Manuel Antonio is one of the many must-see spots in Costa Rica.
But while the National Park is indeed well worth your time (see here for the best National Park tips!), you may struggle with finding many other things to do in the area.
Sure, Manuel Antonio has a lot to offer. Adventure galore like everywhere else in Costa Rica. But that’s the thing- they have zip-lining, but the zip-lining in Monteverde is better. They have rafting, but the rafting in the Pacuare is better.
You’d have a wonderful time with these activities, but why not head to a place that’s unique to the area? Something you won’t find anywhere else. Somewhere that happens to be one of the most beautiful places that I’ve seen in the entire country.
I’m talking about Nauyaca Waterfalls- the absolute best day trip you can take from Manuel Antonio.
Why the Nauyaca Waterfalls?
Fair question. And simple to answer.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are downright beautiful. I’ve been to many waterfalls in Costa Rica, and Nauyaca is unmatched by sheer size, from what I’ve seen.
It’s the most beautiful piece of nature in the greater Manuel Antonio area, and it would be a crime to skip it.
Getting to the Nauyaca Waterfalls from Manuel Antonio
Getting to the Nauyaca Waterfalls includes both figuring out transportation to the beginning of the trail, and then hiking down to the falls themselves.
I’ll cover both of these.
Note: If after reading this you deem that it sounds like a major pain in the ass, note that you can always visit the waterfalls through a tour- it’s going to be more expensive, but a lot more stress free. The two options below will literally take you from your bed to the waterfall.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are slightly less than an hour’s drive from Manuel Antonio. That is, of course, if you have a car.
If not, you have to struggle like me and rely on the public transportation system of Costa Rica. Which unfortunately isn’t the best, as you’ve probably noticed by now.
But there are buses that can take you to the Nauyaca Waterfalls. They depart from nearby Quepos at 8:00 and 11:30 AM (there are more later but not if you want enough time at the waterfalls- even the 11:30 bus is pushing it, so try for the 8:00!).
To get to the Quepos bus station, all you have to do is wait for the bus that runs every 15 minutes between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Make sure to ask your hotel or hostel reception where the closest bus stop is. The fee is ₡380 (under $1 USD). Make sure you have colones, they only take cash.
From there, hop on the bus towards San Isidro (which should cost around $5) and you’ll be on your way! Do tell the driver you’re going to Nauyaca, as they may not stop there unless specifically asked.
The last bus will leave from the entrance to the waterfalls around 4:20 PM, so don’t miss it!
And before you hike down, confirm the bus times for the ride back with the receptionist at the desk- they may be different on the day that you go!
Note: The Nauyaca Waterfalls are pinned on Offpath, my interactive map app of hidden gems from every destination I’ve visited around the world. Browse it to find more off-the-beaten-path spots like this!
Hiking to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
The hike from the entrance down to the waterfalls is around 12km round trip. These 12km are split into two parts- the first part down to the parking lot, and the second from the parking lot to the falls.
The first part is quite steep, and most opt to drive down. Because they have cars, of course.
Even if you don’t have a car, I highly recommend trying to flag down a car on its way down to the parking lot and asking for a ride. This will cut out a decently long and not-very-scenic portion of the hike.
Once you’re at the parking lot, it’s another 4km or so to the falls. At a normal pace it should take a little over an hour, walking mainly uphill.
Swimming and Cliff Jumping at the Nauyaca Waterfalls
I still remember the moment the path opened up and I laid eyes on the waterfalls.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are composed of two sections. The upper section has the taller waterfalls, with a smaller swimming pool to one side. The lower section has shorter waterfalls but a larger pool for swimming and a view of both sections, as you can see below.
The vast majority stay at the lower section of the waterfalls, something I can’t understand. It’s stunning at the bottom, but to not even look at the top…
I would recommend that you spend most of your time at the upper section of the falls! There are far fewer people, and it’s the more impressive spot.
In order to reach the best spot, you’ll have to walk across a sea of large rocks to the left-hand side, where you’ll find a small natural pool and take in the sights and sounds. Do note that the pool may not always be there, depending on the season.
The top is also my favorite spot for cliff jumping! There are rocks behind the small natural pool that you can jump from and get some really awesome photos. Just check the water depth first, as it may change seasonally. And be careful while climbing the rocks- definitely don’t do it alone!
You can also cliff jump at the bottom section, but you’ll need help to get up to the jump unless you’re some rock climbing expert. The reason it’s so difficult is because you can’t see anything- you have to climb up with water coming down hard on top of you. Luckily we got some help from a local who made it look so easy.
The Hike Back + Getting Home to Manuel Antonio
The hike back is marginally easier as it’s mainly downhill. Until you arrive at the parking lot.
I really recommend making a friend with a car at the falls and have them drive you up the road from the lot. Otherwise, you’ll be hiking up an un-scenic and very steep road for an hour.
If you can make a friend that’s driving back to Manuel Antonio, even better.
I was fortunate- I was with a German guy and we ran into two other Germans who had a car and also happened to be staying at the hostel right next to ours.
The ride was nice, maybe a touch too German for my liking.
If you’re not so fortunate, just make sure you double check bus times at the top before hiking down to the falls, and give yourself enough time to get back (2 hours minimum if you can’t find a ride to the top, 1.5 or a little less if you can).
Play it even more on the safe side if you want to make sure you don’t miss the last bus back- cabs are expensive and will ruin all the effort you put into making this a budget day trip!
What to Bring to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Finally, come prepared.
Bring food and water. You can buy these at the small store at the entrance to the falls, but you should bring some with you from Quepos or Manuel Antonio. Something for lunch, and snacks for the hike and ride back. And a large bottle of water.
Bring hiking and water shoes, as well as a bathing suit. The terrain of the hike isn’t too bad, but hiking shoes are certainly ideal. And if you want to be able to explore the waterfalls and do some cliff jumping, water shoes will be incredibly helpful. You’ll probably want a bathing suit as well.
And on that note, go and enjoy your day trip to the Nauyaca Waterfalls! If you’re in Manuel Antonio and don’t know what to do next, this is the obvious answer.
