticket office on the main highway, so if you don’t have a car it is easily accessible via bus. If you are driving, you will need to drive down to the car park, and the truck will collect you from there before continuing on to the falls.
There is one downside to taking the truck from Don Lulo’s entrance. You have a 2-hour time limit. The truck runs back and forth on a set schedule throughout the day:
- 07:00 am β 09:30 am
- 08:00 am β 10:30 am
- 09:00 am β 11:30 am
- 10:00 am β 12:30 pm
- 11:00 am β 01:30 pm
- 12:00 pm β 02:30 pm
It takes around half an hour to drive from the office to the falls. You’ll get 2 hours to explore the waterfalls and enjoy them at your own pace. But then you will need to be ready and waiting for the truck at the scheduled time.
To be honest, this isn’t the worst thing. From the time we arrived at the falls, to when we started hiking back was only around 2 hours anyway. Unless you’re adamant about spending the whole day there, 2 hours is enough time for most people.
Doing a horse riding tour
The horse riding option offered by Don Lulo’s is a more comprehensive tour, and it must be booked in advance.
They only offer this tour from Monday – Saturday, and it runs from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm. It is $80 per person and it includes your horse, guide, entrance to the waterfalls and a Costa Rican-style lunch on the way back.
You will get approximately 2 hours to enjoy the waterfalls.
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
The Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is the newest entrance to the falls. They offer access to the falls via the eastern side of the river. From this side of the river, at the lower falls, you can get a beautiful view of both the upper and lower falls.
They are located approximately 15 minutes off Route 243 on a dirt road. This makes this option better for those with their own vehicle, or taking a tour, as public transport will not run here.
The road is unpaved, but it is passable with any vehicle if you drive slowly and carefully. Just make sure your map does not route you through other unpaved roads. You only need to take one dirt road, a turn-off from the paved Route 243.
Their office is located 2.7 km / 1.7 mi from the falls. If you are driving, there is a car park at the office, and there is no additional fee to park here.
They also have a ‘rancho’ area, around 750 metres / 0.5 mile or a 10 minutes walk from the falls. Here you will find toilets, showers, changerooms and areas to hang out and relax with hammocks. This is where their transport will drop you off and you will need to walk the rest of the way to the waterfall.
The Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park offers 2 ways to get to the falls:
- π₯Ύ Hike to the falls, take transport back – $28 per person
- π Take transport both ways – $38 per person
Their ticket office hours are:
- Monday – Sunday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
The last shuttle ride back to the office leaves at 4:00 pm. You don’t have the option to hike both ways, so everybody must take this transport back.
Hiking one way, transport the other
If you’re up for a short walk, but nothing strenuous, this entrance offers a one-way hike, with one-way transport. It’s $28 USD, and you’ll save $10 per person walking one way.
From the office, you’ll walk 2.7 km / 1.7 mi. The hike is mostly downhill, partly on a gravel road, and partly through the forest.
When you’re ready to return, you walk back to the ‘rancho’ area. There is WIFI here, and you can Whatsapp or call the office, and they will send the shuttle down. This is usually a 4×4 pickup truck, or for larger groups, a trailer towed by a tractor.
Transport both ways
If you donβt want to walk at all, you can take transport both ways. This option is slightly more expensive at the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park at $38 USD per person (compared with $32 at Don Lulo’s).
As above, the transport is usually a 4×4 pickup truck, but at busier times, it is a trailer towed by a tractor. Given the office is much closer to the waterfall, it only takes around 10 minutes to reach the rancho.
From this point, you have to walk 750 metres / 0.5 mile on jungle-style trails to reach the falls. This is quite a bit further than at Don Lulo’s (around 150 metres / 500 feet), so if you’ve got anyone in your party with accessibility issues, this might not be the best option.
The benefit of this entrance is that there is no set time limit at the waterfalls. When you are ready to return, walk back to the rancho and use the WIFI to Whatsapp or call the office, and they will send down a shuttle. You can swing in a hammock while you wait, or have a shower and get changed if you need to.
The differences between the two entry points
In terms of the waterfalls themselves, there are some minor differences between the two access points.
Your experience at the upper falls is the main difference between the two entrances. It’s not really possible to cross from one side to the other on this upper level, so you have to stick to the entrance you’ve chosen.
The Don Lulo’s side is closer to the largest upper fall, and you can walk quite near to it. There is a series of wooden boardwalks and lookouts, but you can also walk out onto the rocky river bank. You’re also able to walk quite close to the ledge dropping down to the lower falls, so you can look down and see the pool from above.
The Nature Park entrance has a better view of the upper falls. Their trail leads to an almost cave-like overhang in the rocky cliff wall, so you get a side view of the water dropping over the edge, seeing behind the falls.
You can’t really swim at the upper falls from either side. Occasionally there are small pools that form, but you’ll be spending most of your time swimming in the lower falls.
Both entrances share the lower falls and pool and it’s essentially the same experience on either side. Because of the layout of the site, there is just a narrow, rocky river separating the two access points, and most people happily wade or rock hop across to sit wherever they like. No one polices the difference between the two sides.
