It’s about 1h30 from San José, 1h30 from La Fortuna, and 1h20 from Poás. The distances aren’t long. But the roads make the journey slower than you expect.

What makes this place special is how quiet it is. Even though Bajos del Toro is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica, it sees a fraction of the tourists. That alone already makes it worth the detour.

This particular waterfall also feels different from many others in the country. The drop is massive and dramatic. It falls straight into the crater of an old volcano, which gives it a wild and raw feel you don’t get in many other places in the country.

I noticed the difference the moment I arrived. It was colder. Quieter. Almost silent. After spending time in places like La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio, this felt like a reset. No crowds. No noise. Just nature and fresh air.

The roads are steep, narrow, and full of curves. Driving here requires patience. After visiting, I realized there’s actually a better road that Google Maps doesn’t always suggest. We arrived from the south, but a smoother option is to take Route 126 and then enter Bajos del Toro from the north via Route 708.

You don’t need a 4×4 to get to Bajos del Toro. A regular car is enough as long as you drive carefully and take your time.

Another thing to be ready for is fog. We drove through thick mist that reduced visibility a lot. This is common in the area. Drive slowly, use your lights, and don’t rush it.

I actually considered doing it as a day trip from San José at first. But once I looked at the roads and driving time, staying overnight in Bajos del Toro made much more sense. So, I honestly don’t recommend this option.

I stayed in this Airbnb and honestly wished I had booked more nights. The hosts were incredibly kind. When we had a problem with our rental car, they tried everything to help us, even though it wasn’t their responsibility.

The place itself was modern, surrounded by nature, and very quiet. My favorite part was a small corner with a view of the garden outside. It was the kind of place where you want to sit, slow down, and do nothing for a while.

The only downside was finding the house at night. The location is a bit tricky in the dark. However, if you arrive during the day, it’s much easier and far less stressful.

You can check the most up-to-date prices on the official website.

You can pay by card in colones or in cash using USD, euros, or colones.

Catarata del Toro is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 5 pm. It’s closed on Sundays. The last entrance is at 4.30 pm, so don’t arrive too late.

There are bathrooms on site and a small café near the entrance. Even if you don’t plan to eat, it’s worth spending a few minutes here. There are hummingbird feeders, not as many as in Monteverde, but still fun to watch. We also saw a squirrel hanging around, which made the stop even nicer.

There are more than 200 stairs in total. The trail is well marked with white and green paths, so navigation is simple for the most part. The only moment I found confusing was on the way back, when we followed the green path through the garden and struggled a bit to find the exit.

The difficulty level depends on the direction you’re heading. Going down to the waterfall is fairly easy unless you have knee issues. The way back up is the hardest part. But it’s very doable. There are benches along the trail where you can rest. We took about 15 minutes to climb the main staircase, with two or three stops to catch our breath.

This hike isn’t ideal for people with knee problems, mobility issues, or anyone who struggles with stairs. For everyone else, it’s more about pacing than fitness.

As you walk down, you pass several viewpoints where you can see the waterfall from different angles. Each one feels different, and it’s worth stopping at all of them.

The staff at the entrance suggested we start on the White trail, go straight to the waterfall, and then return via the Green trail through the garden at the back of the property. I had read online that the green trail was a nice detour, but honestly, I didn’t find it very special. That said, it doesn’t add much time, so you can still do it if you’re curious.

The walk from the entrance to the first set of stairs takes around 12 minutes. Some sections are shaded, others are more open. But Bajos del Toro is much cooler than most places in the country, so the temperature felt comfortable, especially since we went early in the morning.

Many of the steps are quite high, which makes the climb harder on the way back up. And yes, this is one of those moments where you’re walking down and already thinking about how tough the return will be.

Still, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. The climb back up took us about 15 minutes just for the main staircase. It was tiring, but totally manageable with a few short breaks.

This is where you really feel the power of the Catarata del Toro hike paying off. The waterfall is massive. The water crashes down with force, and you can hear it before you even see it fully.

Swimming isn’t allowed here, and for good reason. The current is strong, and there’s a barrier to stop people from getting too close.

If swimming is part of your plan, don’t worry. There are other waterfalls in the area where it’s possible to get in the water. The Blue Falls are the best option nearby, with a combo ticket available at the entrance.

The best months to visit are during the dry season, from December to April. The trail is less muddy, and the stairs feel easier. Visibility is also better, which helps with photos and viewpoints.

During the rainy season, from May to November, the waterfall is even more powerful. Everything is greener. But you should expect more rain, slippery paths, and even more fog.

The best time of day is early morning to avoid the crowds, especially if you visit on a Saturday. But the truth is, crowds here are nothing like in other parts of Costa Rica. Even if you visit later in the day, you’ll probably still have space to enjoy it without feeling rushed.

If you combine it with the Blue Falls, you’ll need more time. The hike there is longer, and how long you stay depends on how many waterfalls you choose to see. There are several falls inside the property, and it’s easy to spend hours exploring them.

If you plan to visit both Catarata del Toro and all the Blue Falls in one day, I recommend setting aside a full day. That way, you won’t feel rushed, and you can enjoy both areas at a comfortable pace without having to watch the clock.

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