The best time to visit Bajos del Toro is during Costa Ricas dry season, which runs from December to April. Youll need a guide. We respect your privacy and will never send you spam or give your data to others. Once youve had your fill, your guide will take you a little bit further downstream to a swimming hole called the Blue Pool. Exploring the BEST of Costa Rica living in a 4x4 vehicle - see before going! They require a short but also steep hike. After you go through the forest (about 15 minutes), you start to go downand fast. But there is something magical about a bright blue waterfall. 18 BEST Waterfalls in Costa Rica You Need To Visit Yes please! Within individual neighborhoods and downtown, you'll find wide sidewalks, plenty of crosswalks and leafy streets that offer some shade from the sun. Catarata del Toro is open Monday through Saturday. Life is vibrant in this wonderful country ready to be enjoyed in this Costa Rica 2-week Itinerary! Check out our full guide to Bajos del Toro for more information. I recommend at least 4 days, if you can spare the days. Behind the office is a beautiful garden filled with exotic plants and if youre lucky, youll see some hummingbirds fluttering through. Whether you're a novice at water sports, or an experienced professional, there's something for every age and skill-level to enjoy in the water. The trail was a bit muddy but totally worth it. Through email, youll request a date, and youll receive a response confirming your reservation and giving your further instructions. The volcanic minerals from these wash into the rivers that feed these falls, giving them their rich blue color, much like that of the more popular and touristy Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The view of the falls from right outside the restaurant is great too so you can just as easily enjoy it while kicking back with an iced tea. You can reach Bajos del Toro by public bus from San Jose via Zarcero, but we dont recommend that as you will be very limited in what waterfalls you can visit as there is no public transportation in Bajos del Toro, and the waterfalls are sometimes far from each other. You also could visit on the drive from San Jose to La Fortuna, by taking the scenic route (Route 126 north from San Jose). Fittingly, las Gemelas translates from Spanish to the twins.. Wear a bathing suit under your clothes! Over the years, the owners have improved these steps. . Days 5-9: Head south to the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio. On their site, they even mention that eventually, their goal is to add all the falls onto a single entry ticket, meaning the Full vs. Light Tour distinction will be gone. We both care much about nature and health what accompanies us on all our adventures. Bocas del Toro is worth visiting for its untouched beaches, lush rainforests, unique experiences, surfing, diving, and a slow-paced, small-town vibe. Coming from Route 140, take Route 708 south towards Bajos del Toro. It isn't hard to find and follow the path, especially if there are groups hiking or riding to the waterfall. *Swimming at Buttermilk Falls is dependent on the weather conditions, and the schedule is subject to change. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour with transportation included from either San Jose or La Fortuna. Wear good hiking sandals. Climb back up was very hard going lots of stops on the way! Admission: Adults, $14. Your next beautifully blue waterfall! This height makes it the largest waterfall in Costa Rica. Juan Castro National Park borders the Bajos del Tor area and it is a birding paradise! Once youre ready to head out (and really, you never will be), youll head to the Blue Pool found just downstream, with its own set of tiny falls. , How do I get to Mystic Beach waterfall? Handrails help make the hike a bit easier. Overall, this tour is challenging, but its so worth it for those middle of nowhere feels in the Costa Rican jungle to some seriously jaw dropping views. With its central location, you can easily get to see the cloud forest, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Great hike so a high waterfall and blue Pools. Bajos del Toro Costa Rica - Off the beaten path adventures! Nauyaca Waterfalls How stunning is this place!? Once you cross the river, youll get your first glimpse at one the Las Gemelas. An excursion that is well worth the time, cost and effort. Not sure about the hike? Bajos del Toro: Costa Rica's Land of Waterfalls November can also experience similar conditions as September and October but with stronger winds. 