In the peak of the wet season, it may be more difficult to cross the river. In this case, the Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park probably offers a better vantage point. You get a view of the lower and upper falls together. The way the river curves, you can’t see this from Don Lulo’s side.
We entered via Don Lulo’s, but we unknowingly ended up hanging out on the ‘other’ side. We just hopped our way across the rocks in the river to find a quiet, flat rock to leave our things and set up our picnic. We didn’t even think or realise that we were crossing some kind of invisible boundary. We enjoyed the vantage point from both sides, and no one told us off.
We didn’t however, leave the pool area on the Nature Park side. There were signs indicating the path was only for people who had paid and entered via that part. Which is totally fair enough, and Don Lulo’s had similar signs on their side.
So the upper falls are really the only difference between the two as you can’t (fairly) check out both sides on the upper level.
Top activities on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast
How to get to Nauyaca Waterfalls
The closest towns to Nauyaca Waterfalls are Dominical and Uvita. If you’re planning any time in either of these locations, it’s recommended you visit the falls from here.
However, it is possible to take a day trip from Manuel Antonio, if you’re not coming any further south on your Costa Rica itinerary.
Driving to Nauyaca Waterfalls
As with most attractions around Costa Rica, the easiest way to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls is with your own rental car. You can drive to either entrance without a 4×4.
Just remember to reach the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, you’ll have at least 15 minutes on an unpaved road. Make sure you follow Route 243 as far as you can, and you will only need to take one dirt road. Google Maps might try and take you a different way, so manually check your map.
From Dominical:
- 15-minute drive to Don Lulo’s entrance
- 45-minute drive to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
From Uvita:
- 30-minute drive to Don Lulo’s entrance
- 1-hour drive to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
From Manuel Antonio:
- 1-hour drive to Don Lulo’s entrance
- 1 and a half hour drive to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
Taking the bus to Nauyaca Waterfalls
If you don’t have a car and donβt want to splash for a tour, you can take the bus. However, you can only visit Don Lulo’s entrance.
You’ll need to take a bus heading to San Isidro. This will pass by the Don Lulo’s entrance, just be sure to tell the driver where you’re going and keep an eye on the map to get off.
A company called Grupo Blanco runs buses from San Isidro. They run the following routes:
- San Isidro – Dominical and back
- San Isidro – Ciudad Cortes (via Uvita) and back
- San Isidro – Quepos and back
You can find timetables on their website here. However I encourage you to confirm around town if these timings are up to date, and exactly where you need to wait for the bus.
If you get on at Uvita, the same bus will pass through Dominical. However, if you’re in Dominical, there are more routes to San Isidro starting there.
If you’re coming from Manuel Antonio, it’s possible to get a bus to San Isidro from Quepos. Take the local bus that runs between Manuel Antonio and Quepos, and join the San Isidro bus from there.
When you get off the bus at the entrance to the waterfalls, confirm with the driver roughly what time the bus will pass to get back. The waterfalls are approximately 30 – 40 minutes away from San Isidro, so if you know what time the bus departs from there, you can estimate when it will pass the waterfalls.
Join a tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls
If you don’t have a car, and taking the bus sounds like a nightmare to you, there are many tours to Nauyaca Waterfalls. Most depart from Manuel Antonio/Quepos, but you can also organise a tour if you’re already in Dominical or Uvita.
- Nauyaca Half-Day Waterfall Tour from Quepos/Manuel Antonio – this is the highest-rated tour of the waterfalls. It takes you to the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, where you will hike down to the falls, and take the shuttle back. The tour includes transport from any accommodation in Manuel Antonio or Quepos, entrance to the falls, a guide to lead you on the hike, and lunch on the way back.
- Nauyaca Waterfalls Hiking or 4×4 Ride Tour from Quepos/Manuel Antonio – this tour takes you to the waterfalls via the Don Lulo’s entrance. You have the option to hike or take the 4×4 transport to the falls. You can also choose to upgrade to the horse riding option for an extra cost. It picks you up from your accommodation in Manuel Antonio or Quepos and includes lunch.
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour – this tour is different from the other offerings as it includes stops at some other places in the Dominical area. In addition to visiting the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, you’ll stop at Playa Linda, a deserted beach, another hidden local waterfall, and in the town of Dominical, to grab an ice cream or a coffee, and browse the markets. You get lunch included at a local soda too. Considering you’ve made the trip south, this tour is a great option and allows you to experience more of the area.
- Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour from Uvita – if you’re in Uvita without a car, this tour takes care of transport! You’ll visit the Don Lulo’s entrance, and hike 4 km / 2.4 mi each way from the car park. Water and snacks are included, as well as transport from your hotel in Uvita.
Cost to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
Each entrance point has different costs. You can pay by cash (USD or Colones) or credit card.
You can choose to buy your tickets online in advance at either of the entrances, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Unless you’re planning to visit on a holiday or weekend during peak season, you can just buy your ticket on the day.
