Río Concepción waterfall (Hacienda Vieja, Orotina)

Tip

The path to the river starts about 100 m before the old train station, on the left.

Be careful

Rocks are slippery and the river rises fast after rain — skip it on stormy days.

Places nearby

• El Toledo Coffee Tour (organic coffee farm)Food & Coffee · from $30Small organic coffee farm in the hills above Atenas where a family walks you through the plantation, then roasts, brews and serves coffee and tropical fruit; coffee wine tasting is an add-on and farm lunches can be arranged.
• Bar y Restaurante La TrankaFood & CoffeeCasual country bar-restaurant on Route 131 just outside San Mateo, known among locals for rice dishes and seafood soup.
• The Retreat Costa RicaDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 10 h · from $99Boutique wellness resort in the hills of Atenas, about 35 minutes from San José airport, with daily yoga, a spa and three restaurants.
• El Jardín Orotina (buffet & souvenir stop)Food & CoffeeBig roadside stop near Orotina with a self-service Costa Rican breakfast and lunch buffet, a large souvenir hall, an ice-cream counter and live marimba music.
• Botanical Orchid Garden La GaritaParks & Wildlife · from $6Small botanical garden near the airport with a self-guided path through the grounds, an orchid showroom with hundreds of blooms and koi ponds.
• Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.