King Louis Waterfall

Before you go

Road

4×4 needed

Checked

2026-10

Tip

It's seasonal: best in the rainy months, a trickle in the dry season. Go around 7 am to have it to yourself; look for the hand-painted 'Catarata' sign on a tree.

Be careful

The 20–30 minute trail is narrow and slippery: wear proper shoes and don't climb the wet rocks.

Getting there

The last stretch of the Matapalo road is rocky and 4×4-only; many people park near Playa Pan Dulce or Carbonera and walk in.

Places nearby

• Pollo Surf SchoolSurf, Boats & Diving · from $65Locally owned surf school at Playa Pan Dulce, Matapalo, teaching beginners and intermediates on a gentle right point break since 2002.
• El Remanso LodgeStaysRainforest eco-lodge near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, with villas, a pool and adventure activities such as waterfall rappelling.
• Buena Esperanza (Martina's)Food & CoffeeLong-running local bar and restaurant on the Matapalo road known as Martina's; on Friday nights an artisan market sets up outside with music and dancing that draws surfers, locals and visitors.
• The Pearl of the Osa (Iguana Lodge beach restaurant)Food & CoffeeCasual beachfront restaurant and bar at Iguana Lodge on Playa Platanares: fish tacos, ceviche, tropical mahi-mahi and homemade coffee ice cream, with vegan and gluten-free options and macaws overhead.
• Aventuras CaféFood & CoffeeFamily café near the Puerto Jiménez airstrip, opened in 2021 by the owners of a long-running kayak outfit: healthy breakfasts, tuna burgers, chicken fajitas on corn tortillas, fresh coffee and a coconut-yuca cake.
• Osa Wild TravelFood & CoffeeLocally run Osa tour company founded by a tropical biologist; biologist guides lead Corcovado day trips and multi-day treks, mangrove kayaking and farm visits from Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay.