Bridge over one of La Paz Waterfall
Bridge over one of La Paz Waterfall

Lookout at La Paz Waterfall in Vara Blanca

Costa Rica is home to an abundance of natural wonders that mingle together to create some of the most beautiful scenery around! On my journeys, I have been along streams, mountain springs and through forests to find hundreds of waterfalls that are truly majestic.

I know that tourists especially love these cascading attractions, while there are still many unknown or closed off to the public, there are plenty unbelievable ones to be visited. For example, while La Paz is one of the most viewed, but then there were more secluded waterfalls like Rio Pacuare, in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Heredia.

No matter where you're staying in Costa Rica, it's likely you'll find one of these stunning natural wonders!

Magia Blanca at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Magia Blanca at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

If you're lodging is in San Jose or near Poás Volcano National Park, you'll be near this exceptional waterfall. La Paz is the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica, and you'll understand why when you travel here!

Although travelers often stop along their drive to La Fortuna in San Carlos or Sarapiqui to snap photos of the waterfalls, the most stunning ones can only be viewed from the inside of the park.

From an unbelievable about of flora and fauna to the most famous waterfalls in the country, La Paz should be on everyone's list of what to do in Costa Rica. There are five waterfalls, hiking trails, a cloud forest, rainforest and more than 100 different animal species.

Along the trails of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you'll be able to peer through trees and ferns to view the stunning, cascading waters of the five falls. Stand on the Magia Blanca viewing platform and you can take a picture from underneath the waterfall!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to take pictures at the Templo and Encantada waterfalls either. Before coming here, make sure to have your camera ready - you're going to want to take pictures!

La Fortuna Waterfall surrounded by forest
La Fortuna Waterfall surrounded by forest

La Fortuna

The La Fortuna waterfall is another popular attraction in Costa Rica because it is so close to the Arenal Volcano, and is just a short drive from La Fortuna.

If you're planning on coming here, make sure to bring your swim suit! The waterfall plummets 200 feet into a stunning turquoise pool alongside rolling green hills.

Many travelers come here and enjoy a picnic along the rocky shoreline or small sandy patch. I've hiked the trail and it is kind of steep but very rewarding! It takes about 15 minutes to hike down the stairs to the waterfall, and it's a great way to view the beautiful flora and fauna in the area.

Waterfall at Rio Celeste
Waterfall at Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste falls in Tenorio

This is one of the more secluded waterfalls in Costa Rica, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste in the northwestern part of the country.

This stunning attraction is known for its crystal blue waters that seem to glow because of the natural minerals found in the water! You can reach this off the beaten trail waterfall by hiking along the Rio Celeste river, or you can venture on horseback to view the 30-meter falls.

One of the greatest things about this waterfall is that not a lot of people know about it, so it is never too crowded.

Waterfall on Rio Pacuare while rafting
Waterfall on Rio Pacuare while rafting

Rio Pacuare

If you love to go white water rafting, be sure not to miss the waterfalls along the Rio Pacuare. Throughout the class III and IV sections of the white water rapids, you'll pass by a towering waterfall so thin and beautiful that it doesn't even look real!

The sections of the river are separated into the Upper and Lower Huacas - it spans about 10 miles and ends at Finca La Cruz. You'll run into several waterfalls along this scenery of this route including the double drop waterfall and Huacas waterfall.

Montezuma Waterfall
Montezuma Waterfall

Montezuma

Throughout Montezuma there are several waterfalls, the main one located just south of town - so bring your hiking shoes!. Head just over the bridge south of the village, and you'll be on your way to the waterfall.

Another one in Montezuma is about five miles north of the town called El Chorro. This beautiful waterfall cascades into a small tide pool - although it entirely depends on the tide and can completely disappear during a high tide.

This beautiful waterfall spills into the ocean, so fresh water mixes with seawater. To get here, you can either take a horseback ride or go on a long, 2-hour hike to explore the whole region and all of its beauty!