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Catarata San Vicente

Waterfall · Arenal & La Fortuna · hidden gem

A waterfall near Quesada, Alajuela province. Details are limited, so treat it as a place to explore and check conditions locally.

Location
10.275822, -84.384784 — Google Maps

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

  • Reserva Natural Montaña SagradaParks & WildlifeA 700-hectare community-funded reserve inside Juan Castro Blanco National Park, 9 km east of Sucre, protecting the springs that feed 200+ rural water systems.
  • La Vieja Adventures — Ciudad Esmeralda canyon (Río La Vieja)Tours & Adventure · from $40Guided wade-and-hike through a narrow, moss-walled canyon of the Río La Vieja above Ciudad Quesada, ending at the Zafiro waterfall and its turquoise pools.
  • Rancho de CeciFood & CoffeeRustic, wood-trimmed family restaurant on Route 141 in Laguna, just north of Zarcero, serving home-style Costa Rican food for over 50 years — recommended by locals.
  • Restaurante El ParquecitoFood & CoffeeFamily-run, very cheap buffet right across from Zarcero's topiary park, opened in 2019 — a warm spot to eat local food when the mountain fog and drizzle roll in.
  • Termales del BosqueDay Passes & Hot SpringsLong-running hot-springs hotel in the forest outside Ciudad Quesada, with thermal pools by a river, an ecological trail and a spa; popular with Costa Rican families.
  • Zoológico y Centro de Rescate La MarinaParks & WildlifeFamily-run, non-profit rescue center on a cattle ranch on Route 140, caring for around 80 native species — many confiscated pets — and known for breeding tapirs.

Sources: OpenStreetMap node/9171871017 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/9171871017