Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva

Tip

Little is published about this spot: check access locally and go in the morning, when it is usually drier.

Be careful

Rocks near falls are slippery and rivers can rise fast after rain upstream; don't swim under the fall or in heavy rain.

Places nearby

• Pura Vida Gardens and WaterfallParks & WildlifeHillside botanical garden above Tárcoles with trails, a waterfall overlook and Pacific views.
• Tiko Restaurante MiradorFood & CoffeeClifftop mirador restaurant on the edge of Carara National Park with Pacific views, serving local dishes, homemade Asian food and fresh seafood.
• Bijagual WaterfallParks & Wildlife · takes 3 h–4 h · from $20A rainforest hike or horseback ride in the hills above Jacó to one of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, ending with a swim in cool natural pools.
• Crocodile Man TourParks & Wildlife · takes 2 h · from $39.55A long-established boat tour on the Tarcoles River, where big American crocodiles bask on the banks a short drive from Jacó.
• Jungle Crocodile SafariParks & Wildlife · takes 1.5 h · from $40A relaxed boat ride on the Tarcoles River, home to one of Costa Rica's largest crocodile populations, out through the mangroves to the river mouth.
• Vista Mar (Tárcoles)Food & CoffeeSeafood restaurant on a bluff above the Costanera with ocean views and a tunnel that leads down to the beach.