Piedras Negras Catarata

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Zoo Ave)Parks & Wildlife14-hectare wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary near the airport with birds, cats, monkeys and reptiles that are treated and released when possible; visits help fund the rescue work.
• 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.
• Las Delicias del MaízFood & CoffeeCorn-focused Costa Rican restaurant west of Alajuela with casados, beef-rib soup served with corn cakes, vegetarian choices and a refreshing pineapple-mint drink; an English menu is available.
• Costa Rica Green AirwaysTransfers & Rentals · takes 30 minDomestic airline flying from San José airport to Manuel Antonio, Nosara, Santa Teresa/Montezuma and Puerto Jiménez.