1. This was a great Day Trip from San Jose. Its not too much of a tourist destination (yet), but it is still more of a local tourist destination, meaning crowds can form on a Saturday from locals visiting for the weekend. Many people do this drive with a regular sedan, but an SUV would be more comfortable with the bumps. About Catarata Del Toro, Costa Rica's best waterfall, Second to None in Beauty and Splendor. Well go through each of these tours in more detail below, including reservations, costs, what to expect, and more. You get a guided tour to two incredible hidden gems, and get to spend a couple of hours swimming in the water and taking in the scenery. About Paraiso Manantiales. Breathtaking views, great hiking . Heres a sneak peek into what each of the waterfalls are like, and the rugged trails to get to them. The office is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am 4 pm. Here, you have time to hangout and swim again and just enjoy the jungle surroundings. This spot offers a really nice view. Check out our full guide to Bajos del Toro for more information. How long does the Blue Falls Full Tour last? It's our favorite place. Catarata del Toro is located near the small town of Bajos del Toro in the remote mountains north of Costa Ricas, The town of Bajos del Toro may be small, but well worth a visit. Lightweight pants and a T-shirt is usually enough, but also bring along a raincoat. This waterfall is one of the largest in Costa Rica and definitely one of the most interesting, as it flows into an extinct volcanic crater. This tiny town is home to a plethora of breathtaking waterfalls, rivers, blue pools and hikes. El Tigre offers 2 different tour options, Full Package and The Big Hike. THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Bajos del Toro - 2023 (with Photos) The Blue Falls of Costa Rica are two other incredible waterfalls that are also part of the Catarata del Toro Adventures. The Deadliest and Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica , 5. Although the road is paved, it is steep in places and can have large potholes. Things to Do in Bajos del Toro - Tripadvisor The islands have cheap overwater bungalows and jungle hideaways, and the boating lifestyle permeates everyday life. It made finding and enjoying the waterfalls that much more special. This hike was the best hike i have ever done? Catarata Del Toro Adventures: A hidden gem, well worth the visit - See 285 traveler reviews, 373 candid photos, and great deals for Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica, at Tripadvisor. Youll know it when youre there because of a sign that congratulations you for making it, with a big picture of the waterfall. These are young, local guys that will show you their home. These bright blue waterfalls are one of our favorite waterfalls you can visit in Costa Rica, first of all, because its very unpopular and during the week there are very few visitors also because the trail leads to several different waterfalls which are all stunning. You will pass through 4 big waterfalls and 9 bridges (hanging bridges and natural tree bridges) the hike is 5.2km, intermediate level. But again, the reward is absolutely worth it. Can You Swim in El Tigre Waterfalls? The Blue Falls are located in a small rural town in the mountainous cloud forest of Central Costa Rica, Bajos del Toro. Bajos del Toro Tourism: Best of Bajos del Toro Essential Bajos del Toro Do Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. 8 Costa Rica Waterfalls You Must Visit | Costa Rica Experts . From kayaking and stand up paddle boarding to water skiing, sailing, kite surfing and everything in between, Mission Bay is a water playground without compare. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. This is the 3-week Cyclades Island hopping itinerary that we dreamed of for a long time, with all our favorite islands and things to do. is worth to walk in mud (just be sure to have appropriate shoes Catarata Bajos del Toro is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in. , What is the most touristy part of Costa Rica? What are the hours of Bajos del Toro? There are a lot of steps and theyre not all even. ), free parking, and use of the offices restrooms. Also, you can drive through here to go to La Fortuna where the Arenal Volcano is located. Swimming is not permitted in the waterfall. Bajos del toro the waterfall trail + Poas volcano. Receive inspirations for your next travels as well as tips for a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. From the entrance gate, your guide will lead you across some rolling countryside towards the edge of the cloud forest. Waterfall 4 - Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn Translated to the 'lower fall of the white meadows' this is actually a sequence of waterfalls, separated by several ledges and deep pools which you can actually swim in. Other, smaller ones, offer perfect swimming holes. , How much money should I bring