The water isn't photoshopped. That's the first thing everyone says. A shade of turquoise so vivid it looks digitally enhanced, milky, luminous, almost glowing against the dark volcanic rock and green jungle.
Blue Falls of Costa Rica is a 126-acre private reserve with six named blue waterfalls, multiple swimming pools, and a river that runs turquoise for the entire length of the property. Unlike Catarata del Toro (which you can't swim in), Blue Falls is where you get in the water.
The blue color comes from dissolved aluminum sulfate, a volcanic mineral. When sunlight reflects off these suspended particles, the water appears vivid turquoise. It's most vivid on sunny mornings with 8-12 hours of dry weather beforehand.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Bajos del Toro, Alajuela Province, 3 min drive from Catarata del Toro
- Distance
- ~25-30 min from Venecia · ~1.5 hr from La Fortuna · ~2 hr from San José
- Difficulty
- ModerateEasy to moderate overall, the main trail is fine, but reaching each waterfall involves going up and down steep side trails. Some river crossings. Your calves will burn by waterfall #6.
- Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (December–April), sunny mornings. Needs 8-12 hrs of dry weather for best blue color.
Getting There
Same access as Catarata del Toro, approach from the north on Route 708.
Tickets must be purchased at the Catarata del Toro ticket booth, not at Blue Falls. Buy the combo ticket ($25) for both attractions.
From the Catarata del Toro parking lot, drive 3 minutes down the road to the Blue Falls parking lot (free gravel lot across the road from the entrance).
What to Expect
Buy tickets at the Catarata del Toro parking lot (not at Blue Falls). Drive 3 minutes to the Blue Falls parking lot and show your wristband at the blue gate.
Walk about 1 km on a flat dirt road through open fields and into the forest. At the junction, pick up a wooden walking stick (recommended).
Las Gemelas (The Twins) are the iconic waterfalls, two cascades meters apart, each a different shade of blue. The bridge view alone is worth the trip. El Tepezquintle is further and quieter, a 25-30 minute hike with some river wading.
Poza Azul is the best swimming spot, a large, calm turquoise pool backed by fern-covered cliffs. This is where to have your picnic lunch.
La Celestial has the most magical atmosphere, especially on misty days. La Pintada is the tallest (27m), viewpoint only. La Turquesa is the smallest but most intensely colored.
Roaming guides are stationed throughout the property for safety, included in your ticket, no extra charge.
What This Is Not
The blue color is weather-dependent. On overcast or rainy days, the water appears more grey-green, still beautiful, but not the electric turquoise of sunny photos.
After heavy rain, water volume increases and can dilute the mineral concentration. The property may close Blue Falls on very rainy days while Catarata del Toro stays open.
There are no restrooms or food at Blue Falls, only at Catarata del Toro. Bring everything you need.
It's more physically demanding than Catarata del Toro. Visiting all six waterfalls involves cumulative elevation changes that your legs will feel.
Tips from a Local
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Blue Falls of Costa Rica?
Yes, and swimming is the main draw. Unlike Catarata del Toro, Blue Falls has multiple turquoise swimming pools, and Poza Azul is the best spot: a large, calm pool backed by fern-covered cliffs that is also the ideal place for a picnic lunch. Bring a swimsuit and water shoes with traction.
How much does it cost to visit Blue Falls of Costa Rica?
Entry runs from about $20 per person, but the best value is the $25 combo ticket that also includes Catarata del Toro. Tickets must be purchased at the Catarata del Toro ticket booth, not at Blue Falls, and you can pay with cash or card there.
Do you need a guide to visit Blue Falls?
No, a guide is not mandatory and you can explore the trails on your own. Roaming guides are stationed throughout the property for safety and are included in your ticket at no extra charge. At the trail junction you can also pick up a wooden walking stick, which is recommended.
How difficult is the hike at Blue Falls?
The hike is rated moderate and is more physically demanding than Catarata del Toro. It starts with about 1 km on a flat dirt road, but visiting all six waterfalls involves cumulative elevation changes that your legs will feel, plus some river wading on the way to El Tepezquintle. If you want an easier visit, stick to the main circuit and the closer falls rather than attempting all six.
How many waterfalls are there at Blue Falls of Costa Rica?
There are six named blue waterfalls across the 126-acre private reserve. The highlights include Las Gemelas (The Twins), two cascades meters apart in different shades of blue; Poza Azul, the best swimming pool; La Celestial, with the most magical atmosphere on misty days; La Pintada, the tallest at 27 m (viewpoint only); La Turquesa, the smallest but most intensely colored; and El Tepezquintle, further out and quieter.
What should you bring to Blue Falls?
Water shoes with traction are essential, along with a swimsuit and a quick-dry towel since you will be getting in the water. Pack at least 1.5 L of water, snacks or lunch, a waterproof phone case, and a rain jacket. There are no restrooms or food at Blue Falls, only at Catarata del Toro, so bring everything you need.
What is the best time to visit Blue Falls for the blue color?
Aim for a sunny morning in the dry season (December to April), ideally after 8 to 12 hours of dry weather, when the turquoise color is most vivid. The blue comes from dissolved aluminum sulfate and is weather-dependent: on overcast or rainy days the water looks more grey-green, and after heavy rain the property may close Blue Falls while Catarata del Toro stays open. Plan on 2 to 3 hours for the main circuit or 3 to 4 hours to see all six.
Where to Eat
• La Terraza del Café de Bajos del Toro: An excellent restaurant with traditional food and specializes in having great coffee, light bites and scenic views, perfect for a post-hike snack, lunch or even breakfast before heading out.
• Restaurante-Bar Toro Amarillo: Classic local joint with friendly service and a varied menu. Solid option for lunch or dinner in town.
• Restaurante Blue Morpho: Highly rated place near the plaza offering local dishes with great reviews from visitors.
• Kafecitos Soda Restaurante y Supermercado: More casual soda-style spot where you can grab coffee, snacks, traditional fare and drinks. Good for a relaxed meal or pickup.
Where to Stay
Luxury: El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Relais & Châteaux property with private cabins, 500 acres of private forest reserve, spa, and fine dining.
Mid-Range: Several family-run cabin rentals on AIrbnb in the area, with comfortable amenities, hot water, and mountain views. From $80-$150/night.
Budget: Camping available at Tesoro Escondido and Paraíso Manantiales.
Strategic alternative base: Venecia (30-40 min north), More lodging options, more restaurants, and easy access to ATV tours, canyoning, hot springs, and Laguna de Hule. On a main road. 1 hour away from La Fortuna for future day plans.
Good to Know
- Cell Service
- Kolbi works; other carriers spotty
- Payment
- Cash or card at Catarata del Toro ticket booth
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible. A moderate hike over uneven, often muddy and slippery jungle trails with some steep sections and stream crossings; shoes with good traction are essential. Manageable for reasonably fit visitors but not for those with significant mobility limitations.
- What to Bring
- Water shoes with traction (essential), swimsuit, quick-dry towel, 1.5L water minimum, snacks/lunch, waterproof phone case, rain jacket
- Meeting Point
- Buy tickets at Catarata del Toro booth, then drive 3 min to Blue Falls entrance
Continue Exploring
More guides and resources to help you plan your trip
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