There are some steps to get down to the waterfalls but not too many. In the rainy season, you would want to have a 4-wheel drive because the roads are steep and there are a lot of potholes in the roads. It is about 1000 meters in elevation in the Alajuela province. The Catarata del Toro Waterfall of Costa Rica | Bajos Del Toro - TripTins Not only is the waterfall magnificent to take in, but it is also an attraction off the beaten path. Bajos del Toro Costa Rica - Off the beaten path adventures! You will also find in certain spots, the road isnt as maintained as you will find pot holes and bumps along the way. If youre looking for a more challenging hike, we highly recommend it. It's home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, Tesoro Escondido (hidden treasure) and Toro Amarillo (Yellow Bull). Welcome! (It was an amazing place to fly the drone too!). This is the waterfall we did because apart from having a great price on the admission, they have dinosaurs all over the property that kids can view, and my 3-year-old was dinosaur crazy. Since Bajos del Toro is a volcanic area, some of the rivers have interesting colored water. Overview Bajos del Toro is located in the mountains, about two hours north of San Jose. The roads are steep, narrow and winding, be careful! The Rio Agrio Waterfall is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. There are a few small markets . You could visit a different waterfall every day for weeks in this small town. Since the trail down to the waterfall does involve many steps (to go down and back up), it can be tough for some folks who are not suited for that sort of fitness. Heres what you need to know about one of our favorite family activities in Costa Rica. Right from the entrance of Bajos del Toro park, you have an amazing birds-eye-view looking down over the waterfall! Fortunately the waterfalls at Viento Fresco are located halfway between these two popular tourist destinations, giving you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and go for a swim. February 25, 2021 Once again, I decided to visit the beautiful town of Bajos del Toro for a waterfall hike. You can see the water gush all the way down to the ground, then follow the path of the river. Its best to stay up in the viewing area. The garden is simply a walking path with various flowers and flora surrounded by the Costa Rican forest. It is hilly but the road is paved. Youll see just a couple of really small markets (like convenience stores), only one proper hotel, no residential neighborhoods or business centers. Receive our newest articles by email. Right from the entrance of Bajos del Toro park, you have an amazing bird's-eye-view looking down over the waterfall! The main area of town is situated around a soccer field. If you are navigating your route with your cell phone in Costa Rica, you can find this on Waze or Google maps. Booking private shuttles will get really expensive and you will want to the flexibility of having a car for these places. More than 5 different trails in the same place. There is no official path to get to the waterfall. For an authentic experience, you could stay at one of few small cabinas (cabins) on the property. THE 5 BEST Bajos del Toro Parks & Nature Attractions - Tripadvisor It costs $14 USD for adults, $7 USD for kids 4-12, and $7 USD for seniors 65 and above. Hike through the Jungle to Viento Fresco Waterfalls. Hiking down to the base of Catarata del Toro. This is a great spot for kids or any dinosaur enthusiast. The property is pet friendly. There is concrete on a few areas that are steeper. Bajos del Toro town is very small. Paraiso Manantiales is a set of 8 beautiful waterfalls on privately owned property, located in the Bajos del Toro region of Costa Rica. Sitting on the fringes of the wet Caribbean slope, the town receives a lot of rain year-round. It is located in the town of Bajos del Toro which is over 1000 meters (3000 feet) in elevation. The Truth About Visiting Poas Volcano: Poas is one of Costa Ricas most popular volcanoes but theres no guarantee youll see it on a visit. After the viewing platform, the trail goes up some more and leads to another lookout. To see whats considered the tallest waterfall in the area, itll take a bit of work. For this, you go through Vara Blanca, head west on Route 140 in San Miguel, then take a left onto Route 708 shortly after Rio Cuarto. Were Matt & Jenn, a couple who left Boston to pursue a dream of traveling, living, and starting a family in Costa Rica. However, we were living in the Central Valley- San Ramon to be exact- and we didnt want to drive the three hours north it would take to see that specific waterfall. We went for breakfast, and it was some of the best gallo pinto (rice and beans with eggs, local cheese, and a homemade tortilla) weve ever had. Land in San Jose stay a few nights in Grecia/Sarchi/Zarcero Bajos del Toro for a few nights Sarapiqui a night or two Tortuguero a few nights San Jose. This small town is home to several lodges that are surrounded by greenery and nature. The main attraction at Cascadas Pozo Azul is Catarata Caida Nieve y Paz (Waterfall of Falling Snow and Peace). Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Pass by without staying overnight. Hike to Catarata del Toro, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica - The Outbound With a luxurious ecolodge nearby, it is also perfect for those wanting a bit more amenities in a beautiful, peaceful setting. The easy access from different towns via public transportation is very affordable and worth your time and money! The Blue Falls is a great option to see this interaction of volcanic minerals. Once youve made it to Bajos del Toro, youll find that most activities are just a short drive away. As you head down to the waterfall, you will soon be greeted by the 350+ step staircase. On the way, youll pass a couple of other small waterfalls and get to take a ride on a cable car! The surrounding forests of Bajos del Toro is known as the cloud forest. We enjoyed our, A typical-style casado at Restaurante La Familia, The wood-fired cooking stove at Restaurante Tipico Toro Amarillo, The most popular hotel in Bajos del Toro is the high-end, Most of the other hotels in and around Bajos del Toro are much simpler. *Affiliate Disclosure:This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Soon, youll come to one of the most exciting parts of the hike: a cable car! The trail is well marked and easy to follow throughout so you should have no trouble making your way around the area. Depending on your preference you can choose to do all three or just what you are most interested in. Costa Rica only has a few places where you can experience blue water like this. But standing at the bottom of the falls, surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle is a really incredible feeling! While the route is paved throughout, it can get a bit twisty and curvy along the drive. Catarata del Toro is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. The price for one night is $65 USD, which includes entrance to Catarata del Toro and breakfast. The trail starts right behind the rancho. Having a car is the best way to get to Bajos del Toro since this tiny town doesnt have public transportation or taxis and everything is very spread out. Either way, youll love exploring the many unforgettable waterfalls and lush rainforest surrounds. To leave Bajos del Toro, it is the same (taxi to Zarcero, take bus from Zarcero to your next destination). Thankfully, the stairs are made of concrete for the most part but they can get slippery if it is raining / recently rained. Were Matt & Jenn, a couple who left Boston to pursue a dream of traveling, living, and starting a family in Costa Rica. So we packed up our car and a picnic lunch of tuna and crackers and headed to the Bajos del Toro. This Catarata Rio Agrio hike is excellent for families or those who dont want to walk very long. Hidden on the backside of Poas Volcano in a lush green valley lies Bajos del Toro. Learn more about the hike with our post, Catarata del Toro: A Hidden Gem in Costa Rica. Looking for the best hiking in Bajos del Toro? Las Gemelas Waterfall Hike - Your Costa Rica Adventure This water is not blue like the Rio Celeste waterfall. After visiting the smaller falls, the trail cuts into the thick forest. Your email address will not be published. The unofficial icon of Bajos del Toro, Catarata del Toro is one of Costa Rica's most impressive waterfalls. This is a popular spot with locals for swimming and hanging out, as the water is usually calm. 1 hour 15 min from Juan Santamara Airport. The hike is indeed difficult, with many dirt steps, irregular terrain, rocks to maneuver, loose soil, and some slippery spots. The area is ideal for hiking, yoga and meditation. Catarata del Toro is, in our opinion, one of Costa Ricas most scenic waterfalls. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is about a 20-minute drive from the small center of town. Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica - City Guide - Go Visit Costa Rica This waterfall is located on a private reserve in the rain forest that includes nature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. Bajos del Toro Travel Guide - Costa Rica's Waterfall Wonderland The Lost Canyon Canyoneering tour is full day of adventure. If you love mountain landscapes, hiking and undiscovered natural attractions, then Bajos del Toro has to be on your Costa Rica itinerary. You can even cross the river on a little basket contraption, which was a first for us, and really good fun! The menu has artisanal burgers, pasta dishes, burritos, chicken dishes, Costa Rican-style fajitas, and quesadillas. The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown La Fortuna. More about us here. Get Exclusive Costa Rica Travel Tips and our Free Travel Guide Straight to You! From there you will reach the waterfall vs. garden trail intersection. The trail begins with a parking lot and then you get directions on how to go along the forest path, which in several sections crosses the Desage River to the Tesoro Escondido Waterfall, which has a large and crystalline natural pool to dive in. 18 BEST Waterfalls in Costa Rica You Need To Visit Things to Do in Bajos del Toro - Tripadvisor This property has a handful of different waterfalls, some for swimming and others so grand, they will leave you in awe. $180-250/night. It doesnt have