for a week in Costa Rica? This ultimate guide for Bajos del Toro will help you choose the best ones. But these falls are incredible. Here, youll check in, pay, and meet your guide. Humpback whale Parque Nacional Marino Ballena and Osa Peninsula. When we took the tour on a Friday morning in early March, we had each of the seven waterfalls to ourselves. Do you need a reservation for the Blue Falls Full Tour? See all Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience 14 Adventure Tours Pack a towel, too. The walk is 8.75 miles (14 kilometres) and takes about four to five hours. If you have more time after the waterfall, explore the surrounding attractions, hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, swim in the hot springs, or take a chocolate tour. Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: You can save the time and hassle of waiting in line at the entrance by booking your ticket ahead of time. It will take just under an hour since it's about a 2 1/2 km hike (1.5 miles). Tesoro Escondido Waterfall: 35 Reviews, Map - AllTrails I'll be arriving in SJO on Monday morning around 9am. They were steep and muddy, and what made this hike so challenging (and fun!). Its located halfway to La Fortuna from San Jose so it can make a great stop in between. The walk to the waterfall involves wet walk in the river. You can walk to the back of this area along the rocks to get some nice pictures. Bajos del Toro is a one-of-a-kind private reserve in the Central Highlands region of Costa Rica, adjacent to the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. The trail is very well marked and easy to follow. Pozas La Presa are located in the village of Colonial del Toro, a little north of Bajos del Toro. But be ready for a tough hike through the forest. Navigating through pure Costa Rican rainforest in search of hidden waterfalls was a unique and different way to experience the country, away from the crowds of other falls like Rio Celeste, Fortuna Falls, and Nauyaca Falls. Nomad Insurance is a global travel medical insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. Weve seen a lot of waterfalls in Costa Rica, and while the Nauyaca are still probably our favorite, this one is a very close second. . This final descent will bring you to a waterfall that sits along a hydroelectric dam. Pozas La Presa: Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Bajos del Toro Not only that, there's a shed load of the best things to do in San Jose dotted all across the city that makes it a gem to visit. chasing waterfalls in Bajos del Toro The guide never rushes you, and gives you plenty of opportunities for breaks and plenty of time to stop at the falls and enjoy your time. Always be prepared for rain, even in the dry season. According to a study from TEC university, the population in 2011 was around 273 inhabitants, and the employment rate was low, so people found that tourism was a good way to generate income. There was one other guided group out in front of us, but each time we got to a waterfall, they were leaving, so it worked out perfectly. As we mentioned earlier, Bajos del Toro is a small town, and the options for accommodation are not huge. The entrance fee is 3000 colones (4.50 USD) per person, and they have a restaurant and bathrooms at the entrance. And this will lead you uphill to Palmira Pueblo Nuevo and then down to Bajos Del Toro. The best time to visit the Blue Falls in Bajos del Toro is in the dry season between December and April, for several reasons. The cost for an entry ticket on its own is $14, and does not include a tour guide (not needed for this accessible waterfall) but like we described above, you can get a discount with the Blue Falls Light Tour, and its included in the Full Tour. The options for waterfalls to visit during your stay are enormous. You want a good sturdy shoe for hiking off trail and walk across slippery rocks, but at the same time, you need to cross rivers, and if you swim, your feet will get soaked, too. Then, youll enter the forest with a set of stairs that climb up to the top of the river rim. One of our forever favorite waterfalls in Costa Rica is Paraiso Manantiales. Youve arrived at your main destination! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. , Is San Jose Costa Rica worth exploring? Catarata del Toro: A Hidden Gem in Costa Rica , Do you have to pay to see Sherman falls? What was once irregular and unsteady are now sturdy concrete for the most part. (Video) Best Thing to do in Costa Rica: Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls in One Epic Location! Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience. Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica - City Guide - Go Visit Costa Rica Bajos del Toro is home to series of jaw-dropping blue waterfalls, known as, not surprisingly, the Blue Falls. blue! Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica 2023: Best Places to Visit The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. You should choose the Blue Fall Full Tour if: You want a truly off-the-beaten path experience in Costa Rica. Is There Malaria in Bocas del Toro? There is a cute little restaurant at the entrance, and its possible to camp here if you are traveling with a campervan. Your guide will help you maneuver your way across the current of the river and across the slippery rocks. One of the "must dos" in Costa Rica is to visit a waterfall. Try this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Bajos del Toro, Alajuela. The main entrance is on Northgate Road. Several areas have small natural pools along the river, and the trail connects with them on multiple occasions, making them accessible. This is a short version that takes you to two of the best waterfalls in the area, called Las Gemelas. Youll truly get those tropical jungle vibes down here. . The most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica are the Nauyaca Waterfalls. All rights reserved. Catarata del Toro is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Bajos del Toro. , How long does it take to walk Four Falls? Catarata del Toro: A Hidden Gem in Costa Rica - Kaffec The typically damp, rainy climate makes for a soothing atmosphere of gentle mists and clouded skies, away from harsher, more sunny climes. Bajos del Toro is a small town in Alajuela, that has several beautiful waterfalls and rivers tucked away in the mountains. Another rugged pathand this time, at the very end, there is a small down climb to get to the river using the rope again. These guys know what they are doing, they know the best spots, they are friendly and reliable, and have solid gearwhat else do you need? Worth it? Bocas del Toro is a travel destination that is most known for its vibrant culture, beaches, rainforests, and surfing. Weve seen a lot of waterfalls in Costa Rica, and while the, A Starbucks Coffee Tour in Costa Rica: Visiting Hacienda Alsacia, Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica: Where to Go for the Best Experience. , Do you need tickets for La Fortuna Waterfall? Bring water and snacks. It cannot be reached by car, so the way to get to Yelapa is by boat, which makes it an exotic destination before even getting there. , How do you get to Santa Rita waterfall? Yes! It started lightly raining on us when we visited Catarata del Toro. Since this area is cooler, you will want to have some layers handy. 170+ very steep steps (hard going on my short legs) very few hand rails. Its a little bittersweet, because your legs will be happy that youre close to being done after 5+ hours of trekking, but you also wont want the waterfalls to stop! Bajos del Toro is a hidden gem in Costa Rica. The turnoff to the falls is located between the towns of San Miguel to the east and Venecia to the west. Here is a breakdown of the distance and the estimated time it will take you to complete the walk directly from the car park. One of our favorites in this area is the Rio Agrio. A short flat path takes you to some gorgeous viewpoints over Catarata del Toro. Amazing waterfall really simple short hike to the view from Bruce trail parking lot off lions road. We are happy to introduce our second project: Blue Falls of Costa Rica - Nature, as perfect as possible. Day Trip Option And because Bajos del Toro is still a less traveled destination in Costa Rica, youll face very few crowds, unlike the more popular Costa Rica waterfalls like Rio Celeste and Nauyaca Falls. . They have some of the milkiest blue water I have ever seen and are located in the most picturesque jungle location! . So if youre legs werent already tired from the Blue Falls hike, they will be after this! CR Natural Wonders Trek. Unseen objects, such as logs and boulders, may be under the water's surface. It has two levels, the vast waterfall towering from the cliffs into a pool and the lower small waterfall going down into another pool which is excellent for swimming and refreshing from the hike. This blog post contains all the information you need when planning your trip. You can pay in USD or colones. Our Tips for Visiting Catarata del Toro You can not swim under Catarata del Toro, but don't forget to pack your swim stuff for the blue river. Swimming is not permitted in the waterfall. Because we were driving several hours to get to Bajos del Toro, we stayed in Orotina, a small quaint town half way through our drive. Appropriate clothes: The weather goes around 68 to 90 Farenheit (20-32 Celsius) and not even counting on the humidity. The unofficial icon of Bajos del Toro, Catarata