Hidden gems in Costa Rica
Waterfalls, natural pools, viewpoints and beaches that most itineraries skip — cheap or free, with what you need to know before you go.
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Río Chollín / El Choyín (Free Hot Springs)
♨️ Hot spring 📍 La Fortuna Free entryA natural river warmed by the Arenal volcano, essentially the free version of the expensive Tabacón springs, which locals call 'Tabaconcito'. You step into warm water among rocks and steam, with no ticket and no fence, 24 hours a day. Upstream it is shallower and hotter, downstream deeper and calmer. Best early in the morning or in the evening to avoid crowds; note that local 'parking guards' will ask for a few dollars, and don't leave valuables.
Getting there: On Route 142 about 12-13 km / ~18 min drive west of La Fortuna, right past the Tabacón resort entrance; a short path leads down to the river. Open 24/7
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El Salto (Rope Swing)
🌊 River 📍 La Fortuna Free entryA turquoise river pool under a bridge right at the edge of town, with a Tarzan-style rope swing you drop about 6 metres from into the water, all free. A meeting place for locals and travellers, perfect for a hot afternoon after a hike. You can walk there from the centre. The rocks are slippery and the current strengthens after rain, so take extra care in the wet season and don't leave gear unattended.
Getting there: On Route 702 just outside La Fortuna town (~1.5 km, walkable), under the bridge over the Fortuna River; a short trail leads down beside the bridge. Free
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Catarata Llanos de Cortés
💧 Waterfall 📍 Bagaces (near Liberia)A wide, spectacular waterfall pouring into a turquoise pool with a sandy bottom, one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica and one of the most accessible, a perfect stop on the road through Guanacaste. Entry is cheap (about US$7 for foreigners) and parking is free, and you may swim (a safety rope limits how far). There are toilets, showers and changing rooms at the car park. Best to arrive early in the morning, before the groups.
Getting there: Off the Pan-American Hwy (Route 1) ~30 min south of Liberia, near Bagaces in Guanacaste; short 5-min walk down from the parking lot. Open 8:00-16:00
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Cataratas Los Chorros
💧 Waterfall 📍 Grecia (Alajuela)A cluster of jungle waterfalls (the roughly 40-metre Catarata Zamora and the hidden Catarata Pequeña) with natural pools for swimming, a secret spot locals love at weekends. A great stop far from the crowds on the way north from San José. The official entrance was closed for safety reasons, so you go in through a neighbour's property (about US$6 parking plus about US$2 per person). Bring river shoes and take care in the wet season.
Getting there: ~10 km southeast of Grecia, about 30-45 min from San José / SJO airport; currently accessed via the neighboring property (small parking + entry fee)
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Pozas y Cascadas La Presa
🌊 River 📍 Colonia del Toro / Río Cuarto (near Bajos del Toro)A series of swimming pools and small waterfalls on a family farm in the hills around Bajos del Toro, a quiet corner with almost no tourists. An easy trail starts on a suspension bridge over the river and leads to beautiful pools in dense rainforest. A token entry fee. Perfect for a relaxed day of nature and swims; combine it with the area's other waterfalls. Most pleasant in the dry season, when the trails are less muddy.
Getting there: In Colonia del Toro just north of Bajos del Toro, ~2 hrs north of San José via Vara Blanca; family-owned property, trail starts on a hanging bridge over the river
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Laguna de Hule (Bosque Alegre)
🏞️ Lagoon 📍 Río Cuarto (Alajuela) Free entryA calm, green volcanic crater lake inside the Bosque Alegre wildlife refuge, one of three forest-ringed lagoons, a hidden corner most guides skip. There is no entry booth and no charge to enter the refuge; you pay about US$4 only if you want to park at the lookout. A trail drops into the crater to the water's edge. A great place for birdwatching and total quiet, most beautiful on a clear morning.
Getting there: In the Bosque Alegre Wildlife Refuge, Los Ángeles Sur of Río Cuarto canton, northern Alajuela highlands; a trail descends into the crater to the lakes
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Catarata Uvita (natural waterslide)
💧 Waterfall 📍 Uvita (South Pacific)A small, fun waterfall (about 7 metres) spilling into a pool in the jungle, with a natural rock slide into the water and a jumping platform: real fun, and cheap. Entry is a token (about CRC 2,000, roughly US$4), and it is close to the 'whale's tail' beach. Go early on a weekday morning to swim almost alone; at weekends and on holidays it fills with locals. A winning combination with a visit to Marino Ballena park.