Don Lalu’s Nauyaca Waterfalls
- Hiking both ways – $10 USD per person
- 4×4 truck both ways – $32 USD per person
- Horseback riding tour – $80 USD per person
- Car parking – $4 USD
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park
- Walking one way, transport back – $28 USD per person
- Transport both ways – $38 USD per person
Kids are given a $3 USD discount on whatever option you select. Locals pay different prices.
When to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls
In terms of the time of year to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, it’s best to visit in the dry season, which is generally November – April. The falls are safer to swim in, and the currents are not so strong.
In the wet season after very heavy rain, the falls can be dangerous to swim in. Occasionally they are completely closed if the water is too strong. Sometimes the water also turns brown if there is a lot of runoff and debris from storms, and you won’t get to see the falls with their emerald green tone.
We visited in mid-May (the start of the wet season) and it was completely fine. It just depends on how much rain there has been recently. If you want to visit during the rainy season and you’re unsure of the conditions, just reach out to either entrance via Whatsapp.
In terms of the time and day to visit – as early as possible, avoid the weekends if possible! The Nauyaca Waterfalls are a very popular tourist attraction, and the earlier you arrive, the more likely you will be able to enjoy the waterfalls without crowds.
We arrived at 8:30 am, and there was just a handful of people there for around an hour. It started getting busier closer to 10 am.
The Don Lulo’s entrance opens at 7 am, except Sundays when it opens at 8 am. The Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park opens at 7:30 am daily. Be there before 10 am to avoid the crowds.
Amenities at Nauyaca Waterfalls
At the falls themselves there is very little development or amenities. Just nature, which is how we like it!
There aren’t any shops or food and beverage outlets, so come prepared with water, snacks and other drinks.
The pool at the lower falls is all natural. There aren’t any chairs, instead, find a large, flat rock to sit on and leave your bags.
At the upper falls, the Don Lulo’s side has a series of low-impact wooden boardwalks and lookouts. They have toilets and changerooms tucked back from the falls.
On the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park site, the nearest amenities are an approximately 10-minute walk away at their ‘rancho’. Here there are toilets, showers and changing rooms. They have hammocks and other chairs and tables too.
What to bring to Nauyaca Waterfalls
- π₯Ύ Comfortable walking shoes – if you’re hiking. We did the full hike at Don Lulo’s, and none of us wore hiking boots or runners, although it wouldn’t hurt. I was happy walking in my Teva sandals, and the trail wasn’t too technical.
- π©΄ Water shoes – if your water shoes are not your comfortable walking shoes, it’s also worth bringing a pair of shoes you’re happy to get wet. It’s not absolutely necessary but there are big rocks to navigate in the pool, and it was easier to do with shoes on.
- π Swimsuit and towel – you will definitely want to go for a swim in the magical pool at the lower falls!
- π Waterproof bag – for any activity involving water (or possible rain) we use a waterproof bag. If you want to hop across the river, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your electronics will be protected in case of a fall. The same goes for rain, which is always possible in Costa Rica!
- π¦ Insect repellent – apply before entering the rainforest so you don’t pollute the air, and consider using a natural spray.
- π§ Water – bring plenty of water, especially if you are hiking. Both offices have a point to fill up your drink bottle, but there is no water available at the falls.
- π Snacks – for the same reason, if you hike there and back, or are planning to stay the whole day, you will need some snacks to refuel at the waterfall.
Where to stay near Nauyaca Waterfalls
Although some of you may visit Nauyaca Waterfalls on a day trip from Manuel Antonio, it is so worth staying a few days in Dominical or Uvita. Or both, as we did!
Here are some of our top picks for accommodation in these areas:
Dominical
- π° Cool Vibes Beach Hostel
- π°π° Bamboo River House and Hotel
- π°π°π° Tribe Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
Get more Dominical accommodation recommendations in our guide here
Uvita
- π° Hostel Cascada Verde
- π°π° Ballena Rey Hotel
- π°π°π° Oxygen Jungle Villas
Get more Uvita accommodation recommendations in our guide here
βΊοΈ If youβre camping in Costa Rica, there are some beautiful beachfront camp spots around this area! This is where we stayed with our Nomad America 4Γ4:
- Playa Dominicalito – wild and free camping right on the beach, just outside Dominical
- Camping Casa Viva – paid campground in Uvita with a direct path to the beach
I hope this post has clarified and explained how to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls. Although a little confusing, these waterfalls were some of the best we visited in Costa Rica. They live up to all the hype they get and are like something out of a jungle fairytale. Don’t miss Nauyaca Waterfalls!
The Comments
Moxileira
This is such an well-written and informative post, I can’t thank you enough! We’re visiting Costa Rica for the first time at the end of this month and your blog is helping us a lot with our itinerary. Best regards from Brazil!
Sally Rodrick
MoxileiraI am so so glad to hear it was helpful Moxileira. I hope you have a wonderful time, you’ve got a beautiful trip ahead of you. We are currently planning a trip to Brazil next year – I can’t wait to experience your country! Sally x