Belén Waterfall

Tip

Best in the green season when the water is running; go in the morning with water shoes, and ask locally whether the road is passable after rain.

Be careful

Slippery rock and flash-flood risk after heavy rain - stay out of the pools if the water turns brown or starts rising.

Getting there

Unpaved road from Sámara (Belén de Nosarita); a higher car helps in the rainy season. Ask locally whether a small entry or parking fee applies.

Places nearby

• Bar y Restaurante El RetoñoFood & CoffeeLocal bar-restaurant in Nicoya known for chifrijo (rice, beans and fried pork in a bowl) and hearty meat plates.
• Panadería La Castellana (La Caste)Food & CoffeeNicoya's go-to bakery for breakfast, sweet breads and cakes, with a reputation for clean, fresh baking; the strawberry lemonade with spearmint is a local favourite.
• Soda VanessaSodas & Local FoodEveryday soda in Nosara, popular with locals for big breakfasts and set lunches at friendly prices; gallo pinto with eggs and tomato is the reviewers' favourite.
• Roots Bakery & CaféFood & CoffeeA small, locally owned bakery-café on the road out of Sámara with homemade pastries, tarts, scones, cinnamon rolls, croissants and pies, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches; seats inside with A/C and in a garden courtyard.
• Restaurante Agua DulceSodas & Local FoodCosta Rican food done a notch up, in the middle of Sámara across from the Palí supermarket: gallo pinto, casados, ceviche, patacones and rice dishes, fresh fruit smoothies, and olla de carne on Sundays.
• Malibu Restaurante (formerly Soda Colochos)Sodas & Local FoodA simple soda in the center of Sámara, right next to the weekly farmers market and shaded by big Guanacaste trees – some of the best traditional food in town at local prices.