Getting there: Just outside Uvita town, ~20 min walk or 4-5 min drive from the BCR junction, near Marino Ballena National Park
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Cataratas de Montezuma
💧 Waterfall 📍 Montezuma (Nicoya Peninsula) Free entryThree stepped waterfalls in the jungle near the bohemian beach town of Montezuma, with deep swimming pools and jumps into the water for the brave. Free, and official guards on the trails give free safety advice (beware of unofficial 'fee collectors'). The walk involves crossing a river and slippery rocks, so wear good shoes. Best at the start of the dry season, when the trails are less dangerous.
Getting there: Just outside Montezuma village on the southern Nicoya Peninsula; a ~40 min river hike (with river crossings) from the trailhead leads to three tiered falls
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Playa Junquillal
🏖️ Beach 📍 Santa Cruz (Guanacaste, Nicoya) Free entryA long, wild, undeveloped beach on the Nicoya Peninsula that stays almost empty even in high season, a hidden gem for anyone escaping the crowds of Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. Stunning sunsets, waves for experienced surfers and plenty of quiet. Free, with no parking fee. There are few services, so bring water and food. Ideal for a stay with a rural feel, or just a day of rest facing the ocean.
Getting there: On the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula south of Tamarindo/Playa Negra; reached by road from Santa Cruz. Free public beach
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Playa Quesera (Curú Wildlife Refuge)
🏖️ Beach 📍 Paquera (Nicoya Peninsula)A hidden bay with white sand and turquoise water inside the Curú wildlife refuge, one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches on Nicoya, reached only after a short jungle walk. Calm water that is excellent for swimming and snorkelling, and on the way you see monkeys, iguanas and birds. Refuge entry is cheap. Bring water, food and snorkel gear, since there are no shops. A perfect getaway day full of nature, far from any bustle.
Getting there: Inside the Curú Wildlife Refuge near Paquera on the southeastern Nicoya Peninsula; reached via the refuge (small entry fee) plus a short jungle hike
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Mirador San Luis
⛰️ Viewpoint 📍 Santa Elena / Monteverde Free entryA free viewpoint above the San Luis valley in the Monteverde area, less known and less crowded than the commercial lookouts, and on clear days you can see as far as the Gulf of Nicoya. The road is steep, so a car is better, but the view is worth every moment, especially at sunset. Completely free, no ticket and no queue. Combine it with a cloud-forest walk or just stop on the way. Bring a warm layer: at this altitude it gets cold and windy in the evening.
Getting there: A short but steep drive from Santa Elena village in Monteverde; a free lookout marked on Google Maps, best reached with a car or by walking up
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Cataratas Los Murciélagos
💧 Waterfall 📍 Monteverde / Santa Elena Free entryA small hidden waterfall in the Monteverde cloud forest, reached on foot from the centre of Santa Elena on a short walk of about 1.5 km there and back: a quiet, damp corner with no entry fee. A great free alternative to the area's expensive activities, perfect for a calm morning or afternoon in nature. The trail can be muddy and slippery after rain, so wear good shoes. Don't forget insect repellent and clothes that can get wet.
Getting there: Within walking distance of central Monteverde/Santa Elena; roughly a 1-mile (~1.6 km) round-trip hike from the village. No entrance fee reported
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Laguna Río Cuarto
🏞️ Lagoon 📍 Río Cuarto (Alajuela)A deep, dark-green volcanic crater lake (about 66 metres, the deepest in Costa Rica), a hidden gem that is the country's only volcanic crater not inside a national park. A peaceful spot far from tourists, a lovely stop between Sarapiquí and Arenal. Entry is very cheap (about US$4 per person per day). A great place for a quiet picnic and a dramatic crater view. Combine it with nearby Laguna Hule for a full day of lagoons.
Getting there: Volcanic crater lake in Río Cuarto canton, northern Alajuela lowlands (on the way between the Sarapiquí area and San Carlos/Arenal); day access for a small fee
Written by the TravelOS team from the sources linked on each card. Prices, hours and access change — check the source or ask locally before you set out.