Visiting the waterfalls of Dominical: Nauyaca, Eco Chontales, Poza Azul, Catarata Uvita, El Pavon

The area of Dominical and Uvita in Costa Rica – also called Costa Ballena – is a natural paradise.  Countless rivers and streams run through mountainous jungle; so waterfalls and natural swimming holes are never far away. Visiting a waterfall is a popular activity when enjoying Dominical & Uvita.  Four nearby waterfalls offer different types of adventures: Nauyaca Waterfalls, Eco Chontales Waterfall, Poza Azul, Catarata Uvita and Catarata El Pavon.

Nauyaca Waterfalls, Dominical

The number one waterfall in Costa Rica Nauyaca Waterfalls, a large and beautiful series of waterfalls in a privately held nature preserve. Nauyaca consists of several waterfalls, the highest being 45 meters (148 ft).

The setting is gorgeous since Nauyaca Waterfalls are surrounded by dense tropical jungle. Nauyaca Waterfalls can be visited year-round, and there is always plenty of water, even during dry season.

Swim in the large natural swimming pool and enjoy the water cascading down on you. Some parts of the pool are 6 m (20ft) deep, so if your inner dare devil needs adventure, prepare to jump from the falls. You must ask a guide first!  They are happy to point out safe places to jump.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

Getting There

Accessing Nauyaca is a bit of a challenge. You will first need a ticket: approximately USD $10.  The ticket office can discuss which is the best way to get to the waterfall: hike, trolley, 4×4 tour or horseback tour. Prices, hours, and tour information are best found on their website here, Please check the website before visiting.

The hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls takes about 50 minutes to an hour (one way). Expect to climb with some exertion in a warm and humid climate, which makes the walk tough for some people. Most people enjoy the hike, because it is common to spot some wildlife along the way.  Remember to take sufficient water with you. Good shoes are also recommended – in particular during rainy season – you don’t want to lose your flip flops in the mud 

Regardless of how you reach the waterfall, you will enjoy nature and beauty.  Horseback tours are very popular, and they are run by a Costa Rican family very experienced in the area, the waterfall and the wildlife. The ride travels through a farm that borders two impressive waterfalls belonging to the Barucito River. For all tours and the hike, start at the ticket office which is located on Route 243 to San Isidro del General, about 10 km (6 mi) from Dominical (we have marked the exact location on the google maps area of this page).  Note that the waterfalls close at 3:30 pm.

If you want more adventure and have a good 4×4, this route is ideal for you. From Villas RioMar, start by driving south on route #34 or Costanera for about 10 kilometers, then turn left onto the road leading to Escaleras. Take the concrete road for a few minutes, and at the next intersection, turn left. Continue on this route, where you’ll have an incredible view of the mountains. Then, you will descend until you reach a small hammock bridge, which you can cross without any problem. Turn left again and start the uphill road for a few minutes. Once you complete the climb, you will see a soccer field on your right. Continue 200 meters more, and you will arrive at Nauyaca’s office. More directions here

More information on The Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park.

Eco Chontales Waterfall

Eco Chontales Waterfall is a great alternative for the Nauyaca Waterfall, since Nauyaca can get quite crowed now during high season. Eco Chontales is also a large and impressive waterfall and the local people behind it run it with great care. You can reach the waterfall by foot; a trail leads you to it from the parking area and the ticket office. The trail downhill is pretty easy, but it can be tough for some people going back up. We advise to bring good footwear and water. Just before you reach the waterfall, they made an observation deck where you can make pictures/selfies. Further below you will find some great spots too swim and relax. You can also treat yourself for some nice local food since there is a restaurant at the ticket office.

Getting There

Driving towards Eco Chontales Waterfall is an adventure, since it is a more rugged location. We advise driving a 4×4 car because some parts of the dirt road are not in a good shape. For excitement, there is a hanging bridge crossing – yes – a hanging bridge for cars! From Dominical you drive about 15 minutes to Platanillo (route 243) where you take the exit to the left (there is a road sign of Eco Chontales waterfall.) The dirt road will take about 30-40 min, just follow the road signs of Eco Chontales Waterfall.

Poza Azul waterfall, Dominicalito

Closest to Villas Rio Mar is a free and quick-to-reach waterfall call Poza Azul. It is the easiest to reach and enjoy, and it’s free! The lovely Poza Azul waterfall is beautifully set in the jungle of Dominicalito. It has a nice natural swimming pool and trees provide shade to cool down in the water on a hot day. This river can (almost) dry-up in the summer months January, February and March.

Getting There

Poza Azul waterfall is located just outside Dominicalito, which is located a little south of Dominical. Drive south on the main (Costanera) highway (route 34) about 3 km. Turn left next to the bus stop and drive through the village. Go over the single-lane bridge and make a right turn. It is only 1 minute up; you will see a parking area on the left; the entrance to the waterfall is on the right (opposite the parking area.) There may not be a sign, but there is a trail going down.  Some people will have some difficulties walking over the roots of the trees. Please do not leave any valuables in the car. No entrance fee. No 4×4 car needed.

We have mapped the waterfalls on this map

Click on the red markers to see the name of the waterfall.

Catarata Uvita

Another fairly close easily accessible waterfall is Catarata Uvita (aka The Uvita Waterfall). This waterfall is surrounded by Jungle where monkeys and toucans are often seen. It is not a big waterfall, but several paths provide access to several very nice swimming holes.

Getting There

From the Costanera (route 34), take the exit at the BCR in Uvita, follow that road and go left where you see the sign of Catarata Verde. Keep going up, it will be on your right side. The road going up is better with a 4×4 car, but a 4×2 car should make it. The family that runs the restaurant there also takes care of the paths towards the waterfall and swimming holes. Expect a small entrance fee or around 2000 colones per person.

El Pavon waterfall, Ojochal

Last on this list, and farthest from Villas Rio Mar, is the Cascada El Pavon, a little south of Ojochal. This waterfall has a big rock stuck between the waterfall openings on the top, which makes it quite unique. A natural swimming pool captures the waterfall. This river provides additional natural swimming pools, one just before the path going to the waterfall.

On the way to El Pavon waterfall you will pass a restaurant which has its own tilapia farm. Even if you do not like fish, this can be an enjoyable stop to see the giant old Ceiba tree.

Getting There

El Pavon waterfall is located in the far south of Costa Ballena in an area called Punta Mala (between Ojochal and Coronado.) It makes a good combination with a visit to Playa Ventanas for a day trip from Dominical. Go south on the Costanera (route 34.) After passing Ojochal, watch for a couple of signs beside the road (left side), with one of them being from the El Pavon Talapia Farm & Restaurant. Take this exit and keep following it, there will be a sign on the left side saying ‘Cascada el Pavon’. No entrance fee for the waterfall. No 4×4 car needed.