del Toro is one of Costa Rica's most impressive waterfalls. At 181 sq miles, San Jose isn't exactly a walkable city but it is pedestrian-friendly. Just shy of the bustling city of San Francisco and Monterey, San Jose is really easy to visit whilst exploring the bay area. Your guide will give you plenty of time to enjoy and explore the falls, and even take a swim if you want. You can choose to purchase a combined ticket for both the Light Tour and Catarata del Toro for $25 USD to save some money (the normal entry fee for Catarata del Toro is $14 USD). The fastest way to reach the Santa Rita Waterfall is to take a bus to the nearby town of Boquia and then walk from there. We were already dirty, wet, and beat up from the Blue Falls Tour so we didnt mind! (Video) Where to go on a two week trip to Costa Rica, (Video) Bajos Del Toro - Waterfall CAPITAL of Costa Rica - Hidden Treasure Waterfall. Days 10-12: End your trip with adventure and relaxation in Drake Bay. See all Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience 15 Adventure Tours from $230.00 per adult THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica Things to Do in Bajos del Toro Popular things to do Outdoor Activities Tours & Sightseeing Sporting Events Day Trips & Excursions Walking Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Private & Custom Tours Ways to tour Bajos del Toro Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bajos del Toro. The view at the end of the trail is so breathtaking. We happened upon this (then) little-known waterfall several years ago and recently made another visit. We heard many beautiful stories of this place, especially Catarata del Toro. Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hiking Trail Their updates will certainly increase accessibility of the falls to a lot more people, but at the cost of the authentic and uncrowded experience that we got to have. With the goal of increasing safety, they have added fencing, a bridge to cross the river, and have paved the trail to Las Gemelas falls and swimming area. Its probably best to pack if from outside of Bajos del Toro, since there arent many options in town. The airport is about 1 mile away from town. Recommended. a rarity in Costa Ricaand it seems like it was pretty safe and secure). Bajos del Toro: The Spectacular Tiny, Rural, Cloud Forest Waterfall Town October 5, 2019 By Sammi 16 Comments If you love mountain landscapes, hiking and undiscovered natural attractions, then Bajos del Toro has to be on your Costa Rica itinerary. Isla del Coco Cocos Island is an uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean that for many is the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. 2. The Blue Falls of Costa Rica (also known as Cataratas Las Gemelas) is a set of two waterfalls with an intense bright blue color. When you arrive at the Waterfalls you are allowed to swim and Set the time with your Local Guide. These sit right next to each other. Top 10 Places to Visit in Costa Rica & Things to Do [4K UHD], 6. A week of vacation in Costa Rica costs between $850 and $1,450 for an average traveler in mid-priced hotels, lodges or rental houses and doing standard tours (assuming double occupancy). They will likely tell you to be at the offices between 7 am -8:30amits good to get an early start since this a longer tour. The region of Bajos del Toro is very wet as it is all rainforest. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Other, smaller ones, offer perfect swimming holes. Before you even know youre back at the top, its back down you go! Below is everything you need to know to plan your visit to the stunning Catarata del Toro. Tips for visiting Paraso de Manantiales Waterfalls It was quite a stark contrast between the warm Pacific coast water, thats for sure! So beautiful and we were the only ones there. The paths down to each of the falls (except Las Gemelas), for us at the time anyway, were off-trail and rugged. The waterfall is part of a huge 250-acre (100 hectare) reserve of primary rainforest. $11 for parking but access to several trails and multiple falls. This waterfall is one of the largest in Costa Rica and definitely one of the most interesting, as it flows into an extinct volcanic crater. Bajos del Toro - The Ultimate Guide to chasing the best waterfalls in Just because its the shorter tour doesnt mean the experience is not as goodbecause it is! The total round trip is only about 2 km . These are powerful waterfalls secluded in the jungle, with bright turquoise water that you can swim in! Yes, it was one of our favorite waterfalls in Costa Rica and a must-see in La Fortuna. The roads are steep, narrow and winding, be careful! Here, youll cross the river again. Celular esquentando muito? The main road is paved but with potholes in some sections and is very steep. What is this? "Takigyo" means waterfall training/meditation in Japanese. 