Jaco Beaches are incredible, but just wait until your experience the beautiful waterfalls of our region. Imagine the sounds of leaves dancing in the wind and majestic shouts from nature in the distance — monkeys, probably. Or toucans, depending on where you stay in Costa Rica. But if you’re anywhere near Jaco or Playa Herradura, add the impressive yet peaceful sounds of waterfalls to your soundtrack.
Hearing Mother Nature’s beauty is one thing, but seeing it in all her glory is quite another. Here at Los Sueños Resort, we equip our guests with everything they need to have a relaxing (or adventurous, if they want it) vacation — including comfortable rooms, luxurious spa services, and local tips on the best excursions and sights to see.
Today on the docket? The best hidden waterfalls to visit in and around Jaco, Costa Rica. Enjoy the Pura Vida as we take you through this wonderful country’s natural gems and wonders.
1. El Encanto Waterfall
Photo Credit: Gary Granados U
- Address: Puntarenas Province, Garabito, Costa Rica
- Best part: ATV tours
If you want a quick ride to a Jaco waterfall, El Encanto might not be your cup of tea. You’ll need an hour to drive here from Jaco, even though it looks closer on the map. It’s the jungle and forest terrain that winds and curves in and out as it takes you deeper into the lushness of Costa Rica’s nature — this makes the ride longer.
We love this waterfall for its picturesque, serene views — the best way to take in the full weight of nature’s beauty here is to rent an ATV in the jungle to explore the surrounding areas.
Pssst… Sometimes, you don’t want to venture too far from your inviting accommodations. In that case, you can rent an ATV to explore the beaches near Jaco, which is only a stone’s throw away from Los Suenos Resort.
2. Catarata El Salto Gamalotillo / Waterfall
- Address: C. a Gamalotillo, San José, Puriscal, Gamalotillo, Costa Rica
- Best part: Fewer tourists; Cliff Jumping
If you crave a nature experience with minimal tourists and maximum immersion in nature, the El Salto Gamalotillo Waterfall is a great choice. While this one’s a lengthy hour-long drive from Jaco, the jungle views on the journey and refreshing splashes once you hit this waterhole makes it worth your time.
This is also a place where adventure-seekers and fearless nature lovers can go cliff jumping once you reach the top of the trail.
Pro tip? Wear solid hiking shoes and bug spray to feel comfortable walking around the terrain. You’ll also find a few picnic tables and tire swings to hang out and relax if you don’t feel like getting in the water.
3. Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfall
Photo Credit: Claudine Van Massenhove
- Address: PCX7+M98, Ruta Nacional Treciaria 320, Puntarenas Province, Garabito, Costa Rica
- Best part: Colorful, botanical gardens
Edging the border of the Puntarenas and San Jose provinces of Costa Rica, the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfall are a feast for the eyes of any nature lover. This gorgeous slice of paradise doesn’t stop at waterfalls (though it features four of them).
Here, you’ll take in sights of flora that you’ve likely never seen before, including orchids, bromeliad, and hot-pink hibiscus. You’ll also see these giant, pine-cone-looking plants known as shampoo plants because they’re filled with a glossy gel on each of their petals.
If you’re lucky and slow down your pace a bit, you might even catch sight of a sloth crossing one of the manicured pathways. Our guests have also pointed out sightings of colorful macaws and monkeys, too!
4. Manantial de Agua Viva (Bijagual Falls)
Photo Credit: joeksuey via Flickr CC2.0
- Address: 320, Provincia de Puntarenas, Tarcoles, Costa Rica
- Best for: A longer hike; tall waterfall
Are you on a mission to find some of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica? You better believe that Mother Nature will make you work for it on your hike to the Manantial de Agua Viva, also known as Bijagual Falls. This 45-minute descent takes you to a valley with ample lagoon-holes for swimming as you take in views of a 200-meter waterfall. Just don’t go swimming in them during the rainy season.
You’ll need at least an hour to hike back up — but the journey is half the fun, right? Still, we wouldn’t recommend this particular waterfall trek if you don’t feel physically fit. Especially on the way back up, the terrain is rough and calls for strong-supporting shoes and a bit of endurance. At least you can enjoy jungle sights of tropical trees, small cascades, biodiversity, and muddy-lush views along the winding pathways.
5. La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park
Photo Credit: Carlos Affonso via Flickr CC2.0
- Address: 6R3Q+Q9P, Provincia de Alajuela, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica
- Best for: Wildlife
Some of the best Costa Rica waterfalls lie in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature park. This natural reserve is a complete experience that shares four waterfalls with you, on top of a butterfly observatory, spider monkeys, ample hiking trails, swimming holes, sloths, and even a jaguar among its maintained rainforest.
While most waterfalls near Jaco cost around $20 tops to visit, La Paz is close to $80 per person. But if it’s your first time in Costa Rica, it’s definitely a must-see attraction.
The waterfalls themselves are high and layered, starting in one place and continuing lower in different directions for a truly incredible look. Even if the weather is a little cloudy, there’s something so mystical about closing your eyes and listening to the weight of the La Paz waterfalls in the distance.
Note: This is about a 2-hour drive from Jaco and makes for an engaging, full-day experience.
About Jaco and Playa Herradura
This area of Costa Rica is situated in the Central Pacific Coast. Herradura means “horseshoe” in Spanish, which is the shape of the bay of water that touches the shoreline of the playa. Jaco itself is a popular city destination in Costa Rica for its nightlife, luxury resorts (like Los Suenos), wildlife, and abundant opportunities for adventure tours.
The beach is also a gem on the Costa Rican coast because of its gentle waters, limited crowds, and stellar weather. Plus, it’s a hotspot for surfers with soft-enough waves that even beginners can learn without fear.
Enjoy Costa Rica’s Waterfalls and More at Los Sueños Resort!
There’s no place quite like Costa Rica when it comes to diverse wildlife, lush vegetation, tranquil beaches, and the peaceful lifestyle that the pura vida represents. As your hosts here at Los Suenos Resort, we strive to provide you with a relaxing retreat from your busy daily life and act as a friend and tour guide throughout your stay.
We invite you to explore our accommodation offerings, whether you want a luxury villa for a splendorous getaway, or a sleek, modern condo in our gated communities. And once you arrive? You can book a number of excursions to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty — including our exciting sports fishing charters, snorkeling, lagoon swims, and waterfall tours!