Catarata del Toro: Prices, Hours and Hike Guide

Catarata del Toro is a waterfall about 90 meters (roughly 300 feet) high that drops into an old volcanic crater in Bajos del Toro, a mountain village in Alajuela province about 1.5 hours from San José’s airport. It sits on a private reserve open Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; entry is $15 for adults, and a $25 combo adds the Blue Falls of Costa Rica nearby. The hike to the base is about 350 steps down and back up, roughly 90 minutes round trip.

This guide is for travelers deciding if Catarata del Toro is worth the detour, and how to fit it in. It covers getting there, prices and hours, the Bajos del Toro waterfall hike, what to bring and what else to see in the valley.

Prices and hours are the reserve’s published 2026 rates and can change, so check before you go.

Getting there

How to Get to Catarata del Toro

Bajos del Toro sits roughly halfway between San José’s Juan Santamaría airport and La Fortuna, which makes the waterfall a good stop on that drive or a day trip from the Central Valley.

• By car: the reserve lists three paved approaches, through Sarchí, Zarcero or Río Cuatro. Expect narrow, steep, winding mountain roads and fog in the afternoon. A regular car works in the dry season; a higher-clearance SUV gives more margin in the rainy season, May to November. Follow signs for the reserve’s main entrance, not other businesses along the road. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility; read our guide to car rental insurance before you book.
• Via Sarchí: the route through Sarchí lets you stop in the town known for its painted ox carts.
• By tour: day tours run from San José and La Fortuna if you don’t want to drive mountain roads.
• By public transport: service to Bajos del Toro is limited. Driving or a tour is far easier.

Driving in the mountains takes longer than maps suggest. Leave early and plan to be off the mountain roads before dark. Our guide to driving in Costa Rica covers the basics.

The hike

The Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike

Upper trail and lookouts

The first part of the visit is easy. A flat path through forest and gardens leads to four lookouts over the waterfall and crater. The reserve rates the forest and garden trail as easy, about 45 minutes, with no age restriction. If stairs aren’t for you, this section alone is worth the entry fee.

Down to the base

From the lookouts, more than 350 concrete steps lead down into the crater to the base of the falls. The steps can be wet and slippery, and the climb back up is the hard part. With the garden trail, the full visit takes about 90 minutes round trip; give yourself longer if you like to stop for photos. Swimming isn’t allowed at the base.

Tips

Tips for Visiting Catarata del Toro

• Go early. Clouds and rain often roll in by early afternoon, and the crater can fill with mist. Morning gives the clearest view.
• Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer. Bajos del Toro is cool and wet much of the year, even in the dry season from December to April.
• Wear shoes with grip. Sandals and flip-flops are a bad idea on wet concrete steps.
• Don’t visit on Sunday. The reserve is closed, and last entry the rest of the week is 4:30 p.m.
• No pets. The reserve doesn’t allow them.
• Watch for birds. The gardens draw hummingbirds. For tips on shooting the falls, see how to photograph a waterfall.

Nearby

Blue Falls and Other Bajos del Toro Waterfalls

Blue Falls of Costa Rica is run by the same reserve and sits close by. It has six turquoise waterfalls, and unlike Catarata del Toro, you can swim in some of the pools. The trail runs roughly 2 to 6 kilometers round trip depending on how many falls you visit, and it’s about a 20-minute walk with a slight climb to the first two. Entry is $20 for adults on its own, or $25 with Catarata del Toro.

The Bajos del Toro valley has other waterfalls too, such as Río Agrio; check each one’s hours and fees separately. For an overnight stay, El Silencio Lodge & Spa sits in the valley; see our guide to hotels and lodges near San José. The reserve also offers rooms; check its website for details.

Who Catarata del Toro is best for

• Go if you’re driving between San José and La Fortuna, want a tall waterfall with fewer crowds, and don’t mind cool, damp weather.
• Skip it if you want to swim at the waterfall itself, are short on time, or would rather not drive mountain roads. La Fortuna Waterfall and Nauyaca Waterfalls both allow swimming.

Continuing to Arenal? See our La Fortuna guide. Looking for blue water instead? Compare Río Celeste.

FAQ

Catarata del Toro FAQ