Nauyaca Waterfall Hike & Swim: Jungle Trek with Lunch

Hiking to Nauyaca Waterfalls swimming cliff jumps and jungle snacks

You’ll hike through Costa Rica’s jungle with a local guide, reach Nauyaca Waterfalls for swimming or cliff jumps (if you’re up for it), and share snacks on sun-warmed rocks before a relaxed lunch together. Expect laughter, cool water on your skin, and memories that linger long after you dry off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and explore Nauyaca Waterfall

• Hike 40 minutes through jungle
• Swim in bottom waterfall pool
• See jumping spots at waterfall
• Explore top waterfall area

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the sound—somewhere between a roar and a hush, echoing through the trees before we even saw the Nauyaca Waterfall. Our guide, Andrés, grinned when he caught me listening. “Almost there,” he said, wiping sweat off his brow. The hike from the trailhead took us about forty minutes, winding through thick green that smelled like earth after rain (even though it hadn’t rained that morning). I kept stopping to watch little blue butterflies flicker by. Andrés pointed out a tree where monkeys sometimes show up—none today, but you could hear birds arguing overhead.

When we reached the bottom falls—80 feet of water just crashing down into this wide pool—I felt my shirt stick to my back from the heat. You know that feeling when you want to jump in before even thinking? That was me. Some people in our group hesitated at first, but Andrés showed us where it was safe to swim and even which rocks were good for jumping (not mandatory, thank god). He laughed when I asked if he’d ever slipped (“Only once!”), and then showed us how to get up behind the spray. The water tasted a bit metallic on my lips—cold enough to make me gasp.

We ate snacks sitting on warm rocks while watching some braver souls leap from higher up. There was this moment where time sort of slowed down—a mix of sunlight on wet skin, distant laughter bouncing off stone, and that low thunder of falling water. I didn’t expect to feel so small and so alive at the same time. After exploring around the top waterfall (Andrés said it’s 160 feet high—hard to really grasp until you’re right there), we trekked back for lunch together. Simple food always tastes better after a swim like that.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned pickup near Manuel Antonio or Dominical, entrance fees for Nauyaca Waterfalls, bottled water along the trail, snacks by the falls, and a simple lunch shared with your group before heading back out of the jungle together.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Paddle 9

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Top questions

How long is the hike to Nauyaca Waterfall?

The hike takes about 40 minutes each way through jungle trails.

Can you swim at Nauyaca Waterfalls?

Yes, you can swim in the pool at the bottom waterfall during the tour.

Are there places to jump from at Nauyaca?

Yes, your guide will show safe spots for jumping into the water—but it’s not required.

Is lunch included in this Nauyaca Waterfall tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with snacks and bottled water.

Is pickup provided for this day trip?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included in your booking.

Are guides certified or local experts?

The guides are certified and knowledgeable about local flora and fauna.

Is this tour suitable for kids or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available but travelers should have moderate fitness; not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What should I bring on the Nauyaca Waterfall hike?

You’ll want comfortable shoes and swimwear; bottled water is provided.