Eco Chontales Waterfall

Before you go

Entry

$9 for visitors · ₡3,500 for residents · ages 3–9: ₡3,000 foreigners / ₡2,000 residents · ₡4,500 (about $9) for foreigners; paid at the family's house by the parking

Tickets

Pay at the entrance

Road

Gravel — a regular car is fine

Walk

700 m

Swimming

Only when the water is calm

Facilities

restrooms, food, shade

Kids

Good for kids

Bring

water shoes, swimsuit, towel, dry bag for the spray

Fewer people

few tourists, especially in the green season; small tours come in high season

Season

in the rainy season up to three veils fall and the spray soaks the viewing deck; in the dry months mostly one veil remains

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Order a casado at the riverside restaurant when you arrive (meals 8 a.m.–4 p.m.), swim while it's cooking, then follow the river a bit downstream to smaller cascades and a canyon with more pools.

Be careful

Rocks along the trail and by the falls are slippery. Never jump into the pool when the water is foamy or the river is high after rain.

Getting there

From Highway 243 (Dominical–San Isidro), turn off near Platanillo toward Valle del Guabo and follow the family's signs about 13–14 km on a good gravel road with one-lane bridges, including a hanging bridge you drive across.

Places nearby

• Eco Termales Quepos (Aguas Termales de Dos Bocas)Yoga & WellnessRustic, family-run natural hot springs in the hills behind Hatillo, between Quepos and Dominical: an upper pool split by low stone walls looking over the forest, a lower pool steps from a cool river with shallow swimming spots and a natural rock slide.
• Parque ReptilandiaParks & WildlifeSmall reptile park near Dominical with crocodiles, caimans, snakes and frogs in spacious glass enclosures; no booking needed, and reviewers praise the owner for his hands-on explanations.
• Nauyaca Waterfalls (Cataratas Nauyaca, Don Lulo family)Parks & Wildlife · from $10Private entrance to the multi-tiered Nauyaca waterfalls above Dominical, run by the family of Don Lulo.
• Cafe Mono CongoFood & CoffeeRiverside cafe at Pueblo del Río in Dominical with strong coffee, an in-house bakery, breakfast quesadillas, paninis and smoothies, plenty of vegan and gluten-free options and a back deck facing the river.
• Phat NoodleFood & CoffeeA long-time Dominical favorite for Asian-inspired food in a quirky outdoor space where the kitchen sits inside an old school bus: pad thai, curry bowls, sesame tuna steak and lettuce wraps.
• La Junta DominicalFood & CoffeeLaid-back bar and kitchen across from the soccer field in Dominical: organic and locally sourced food with tuna ceviche, birria tacos and burgers, craft beer, cocktails, live music and a few boutique cabinas.