too many restaurants, but there are a handful of good options. See all Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience 15 Adventure Tours from $230.00 per adult After enjoying enough time near the base of the waterfall, you now need to retrace all those steps back up to the main trail up top. Sounds surreal, but Catarata del Toro is only about two hour . Getting Here (From A Couple of Spots) The waterfalls are found in the area of Bajos del Toro, a teeny-tiny farming town filled with forests, waterfalls, spread wide with dense foliage and farming fields. The only way to get yourself to the town and waterfall is by rental car or private transport (or even Uber). The road is dirt and bumpy, but you dont need a 44 vehicle to access it. Nature & Wildlife Areas Hiking Trails. The hike we cover in our post, Blue Falls of Costa Rica: Cataratas Las Gemelas, is short and easy. The local working will show you a trail map (we recommend taking a picture of it) and explain the property. This was a great Day Trip from San Jose. It requires walking down some steep steps and the waterfall center also has short trails and a hummingbird garden. 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. $70-80/night. This waterfall is located on a private reserve in the rain forest that includes nature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. costa rica Bajos del Toro is one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Costa Rica. We went on a cloudy day but on a sunny day, the color of this water is even more sky blue! Since its a popular attraction, often there are police there to help with traffic. The site is located in the foothills of Pos Volcano and belongs to Alajuela Province. Delicious home cooking! There is also a small, but nicely stocked, grocery store. But one of the most spectacular is Cascadas Pozo Azul. Bajos del Toro- Blue Waterfalls in Costa Rica - Pura Vida Moms It is especially busy during holidays. It is then back on the path towards the entrance as you pass by the viewpoint areas and arrive right back where you started from. Alternatively, if you would like to stay closer to the Poas Volcano or La Paz Waterfall Gardens, I would recommend the Poas Volcano Lodge or the stunning Peace Lodge hotel. 10 Days in Costa Rica Waterfall and Hiking Itinerary - MytanFeet The nice thing about Bajos del Toro is that you can find several amazing waterfalls right in the area. The narrow, but powerful, cascade falls 90 meters (300 feet) neatly along a colorful canyon wall. | Privacy Policy. Take a look at the Keen Targhee III that I have been wearing recently or these Keen Newport H2 Sandals. A. When you come to Bajos del Toro you are helping to support local, rural tourism, and youll find some of the nicest people youll ever meet. Their beautiful blue water is out of this world. For Tortuguero, you need to fly or take the boat. . This property has a handful of different waterfalls, some for swimming and others so grand, they will leave you in awe. A couple of these are some of Costa Ricas largest and most majestic waterfalls. Bajos del Toro is a gem and the Juan Castro Blanco National Park is an inspiring backdrop for hiking, mountain biking. Lunch is an additional 4,000 colones, and we definitely recommend it! Bajos del Toro is the land of waterfalls in Costa Rica. If this sounds like a place you have to visit, read our guide to learn more. The focal point here is a couple of huge concrete structures in the shape of an O and a heart where you can take pictures. Of course, what you hike down you will eventually have to hike back up! With that said, your camera equipment may get wet as well. Its free. Plenty of food and water. Lots of city Costa Ricans go to Bajos del Toro during those times. These were not available at the entrance, but it was easy enough to make some with sticks we found on the ground. There are big signs for the waterfalls like Catarata Del Toro, Tesoro Escondido, Blue Falls, etc. This is the ultimate guide for visiting this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Catarata del Toro: A Spectacular Waterfall in Costa Rica Rio Agrio translates to "Sour River" because of its very low pH. . This town is one of the smallest towns Ive ever visited in Costa Rica and its location makes it one of the best escapes in the country. It is then continuing along the dirt trail until you reach the second viewpoint area, which will give you a direct line of site to the waterfall straight ahead. During the descent, you will come across Catarata del Toro out in the distance from time to time. Below you can see a screenshot of the route towards Catarata del Toro. Best Hikes and Trails in Bajos del Toro | AllTrails Theyre actually nice, clean and offer a partial kitchen with microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker. The Catarata del Toro hours are 7AM 5PM from Monday to Saturday. Catarata Las Nacientes (The Source/Springs Waterfall) is the next waterfall. