Costa Rica’s lush landscapes are home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the world. Each cascade offers a unique experience of natural beauty and adventure, perfect for a day trip or the focal point of a vacation. Enhance your visit by staying at one of the nearby Enchanting Hotels Collection properties, where luxury meets nature in perfect harmony. Here are five must-see waterfalls and the ideal places to stay while you explore them.
Enchanting Hotels Collection in Costa Rica represents a curated selection of boutique properties, each offering an authentic and luxurious gateway to the country’s most mesmerizing landscapes. From secluded beachfront retreats to cozy mountain hideaways, each hotel in the collection provides a unique window into the diverse beauty of Costa Rica. These properties are distinguished by their commitment to personalized service, sustainable practices, and integration with the local culture, ensuring that each guest experiences the true essence of Costa Rican hospitality and the enchanting spirit of “Pura Vida.”
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Oropendula Waterfall
Location: Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Guanacaste
Tucked away in the depths of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the Oropendula Waterfall plunges into a vibrant turquoise pool from a height of over 25 meters. The waterfall is easily accessible via a short, scenic trail that offers a delightful retreat from the tropical heat. The pool at the base of the falls is ideal for swimming, and the surrounding canyon provides a breathtaking backdrop for photography and nature appreciation.
Its proximity to Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin ensures that guests can enjoy the comfort of upscale accommodations and an array of eco-adventures right at their doorstep.
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is a vibrant eco-tourism destination at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This authentic Costa Rican hacienda offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, surrounded by lush forests and stunning volcanic landscapes. Guests can indulge in various activities, from horseback riding and river tubing to hot springs and zip-lining. With its warm hospitality and rich natural setting, Hacienda Guachipelin provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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San Luis Waterfall
Location: Monteverde
San Luis Waterfall, located near the Monteverde Cloud Forest, offers a different kind of waterfall experience with its high-altitude setting. The waterfall plunges over 300 feet, creating a breathtaking sight amidst the dense cloud forest. The hike to the waterfall is moderately challenging and takes visitors through lush vegetation and across small streams. The cool, misty atmosphere and the impressive height of San Luis make it a memorable visit for those exploring the Monteverde area.
El Establo Hotel, set in the heart of Monteverde, offers luxurious lodging and stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya, perfectly complementing San Luis Waterfall’s natural beauty.
El Establo Hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a family-owned retreat set amidst the serene cloud forests of the region. This charming hotel offers guests a perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty, with spacious, comfortable rooms that boast spectacular views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Known for its commitment to sustainability, El Establo provides an array of activities, including guided night tours of the forest, horseback riding, and a canopy zip-line tour.
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Rio Celeste Waterfall
Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park
Within the Rio Celeste National Park, visitors can find the famous Rio Celeste Waterfall. The park is renowned for the striking blue color of its waters, caused by the unique chemical composition of the minerals in the river. The hike to the Rio Celeste Waterfall is relatively easy and offers the chance to see other natural attractions such as hot springs and bubbling mud pots. The vibrant blue waters and the lush surroundings make this one of the most photographed waterfalls in Costa Rica.
Tilajari Eco-Resort provides a comfortable and eco-friendly base from which to explore this natural wonder, along with other attractions in the area.
Tilajari Eco-Resort is nestled along the banks of the San Carlos River in Costa Rica’s northern plains, offering guests a serene escape into nature. This resort is renowned for its commitment to eco-friendly practices and provides a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste. With its lush gardens, abundant wildlife, and a range of activities including bird watching, kayaking, and tennis, Tilajari creates a harmonious balance between adventure and relaxation.
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La Paz Waterfall
Location: Central Valley, near Poas Volcano
La Paz Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most famous and accessible natural wonders, located in the central part of the country, near the Poas Volcano. This magnificent waterfall is part of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private ecological attraction that also includes animal sanctuaries and hiking trails. Cascading over lush, moss-covered cliffs, La Paz Waterfall plunges into a crystal-clear pool below, creating a breathtaking spectacle of sound and sight.
Both Xandari Resort and Spa and Studio Hotel Boutique are located within a short drive from La Paz, offering distinctive accommodations that feature artful décor and sweeping views of the Central Valley.
Xandari Resort and Spa
Xandari Resort and Spa is a tropical paradise located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, just minutes from the international airport. This artistically designed resort is set within 40 acres of lush gardens and offers panoramic views of the Central Valley. The resort features spacious villas with vibrant décor and private terraces, a world-class spa with treatments inspired by nature, and trails leading to private waterfalls.
Studio Hotel Boutique
Studio Hotel Boutique, located in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, combines the comfort of modern accommodations with the charm of artistic decor. This unique hotel is distinguished by its extensive collection of Costa Rican art, displayed throughout its premises. With its proximity to San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, Studio Hotel Boutique offers guests a convenient and culturally enriching base from which to explore the city’s attractions and business districts.
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Nauyaca Waterfalls
Location: Near Dominical, South Pacific Coast
Nauyaca Waterfalls are one of Costa Rica’s hidden natural gems, situated in the dense jungles near Dominical on the South Pacific coast. This stunning attraction features two majestic waterfalls that cascade into a large, clear pool, ideal for swimming and enjoying the serene natural surroundings. The upper falls soar to an impressive height of about 45 meters (148 feet), creating a dramatic drop, while the lower falls create a broader cascade of 20 meters (65 feet) into a deep pool. The journey to Nauyaca Waterfalls is an adventure in itself, accessible via a horseback ride or a hike through the vibrant tropical forest, where visitors often spot a variety of local wildlife.
Cristal Ballena Hotel overlooks the vast Pacific Ocean and provides a tranquil, luxurious retreat close to this natural spectacle.
Cristal Ballena Hotel is beautifully situated on a hill between the charming seaside town of Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. This boutique hotel offers breathtaking views of the ocean and lush tropical gardens from its expansive terraces, providing a peaceful and scenic retreat. The hotel’s architecture and interiors are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring spacious, elegantly furnished rooms and suites.
Each of these waterfalls presents a unique touch of Costa Rica’s extensive natural tapestry, and the Enchanting Hotels nearby offer the perfect blend of luxury and nature, making them ideal bases for exploring these majestic sites. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply in search of peace and beauty, these waterfall destinations promise unforgettable experiences enriched by comfortable and exquisite lodgings.