10/15 minute gentle walk (no climbing) along a stone path. This time its a little shorter, and youre only going about half way down to a viewpoint of the the next waterfall. Whats the most spectacular waterfalls youve ever seen? Bajos del Toro is most well-known for its beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy this while you can, because now the hike to the next four waterfalls on the tour only gets harder from here! Popular things to do Outdoor Activities Sporting Events Day Trips & Excursions Walking Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Private & Custom Tours Ways to tour Bajos del Toro Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bajos del Toro. We recommendDiscover Cars for the best car rental prices in Costa Rica. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Do you need a reservation for the Blue Falls Light Tour? When you are down at the river once again, the blue water set against the lush green jungle setting is pure perfection down here. The first is the Light Tour. Por que meu telefone Android est esquentando? And a lot of them! Bajos del Toro is most well-known for its beautiful waterfalls. Your feet will already be soaked from the river crossing, but if you want to get close to these falls, the mist is pretty strong here. But, you know whats coming! Because of its proximity to San Jose, Pozas La Presa is popular with locals, especially on weekends. We love reading from you. From the offices, its a short ten minute walk further up route 708 to a locked gate that starts the entrance of the hike to the Blue Falls of Bajos del Toro. You can even cross the river on a little basket contraption, which was a first for us, and really good fun! The water spills nearly one hundred meters down into an extinct volcanic crater. The Ultimate Secret -Catarata del Toro Amche Payn On our short visits, we have seen an armadillo, blue morpho butterfly, and lots of birds. The river has essentially carved out its path through the forest, so it is surrounded by steep forest slopes on either side. The hike will have you walking along the top of the forest rim on one side of this river, and each time you visit a fall, you have to descend steeply down to the river and then climb back and continue along the rim. Rio Agrio Waterfall and Blue Pools - Two Weeks in Costa Rica The objective of Takigyo is to cleanse one's mind, body and soul through a Buddhism purification ritual. What makes it super neat is that it plunges into the crater of extinct volcano, whose rim is now grown in with lush green forest. , but very enjoyable with lovely views and One of our highlights of Costa Rica trip! The drive is totally doable in a 2WD car and you do not need a 4x4 vehicle to get to Bajos del Toro or the Blue Falls. At the bottom, youll be rewarded with a close view of the 90-meter (300 foot) waterfall plummeting into an extinct volcanic crater. The Blue Falls Light Tour is an abbreviated version of the Full Tour, going to only two of the waterfalls. This is a much longer hike, taking you to all seven of the beautifully blue waterfalls. Where to go after Monteverde? Part 2 | Sarapiqui and Bajos del Toro To reach the waterfall parking lot, take Cass Avenue 1.5 miles south of Northgate Road to Bluff Road. And there are cooler temps at this higher elevation so its not too hot for long sleeves. CATARATA DEL TORO ADVENTURES - All You Need to Know Seniors 65+: $12.50. You cant visit these gorgeous waterfalls on your own, though. The quiet calm of the environment can offer a break from the fast-paced life of the . The entrace fee for the Blue Falls is 15 USD per person. With many rivers and volcanoes, you have to visit one of the amazing waterfall sin Costa Rica! To visit the Blue Falls, youll need to take a guided tour through the company Catarata del Toro Adventures. Learn about visiting with this post. Youll be slipping, sliding, using ropes, crossing rivers, and traversing across slippery rocks. When we were here, this part of the trail was in the middle of improvements, with the addition of stone walkways. For us, the Blue Falls Full Tour was the ultimate adventure in Costa Rica. This post is a good place to start. Having sandals will make for a much more comfortable experience than wearing socks and shoes. Here, youll have plenty of time to explore the falls, take plenty of pictures, and even swim if you want to brave the freezing cold water! It is highly recommended to have a 44/4wd for Bajos del Toro in rainy season. This area has a lot of boulders and rocks, which get misty from all the spray. The ability to speak and understand Spanish is extremely helpful here.