EC EscapeCostaRica.com
Find Your Escape →
Menu ☰
Find Your Escape Ocean Escapes Rainforest Escapes Nature & Wildlife Adventure Escapes Volcano & Waterfall Relaxing Escapes Escape Collections Destinations (12 Hubs) Travel Guides (14) Where to Stay Guanacaste Real Estate
13 · TWO-TIER CANYON FALLS · CODE 161424P2

Nauyaca Waterfalls Half-Day Guided 4x4 & Canyon Swim Excursion

Descend by 4x4 ranch transport into the lush Barú River canyon to reach the twin tiers of Nauyaca Waterfalls—a 45-meter upper freefall and a 20-meter lower cascade plunging into a massive natural rainforest swimming pool.

Primary Escape Category: Volcano & Waterfall Escapes
Destination Visited: Nauyaca Waterfalls two-tier rainforest canyon (Barú mountains above Dominical)
Actual Departure Point: Hotel pickup across Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Dominical & Uvita
Pickup Arrangements: Door-to-door pickup from Manuel Antonio/Quepos hotels or southern corridor lodges
Verified Duration & Format: 5–6 hrs · Small-group guided waterfall expedition with 4x4 ranch transport
Main Inclusions: Round-trip transport, 4x4 safari drive down into the canyon (skipping the hot 4km uphill hike), waterfall entry fees, certified safety guides, traditional lunch
Additional Charges / Exclusions: Personal towels and optional guide tips
Participation Requirements: Moderate agility on wet canyon rocks; water shoes with grip strongly recommended; minimum age 6 yrs
Why It Fits: Rated 5.0★ across 457 reviews because the included 4x4 canyon transport saves your legs for swimming, photography, and a fresh Costa Rican lunch.
View on Viator (From $155) → Check Availability on GetYourGuide →
Rainforest mountains meeting the southern Pacific coast near Dominical and Uvita
Verified Partner Rating: ★ 5.0 across 457 verified Viator traveler reviews. Final site selection and participation depend on operator safety assessment and weather/sea conditions on the day of your outing.
Affiliate Disclosure: Tour buttons link to verified Viator or GetYourGuide listings, and hotel buttons link to Agoda. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you book on the partner platform. Read full disclosure →

Relevant Alternatives to Compare

Geothermal volcanic mud pots and mineral hot springs at Rincón de la Vieja foothills 05 · VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS ★ 4.8 (1,575)
Tamarindo, Flamingo & Potrero · 8–12 hrs · Shared full-day adventure pass with guided stages

Guachipelín Volcano Combo: Canyon Zipline, River Tubing & Volcanic Hot Springs

Spend a full day on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano: zipline through a carved ignimbrite canyon, bounce down crystal-clear Rio Negro rapids in individual river tubes, refuel with a ranch buffet lunch, and unwind in geothermal mineral pools and volcanic mud.

Destination Visited: Hacienda Guachipelín & Rincón de la Vieja Volcano foothills (Curubandé)
Actual Departure Point: Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Center (7:30 AM pickup available from Tamarindo, Flamingo & Coco)
Included: Canyon canopy zipline, Rio Negro Class II–III tubing rafts, ranch horseback ride, buffet lunch, volcanic mud bath & thermal pools
Additional / Excluded: Optional $70 per-booking hotel transport fee (billed separately if not self-driving) and locker rental
Requirements: Minimum age 8 yrs; closed-toe water shoes and secure straps required; active physical participation
From $145 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation
Traveler overlooking the conical peak of Arenal Volcano framed by lush rainforest 08 · ARENAL TRIPLE CROWN ★ 4.9 (1,879)
La Fortuna & Arenal · 7–8 hrs · Small-group naturalist-guided signature day trip

La Fortuna Waterfall, Mistico Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano Combo

See La Fortuna’s three defining landscapes in one seamlessly coordinated day: cross rainforest suspension bridges at eye level with toucans and monkeys, descend to swim beneath the 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall, and hike solidified lava flows at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Destination Visited: Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall canyon & 1968 Arenal Lava Trails
Actual Departure Point: Hotel pickup across La Fortuna town and the Route 142 Arenal volcano corridor (early morning start)
Included: All 3 park admissions (Mistico Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano trail), naturalist guide, traditional lunch, hotel pickup
Additional / Excluded: Optional evening hot springs admission (can be added separately) and guide gratuities
Requirements: Must be comfortable climbing ~500 canyon steps at La Fortuna Waterfall; closed-toe hiking shoes required
From $154 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation