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There’s no doubt that a trip to Costa Rica can break the bank if you aren’t careful. Coined “The American Vacation Spot” by locals, you’ll quickly find yourself in a tourist trap while searching for adventure.
But there is an affordable aspect to visiting one of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet: nature and all of its greatness! And no matter how many tour companies try to capitalize on available land, Ticos have been very good about preserving a good chunk of it.
So if you’re currently catching surf in Dominical or enjoying a beautiful view from an infinity pool in front of your Uvita villa, here is an adventure that will cost only $5 per person!
- Update: As of February 2017, the $5 fee has increased to $8.
Getting the $5 Deal (now $8)
The Cataratas Nauyaca (Nauyaca Waterfalls) is Tico-owned, so there is only one tour that goes through; it isn’t widely known beyond the country’s southern region.
The family that owns it offers horseback-riding tours to the waterfalls for around $30 per person, but also allows the public to enter for $5 if they prefer to hike on foot. The deal isn’t advertised but upon arriving at the small white house/office, simply let them know you want to hike.
- Tip: If you don’t speak Spanish and are having a hard time remembering phrases, a simple “Yo quiero caminar” (I want to walk) will suffice when requesting the five-dollar hiking fee. You’ll find Ticos are quite supportive of your language journey! 🙂
- Update: As of February 2017, the $30 horseback riding fee has increased to $70.
How to get there
Dominical is closest to the hike, mapped at only 8km away. If you have a car, it’ll be about a 15-minute drive going north on 34 and making a right on 243. Or you could take 2 hours walking the whole way.
From Uvita, it’ll be a 25-minute drive and a 5-hour walk. Remember, hitching is also very common… and who doesn’t love free transportation?
Once you’re on 243, you’ll start to see (very) small signs leading up to the location, and then – almost immediately – a little white office/house will pop up on the side of the road with a few cars parked in front of it.
Most likely you’ll be driving too fast up this winding hill and will pass it, only to then see a sign pointing into the woods reading “Nauyaca”, making you realize the white house now behind you was definitely the right place.
The Hike
Holy crap that hike is grueling. Comparable to my steep hill walk up to the Jesus de la Misericordia in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, this hike was 4km long in each direction. That is if you came in a car and drove the additional 2km to park. But if you are walking from Dominical… let’s just say you’re going to have a great-looking backside by the end of the day.
We drove our rental: 4WD is necessary. Instead of parking, we took a chance and drove even farther through narrow paths of dust and sticky, deep mud. Once the paths completely closed off to vehicles, we parked and began our trek filled with sweat, heat, and wildlife sightings.
What to Bring to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
The hike is steep and a good portion is under the sun. Bring sunblock, a lot of water, and lunch. I hiked in water toe-shoes (BodyGlove) that have a good grip and could stay on in the mud, on flat ground, and swimming; others hiked in sneakers. Bring your bathing suit if you want to swim at the waterfalls.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls
Whichever way you choose to get there: it is worth it. The tallest waterfall is 45 meters high and prohibits climbing/swimming. Of course, you’ll have some people who want to test that rule.
The second set of falls in the Nauyaca waterfalls is 20 meters high and allows swimming in the 6-meter-deep pool below it. There are a number of natural pools depending on the rainfall amongst the rocks, and plenty of spots to enjoy an afternoon lunch or maybe even wash off your now muddy clothing and shoes.
Enjoy!
Comments: heading To Nauyaca? Leave Your Questions Below!
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Hello, where do you find the horseback riding tour for $30? The cheapest I’ve seen is $70. Thanks!
It was at the beginning of the hike where we paid our entry fee. They had horses there and offered the option to walk for $5 or ride horses for $30. Keep in mind, I went two years ago at this point so it could’ve changed.
Update: after some research, it seams the price has indeed increased to $70 pp. (prob due to this blog post promoting it, haha sorry guys) any information online that says $30 is all from 2+ years ago. I’ll update the post to notify everyone.
Thanks!
Hi Olivia,
I am Frank, 58 years young and want to do this Nauyaca Falls. I want to stay in Piramys Life Hostel, Dominical. Is it a good place to stay for 1 or 2 nights? If not, can you advise another economical hostel? I have some backproblems and 1 knee isn´t very good. Can I do the hike (from Dominical)?
Do you have more of this kindof advises?
Thanks in advance.
I’ve never stayed at Piramys but I head it’s quite nice! You should be good there. Re: your back and the difficulty level, I would recommend you take a bike or hitch a ride / find a taxi to get to the site. The 2 hours walking will wear you down before you even begin the hike. Second, for the hike itself, it is quite uphill with muddy conditions. I went considerably slower than others and my back and knees were healthy (but I have exercise-induced asthma). I would be wary of the hike with your knees only because the walk back will be quite downhill and might cause you some issues. Perhaps bring a walking stick.
Great tips! Thank you!!! We’re taking our kids (ages 8, 11) in May and need an inexpensive place to stay near Nauyaca Falls. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Delayne
The closest location I know is Dominical. As Frank, the other commenter, suggested Piramys is supposed to be a nice hostel. these have private rooms and only charge $5 per person / per night for anyone under 12 years old, which should total about $40 per night for a private room during mid season.