Nauyaca Waterfalls drop about 60 meters in two tiers into a deep, swimmable pool in the hills above Dominical. Getting there takes a hike or a ride in the back of a truck, and choosing the right entrance makes a real difference.
Nauyaca Waterfalls are on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific side, about 20 to 30 minutes inland from Dominical. There are two private entrances. The original Don Lulo entrance on Route 243 is cheaper (about $10 to hike, $32 by 4×4 truck) and closer to the main swimming pool. The newer Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park charges more but includes truck transport, has better facilities and gives access to the upper falls. Go early, bring water shoes and cash, and expect the falls to close to swimmers after heavy rain.
This guide compares the two entrances and covers prices, hours, the hike, swimming and how to get there.
| Nauyaca Waterfalls | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Location | Inland from Dominical, off Route 243 toward San Isidro de El General |
| Height | Two tiers, about 60 meters (200 feet) combined |
| Entrances | Don Lulo (original) or Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park (newer) |
| Cost | About $10 to hike or $32 by truck at Don Lulo; about $30 to $40 at the Nature Park, transport included |
| Hike | About 3 to 4 km each way at Don Lulo; about 2.7 km from the Nature Park office |
| Best time | Early morning, dry season (December to April) for clearer water |
| From Dominical / Uvita | About 20 to 30 minutes / about 45 minutes by car |
Prices and hours change often. Confirm with the entrance you plan to use before you go.
Entrances
Nauyaca Waterfalls Entrances: Don Lulo vs. the Nature Park
The falls sit on private land, and two separate businesses run access from opposite sides of the river.
Don Lulo’s Nauyaca Waterfalls (original entrance)
- Where: on paved Route 243 between Dominical and San Isidro, just before Platanillo, about 20 minutes from Dominical. Buses between Dominical and San Isidro pass the office.
- Cost: about $10 per adult to hike, plus parking; about $32 for the round-trip 4×4 truck, which drops you close to the falls.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m., Sunday from 8 a.m.; last entry around 2 p.m.
- Hike: roughly 3 to 4 km each way from the parking area on a farm road and trail, easy going down and steady climbing on the way back.
- Good to know: truck visitors get a set time at the falls. Recent reports say horseback tours and access to the upper falls are no longer offered from this side.
Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park (newer entrance)
- Where: about 10 to 15 minutes up a dirt road from Route 243 near Tinamaste. A regular car can make it if you drive slowly. No public transport.
- Cost: about $30 to $40 per adult depending on the option (hike one way and ride back, or ride both ways), with transport, parking and changing rooms included. Kids pay a little less.
- Hours: daily from 7:30 a.m.; last entry around 2:30 p.m.
- Hike: about 2.7 km from the office, mostly downhill on the way in, with about 300 steps near the falls and a steep climb back.
- Good to know: fewer crowds, no fixed time limit and access to the upper falls.
At the falls
Swimming at Nauyaca Waterfalls
The lower falls pour into a wide pool that’s several meters deep, with a small beach where most people swim. The upper falls have a shallower pool and a small cave behind the water. Water is cool and clearest in the dry season.
Getting there
How to Get to Nauyaca Waterfalls
- From Dominical: about 20 to 30 minutes by car up Route 243 toward San Isidro. See our Dominical guide.
- From Uvita: about 45 minutes by car. Pair it with a morning at Marino Ballena National Park or a whale watching trip.
- From Manuel Antonio: about an hour by car, an easy day trip. See our Manuel Antonio guide.
- From San José: plan on about 4 hours by car, so it’s better as part of a stay on the southern Pacific coast than as a day trip.
- By bus: local buses between Dominical and San Isidro de El General can drop you at the Don Lulo office.
- Tours: many hotels and operators in Dominical and Uvita run half-day trips with transport.
The roads to both entrances are passable in a regular car. Read our guide to driving in Costa Rica before you go.
Before you go
Tips for Visiting Nauyaca
- Arrive early. Get there when the gates open to beat the crowds, which peak late morning and on weekends.
- Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals. The trail can be muddy and the rocks at the pool are slick.
- Bring water and snacks. There are no shops at the falls.
- Carry cash. Bring dollars or colones in case card payments aren’t working.
- Pack a towel, swimsuit and repellent. Use reef- and river-safe sunscreen if you’re swimming.
- Check the weather. In the May-to-November rainy season, go in the morning; afternoon storms raise the river fast. See our guide to the best time to visit by region.
Planning more waterfall stops? See our guides to La Fortuna Waterfall, Cascada El Pavón and how to photograph a waterfall.
Good to know
Nauyaca Waterfalls FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Nauyaca Waterfalls?
At the Don Lulo entrance, about $10 per adult to hike plus parking, or about $32 for the round-trip 4×4 truck. At the Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park, about $30 to $40 per adult with transport included. Prices change, so confirm before you go.
How long is the hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls?
About 3 to 4 km each way from the Don Lulo parking area, or about 2.7 km from the Nature Park office. Allow roughly 35 minutes to an hour going down and longer for the uphill return.
Can you swim at Nauyaca Waterfalls?
Yes, at your own risk, mainly in the pool below the lower falls. Swimming may be closed after heavy rain because of strong currents.
Which Nauyaca entrance is better?
Don Lulo is cheaper, reachable by bus and closer to the main pool by truck. The Nature Park costs more but has better facilities, no time limit and access to the upper falls.
Do I need a 4×4 to get to Nauyaca?
No. Route 243 is paved, and the dirt road to the Nature Park is manageable in a regular car if you drive slowly.
How far is Nauyaca from Dominical and Uvita?
About 20 to 30 minutes from Dominical and about 45 minutes from Uvita by car.
The short version
Nauyaca is a two-tier, 60-meter waterfall with a swimming pool, 20 to 30 minutes inland from Dominical.
Choose Don Lulo for the lowest price and bus access, or the Nature Park for the upper falls and fewer crowds.
Go early, wear water shoes, bring cash and skip swimming after heavy rain.