What are the Nauyaca Waterfalls?
Nauyaca (also spelled Nayauca) is a two-tier waterfall on the Barú River, in the hills above Dominical on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. The upper fall is the tall, wide curtain you see in photos; the lower fall ends in a deep natural pool where most people swim. It is the most-searched waterfall in this part of Costa Rica, and the easiest big waterfall to add to a Manuel Antonio trip.
Experience Nauyaca with a local naturalist.
From $135 per person · hotel pickup · entrance and 4×4 arrangements
Where is Nauyaca, and how far is it from Manuel Antonio?
Both entrances are on the road from Dominical to San Isidro de El General, about 10 km inland from Dominical. From Manuel Antonio or Quepos it is about an hour’s drive south on the coastal highway; from Uvita, 30 to 45 minutes; from Jacó, about two hours.
Which entrance should you use: Don Lulo’s or the Nature Park?
There are two separate properties, one on each side of the river, and both reach the same swimming pool.
- Cataratas Nauyaca (Don Lulo’s): office on the main paved road. You can hike (the longest walk) or ride their 4×4 truck on a fixed morning schedule with about two hours at the falls.
- Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park: east side, reached by about 15 minutes of unpaved road. A trolley/truck covers most of the way and runs as needed; the last stretch is a short walk.
You cannot cross the river between the two sides. Pick one entrance and stay with it.
How much does Nauyaca cost to enter?
Published prices in 2026 (per person, before tours):
- Don Lulo’s, hiking: about US$10, plus about US$5 parking if you drive.
- Don Lulo’s, 4×4 truck: about US$32 (parking included).
- Nature Park: about US$28–38 depending on whether you ride the trolley one or both ways.
Prices change; confirm on the day or let us handle it on the tour.
How long is the hike to Nauyaca?
From Don Lulo’s office it is about 5.5 km one way; from its parking lot, about 4 km one way, through pasture and forest with real hills, mud in the green season and strong sun at midday. Plan 1 to 1.5 hours each way. At the Nature Park, the walk down is about 35 minutes and the climb back about 50 minutes if you skip the trolley.
What are the opening hours?
Both entrances open in the morning (from about 7:00–7:30 am). The last 4×4 departures leave around midday or early afternoon, and the waterfall area closes around 3:30 pm. Go early: by midday the pool can have more than a hundred people.
Can you swim at Nauyaca?
Yes, in the pool at the lower fall, which is about 6 m deep at its deepest. There is no deep pool under the upper fall. After heavy rain, usually in September and October, the current can be dangerous and the falls may close. Wear water shoes: the rocks are very slippery. Cliff jumping is only allowed with the property’s guide present.
Is Nauyaca worth it if you are staying in Manuel Antonio?
Yes, if you have a full free day. It pairs well with a morning in Manuel Antonio National Park the day before, and it gives you something the park cannot: a big waterfall and a swim in fresh water. If you only have half a day, stay local and do the park.
When is the best time to visit Nauyaca?
December to April gives clear water and the safest swimming. May to August is greener with rain mostly in the afternoon, so go early. September and October are the wettest months: the falls are at their most powerful, but swimming is often restricted.
What should you bring?
- Swimsuit and quick-dry clothes
- Closed shoes with grip, plus water shoes for the rocks
- Water, snacks (there are no shops at the falls), sunscreen and repellent
- A dry bag for your phone
- A rain jacket from May to November
How do you visit Nauyaca from Manuel Antonio without a car?
Our Nauyaca Waterfalls tour from Manuel Antonio ($135 per person) picks you up at your hotel, handles the entrance and the 4×4 timing, and gets you to the pool before the crowds. A licensed naturalist guide comes with you and points out the wildlife on the way: toucans, motmots, morpho butterflies and, with luck, monkeys along the river. Pair it with a guided morning in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Ask for your date on WhatsApp and we reply in minutes.
Nauyaca at a glance · checked October 2026
Two waterfalls, one swimming pool, one hour from Manuel Antonio.
- Where
- Barú River, about 10 km inland from Dominical
- From Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- About 1 hour by car · Uvita about 30–45 min
- Heights
- Upper fall about 45–54 m · lower fall about 20–26 m (sources vary)
- Swimming
- Yes, in the pool at the lower fall, when the river allows
- Two entrances
- Cataratas Nauyaca (Don Lulo’s) on the main road · Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park on the east side
- Getting down
- Hike 4–5.5 km each way, 4×4 truck, or a short trolley + walk (Nature Park)
- Hours
- Morning to mid-afternoon · the falls close around 3:30 pm
- Wakoo tour
- $135 per person from Manuel Antonio
- Best time
- Arrive before 9–10 am · dry season (Dec–Apr) for safer swimming