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. So let’s discuss the best day trip you can take from Manuel Antonio!
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. Got the hint?
You’d have a wonderful time with these activities, but why not head to a place that’s unique to the area? That you won’t find anywhere else. 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!
What are the Nauyaca Waterfalls and why are they the best day trip from Manuel Antonio?
They’re Waterfalls. Duh.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located about 50 minutes south of Manuel Antonio near a town called Dominical.
First off- they are beautiful. And unmatched elsewhere in Costa Rica by sheer size, from what I’ve seen.
They’re composed of two parts- an upper and lower section. 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 in the image at the top of the post.
How to get to the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Transportation
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are slightly less than an hours 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).
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 one U.S. Dollar). 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 with the receptionist at the desk- they may be different on the day that you go!
Hiking
The hike from the entrance down to the waterfalls is around 12km round trip.
Now, 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.
Now- if like me, you don’t- you can hike or try to flag down a car driving down the road. If you do walk, you can expect it to take around 40 minutes.
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.
Tips for the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Tip 1- Try to get here early. You really want to catch the 8:00 AM bus, or you may not have as much time as you’d like at the falls.
Tip 2- 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.
Tip 3- Try your hand at hitchhiking. This will cut out the steep section to and from the parking lot. Even if you don’t mind the steepness, the problem is that this portion of the hike is just on the road and not particularly scenic. I recommend you skip it.
And if you can, try and make a friend that’s driving back to Manuel Antonio. Me and the guy I was with got so lucky, we had over an hour to wait for the bus and these two stand-up Germans happened to be staying at the hostel right next to ours.
Tip 4- Spend most of your time at the upper section of the falls! There are far fewer people here, and it’s the more impressive spot. Walk across the rocks to the natural pool and take in the sights and sounds.
Tip 5- Try your hand at cliff jumping. There are rocks behind the pool by the upper falls that you can jump from, as well as by the lower falls.
Unless you’re some rock climbing expert, you’ll need help to get to the jump by the lower falls. The reason its 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.
Now go and enjoy! It’s not too far, and if you feel like you’re out of things to do, the Nauyaca Waterfalls are truly the best day trip you can take from Manuel Antonio!