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Bajos del Toro. Catarata Del Toro Adventures (Bajos del Toro) - All You Need to Know See more waterfalls in Bajos del Toro on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco, Hotels near Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), Motels near Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO), Nature & Wildlife Areas in Bajos del Toro, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Bajos del Toro, Nature & Wildlife Tours in Bajos del Toro, Canyoning & Rappelling Tours in Bajos del Toro, Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco: Tickets & Tours, Blue Falls of Costa Rica: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Blue Falls of Costa Rica, Flavored Hookah Tasting and Lounge in Puerto Vallarta, Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included, A day among the most beautiful mountains in the world, the Dolomites and Lake Braies, 1 Hour Yoga on the Beach Experience in Aruba. The land here is very dense with vegetation making it a perfect home for the sloth. It will give you the first taste of what this beautiful natural attraction is all about. Since it can rain on and off throughout the country, you should always come prepared with the right gear. Packages are available for all three activities or you can do them separately. Hi- Im Christa, and Im on a mission to help the world fall in love with Costa Rica through food, travel and language. This spectacular waterfall will take your breath away as it drops 270 feet into an extinct volcano crater surrounded by lush forest. Just after getting on the trail you will already come across the first viewpoint area as you get to see the waterfall dropping into the crater down below. If there are only unofficial taxis available, make sure to negotiate the price beforehand. Here are some good options. Packages are available for all three activities or you can do them separately. We enjoyed our casados (chicken, rice and beans, plantain, and side salads) and all-beef hamburgers. Wed love to have you follow along to see the world with us. Tesoro Escondido Waterfall: 35 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Youll likely wear a mix of T-shirts and shorts and T-shirts and lightweight pants for hiking. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The waterfalls along the first part of the trail are smaller but still nice. In this post, well tell you about visiting the off-the-beaten path destination of Bajos del Toro. You could visit a different waterfall every day for weeks in this small town. Other, smaller ones, offer perfect swimming holes. A small porch fronts each, providing some outdoor space. Bajos del Toro is a place that just recently became a local tourist magnet. Catarata del Toro is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. 8 Costa Rica Waterfalls You Must Visit | Costa Rica Experts Inside the wooden structure, youll find locals cooking delicious Costa Rican comfort food over a woodstove. This is also mountainous but a much easier drive. After admiring the waterfall, youll have the hardest part of the hike ahead of you. Looking down the waterfalls 500+ foot drop, The O and heart-shaped structures are popular for photos, Trail leading down to the base of the waterfall, Lunch is an additional 4,000 colones, and we definitely recommend it! The property has put up a handrail to discourage people from walking down to the river. Not only do you get to enjoy several viewpoints from above, but you also have the chance to hike down to the bottom of the falls. Catarata Caida Nieve y Paz (Waterfall of Falling Snow and Peace) is the biggest in the zone. Blue Falls Costa Rica Really Does Have The Bluest Waterfalls Take a look at this Earth Park Dry Bag to hold your belongings. This cuts between the mountains, in between two national parks, and runs south from Sarchi a little past Bajos del Toro. The friendly owner is a local who lived in New Jersey for a while, where he learned the craft of pizza making. It offers a spa and stylish Suites with stunning mountain views. A few years ago we moved to Costa Rica with our kids in search of off-the-beaten-path adventures to do that were free or low cost. This area has some of the best spectacular waterfall hikes in Costa Rica! The first part of the hike to see the smaller waterfalls is short and easy. You will want good-gripping shoes. There is a small school here, a church and a central plaza. These two spectacular waterfalls are a combined 197 feet tall (60 meters) and are surrounded by lush rainforest and wildlife. Dont expect anything super fancy or full hotel services but more basic, simple but comfortable lodging options. The last section has many steps down, which make for a steep trek out after. I enjoyed the trail, it's true the part before the waterfall is a bit challenging since it . I had Movistar and had no service once we left Zarcero. Catarata Rio Agrio Waterfall & Pozas Celestes Bajos del Toro - MytanFeet There are a couple of different ways to access the Blue Falls. There are also several small and inexpensive Costa Rican sodas with traditional food and beverages. Great hike so a high waterfall and blue Pools. Cascadas Pozo Azul is located in Bajos del Toro, a very small town in the mountains north of San Jose. From San Jose to Bajos del Toro, the best driving route is through Zarcero. Land in San Jose Peace Lodge El Silencio Lodge Nayara/Tabacon/Kioro in La Fortuna. Catarata Poza Azul (Blue Pool Waterfall) and Catarata Las Rocas (The Rocks Waterfall) is a group of gentle waterfalls and pools. The Hike to Catarata del Toro Follow the fence till you find the opening and trail. If you head left along the rocks, theres another small cascade and pool. Frequently Asked Questions about Bajos del Toro. Bajos del Toro Costa Rica is a unique private reserve in the Central Highland area next to the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. A little background of the lodge itself: Set in Costa Ricas Central Volcanic Valley, El Silencio Lodge & Spa features 500 acres of private tropical forest reserve. It gets dark in Costa Rica around 5:45 p.m. year-round. . Youll need to hike a bit to get to each one, but we did the hikes with a 3 and 5-year-old and they did great. For more information on visiting, including their hours, read our post, Pozas La Presa: Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Bajos del Toro. I recommend stopping there if you can to see all of the painted ox carts, and on the way back even to drink a quick afternoon coffee or try some traditional Costa Rican food. But one of the most spectacular is Cascadas Pozo Azul. There is one amazing luxury eco-lodge called El Silencio Resort and Spa that offers 4 and 5 star accommodations but it is not for those on a budget or looking for something that luxurious. $70-80/night. It's just about 15 minutes away from Bajos Del Toro, making it an easy addition to your trip to the Blue Falls. You can purchase admission to both Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls, and easily hike them all the same day. | Privacy Policy. Depending on your overall itinerary, there can be a few different places and ways that you may going about your trip: My recommendation would be to do a day trip to the waterfall if staying near places like the Poas Volcano or La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1-1.5 hour drive). It's also on google maps. The Rio Agrio Waterfall is a gorgeous 50-meter (165-foot) waterfall that cascades into a steep river canyon. This is a great day trip from San Jose because its only about an hour and 45 minutes from downtown. From San Jose, it costs around $180-200 USD one way for a private shuttle for 1-6 people. This is where we ate a picnic lunch, but the property does offer a small soda/restaurant. Site Map This waterfall is locatedon a private reserve in the rain forestthat includesnature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. Cascadas Pozo Azul is a private property right off Route 108, the main road through Bajos del Toro. It can be very slippery, so wear the right shoes if you decide to go on this . Catarata del Toro is located in thesmall town ofBajos del Toro. As you get closer to the base of the falls, there will be some great views to enjoy with the waterfall directly in front of you. Your email address will not be published. This view is out to the lush green valley in the same direction of the waterfall. It is only a 20 minute walk one way and you feel like youre walking through Jurassic Park! Access is fairly easy, making it a great stop for just about anyone. It isnt too difficult, but the rocks can be slippery, so be careful. The national park had just been declared too, making it easier for tourists to access the views of the falls. Just down the road from the main property are the Blue Pools. The posh, contemporary suites and villas are very comfortable and have sweeping forest, mountain, or river views. If staying for a couple nights at a rental or local house, stock up on supplies in Zarcero. yourcostaricaadventure.com. Every time I go there, I am amazed by the significant number of waterfalls around the zone. Enjoy the sounds of tropical birds and howler monkeys as you make your way down the steep jungle path. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. There isnt too much else to do so if youre a hiker and outdoor lover, then Bajos del Toro is the perfect destination for you. The drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna/Arenal can be a long one. We saw a large house right in town called Villa Nelly that looked nice for big groups or families. When it comes to unique Costa Rican experiences, Catarata del Toro checks off all the boxes. The hike starts on a hanging bridge. It will take you anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes to get down to the base of the . This property is the most expensive to see the waterfalls, and it is the only one that is not Costa Rican-owned. It is a 2 hour drive and 67 kilometers (43 miles) from San Jose. We drove a Rav 4 without the 4-wheel drive in the dry season and it was fine. It's incredible! Off the road, go up the small 5 ft hill. So when it comes to hotels, there are just a couple of places that offer rooms. The Esencia spa offers relaxing massages, facials and body wraps. As one of the most spectacular and tallest waterfalls in the country with a 90-meter (300-foot) drop Bajos del Toro Waterfall is hidden away in a valley between the Pos and Rincon de la Vieja Volcanoes, located in the Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest about 1 1/2 hours from San Jose.
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