Río Machuca swimming hole

Tip

Come in the dry season (December to April) when the water is low and clear. Wear water shoes for the slippery stones, bring your own food and carry your trash out.

Be careful

Rivers can rise fast after rain upstream: leave if the water turns brown or starts to rise. Check the weather first and never swim here in an afternoon storm.

Places nearby

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
• 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.
• Hotel Cerro LodgeParks & Wildlife · from $10A small lodge built for birders and photographers, a few minutes from the Tarcoles River and Carara National Park, with sea and mountain views.