If you’re looking for a waterfall experience off the main paths in Costa Rica, Catarata El Santuario stands out. This spot, also called La Catedral for its tall rock walls that resemble church arches, sits in the northern part of the country. It draws people who want to hike through forest and reach a powerful fall dropping into a tight canyon. I put together this guide based on what visitors and locals share about getting there, the trails, and how to make the most of a trip.
Where You’ll Find Catarata El Santuario
The waterfall hides in Gavilán, part of Dos Ríos de Upala in Alajuela Province. It borders Guanacaste Province, close to the base of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. This puts it in a mix of tropical forest and volcanic land, with rivers running clear and blue from mineral deposits. Upala itself is a small town, about 4 to 5 hours north of San José by car. From Liberia, the drive drops to around 1.5 hours, making it a solid day trip if you base yourself in Guanacaste.
The site sits on private land owned by a local family, the González family, who run it as Finca Aventuras El Santuario. That means you enter through their property, and they handle the guides and access. The coordinates point to roughly 10.8333° N, 85.1667° W, but use apps like Waze or Google Maps with “Catarata El Santuario” as the search term for exact directions.
How to Get There and What It Costs
Driving is the main way to reach it, as public transport options thin out in this rural area. From San José, you have a couple of routes. One goes through Liberia on the Pan-American Highway (Route 1), then turns onto Route 917 toward Gavilán. This path covers about 250 kilometers and takes 4 hours on good days, with smooth highways turning to gravel near the end. The gravel sections suit most cars, but if your vehicle sits low, go slow to avoid scrapes.
Another option uses the Noratlantic Corridor: Take Route 32 north from San José, connect to Route 4, and head to Upala before deviating to Route 917. This adds about 20 minutes but offers quieter roads and views of fields and hills. From Tamarindo or other Guanacaste beaches, it’s a 2.5-hour drive east on similar routes.
Once you arrive, park at the finca. Entrance runs ₡10,000 (about $16-20 USD) per person for Costa Rican residents. Non-residents pay ₡17,000 (around $28 USD). Groups of 10 or more get a discount to ₡6,000 each. You need to reserve ahead, especially on weekends. Contact the family via WhatsApp at +506 6120 8308 or phone at +506 8539 0596. They confirm availability and set up guides, since solo entry isn’t allowed for safety.
Guides are required because the land is private and the terrain can trick you. Tours start around 8 or 9 a.m. to catch the best light at the falls. If you plan an overnight, look at places like Etoile Celeste in Upala for a simple stay with home-cooked meals.
Here’s a quick table of drive times from key spots:
| Starting Point | Distance (km) | Drive Time (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| San José | 250 | 4-5 |
| Liberia | 80 | 1.5 |
| Tamarindo | 150 | 2.5 |
| La Fortuna | 180 | 3.5 |
| Monteverde | 170 | 3.5 |
These estimates assume dry weather; rain can slow things down on unpaved parts.
The Hike to the Waterfall
You have options for reaching the falls, depending on your fitness and time. The family offers a short guided walk that takes about 10 minutes to a viewpoint, but most people choose the full hike for the full effect.
The main trail stretches 2.5 kilometers one way, making a 5-kilometer round trip. Plan 3 to 4 hours total, including stops. It rates as intermediate difficulty—expect to cross the river multiple times, with water up to your chest in spots. Rocks get slippery, so the path demands steady footing. Start through open fields, then enter dense forest with shade from tall trees. Along the way, you pass natural pools where you can dip in to cool off.
Another access from the western side via Route 917 shortens it to a 1.6-kilometer loop with 90 meters of elevation gain. This version feels easier, with stairs down to viewpoints over the canyon. You descend through orange groves and forest, reaching a wooden platform for the first look at the churning river below. Further on, more stairs lead to the base, where you traverse boulders to get close to the pool. This route avoids deep river crossings but still has uneven steps and potential mud.
No matter the path, the reward hits when you see the waterfall. It plunges 30 meters into a narrow slot canyon, with walls of red, gray, and black rock from volcanic minerals. The river runs a striking blue, fed by upstream springs. If the sun shines right—best around noon—a beam lights up the mist, turning the scene dramatic. You can swim in the canyon pool if the current allows, or explore a small cave nearby. Wildlife shows up too: sloths hang in trees, blue morpho butterflies flit by, and dragonflies skim the water.
This isn’t for everyone. Skip it if you travel with young kids, older adults, or pets—the crossings and rocks pose risks. Pumas and jaguars live in the area, though sightings are rare with a guide.
Tips for Your Visit
Pack smart to stay comfortable. Bring sturdy shoes with grip for the rocks and water. A dry bag protects your phone, wallet, and keys from splashes. Carry water and snacks, as options near the site open mostly on weekends. Change of clothes helps after getting wet.
Time your trip for the dry season, December to May, when trails dry out and river levels drop. Rainy months make crossings tougher and muddier. Start early to beat crowds and catch that sunlight effect in the canyon.
Safety comes first: Stick with your guide, watch your step on boulders, and avoid the river’s edge if it rushes strong. If you feel unsure about the traverse to the pool, enjoy the views from the lookouts—they impress just as much.
For meals, try nearby spots like Finca Nueva Zelandia for local food. If you extend your stay, combine it with a visit to Cavernas de Venado, 40 minutes away, for cave exploring.
What Makes It Worth the Trip
People return to Catarata El Santuario for its raw feel. Unlike busier falls like La Fortuna, this one keeps a quiet edge, with the canyon’s tight space amplifying the water’s roar. The colors in the rocks and water shift with the light, offering fresh takes each visit. Guides from the local family add stories about the land, tying you to the community’s roots.
If you seek active days in nature, pair it with hikes in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, just a short drive away. There, geothermal spots like mud pots and hot springs contrast the cool waterfall swim. Or head to Guanacaste National Park for broader forest trails.
Wrapping Up Your Adventure
Catarata El Santuario delivers a solid mix of hike and reward for those ready to put in the effort. With its canyon setting and clear rivers, it fits right into Costa Rica’s outdoor scene. Book your spot, gear up, and head out—you’ll leave with memories of that thundering drop and peaceful forest paths. If you have questions, reach out to the contacts I mentioned. Safe travels.
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