This hike was the best hike i have ever done? Check out our full guide to Bajos del Toro for more information. Bajos del toro weather - worth it? : r/CostaRicaTravel The view of the falls from right outside the restaurant is great too so you can just as easily enjoy it while kicking back with an iced tea. , How much is the entrance to Del Toro waterfall? But be ready for a tough hike through the forest. The cost for an entry ticket on its own is $14, and does not include a tour guide (not needed for this accessible waterfall) but like we described above, you can get a discount with the Blue Falls Light Tour, and its included in the Full Tour. The first option includes hiking to visit all the waterfalls and then returning by horseback riding or 4X4, whereas the second option is only hike. Bajos del Toro's location between the Pos and Viejo Volcanoes lends itself to a tropical rainforest environment. It made finding and enjoying the waterfalls that much more special. Exploring the BEST of Costa Rica living in a 4x4 vehicle - see before going! The real star of the show here though isnt the waterfall, its the electric blue color of the waterblue Gatorade anyone?! Never swim or wade upstream near a waterfall, even if the water appears shallow and calm. The currents close to the falls could pull swimmers over the edge. It can be very slippery, so wear the right shoes if you decide to go on this adventure. *Swimming at Buttermilk Falls is dependent on the weather conditions, and the schedule is subject to change. The route involves rough mountain roads that can get steep. This area has beautiful gardens with tropical plants like heliconia, beehive ginger, and huge Queen of the Night (Angels Trumpet) trees. The tour is often only offered once per day during the rainy season, first thing in the morning, and at the discretion of the tour operator. Just drive slow and enjoy the views. Bajos del Toro Travel Guide - Costa Rica's Waterfall Wonderland , How much money should I bring to Yelapa? We happened upon this (then) little-known waterfall several years ago and recently made another visit. We respect your privacy and will never send you spam or give your data to others. So you will most likely experience some rain all year round, but it might be too rainy to visit specific waterfalls during the rainy season as there can be a risk of overflowing rivers. Here is a breakdown of the distance and the estimated time it will take you to complete the walk directly from the car park. , Can you swim at the bottom of a waterfall? Unseen objects, such as logs and boulders, may be under the water's surface. The walk is 8.75 miles (14 kilometres) and takes about four to five hours. , Can you walk on the mountains by El Tigre? The main islands outside of the Ngbe-Bugl controlled Comarca are considered to be Malaria free. Fresh Air for July 15, 2023: Tonya Mosley; The worsening climate - NPR Please . A Starbucks Coffee Tour in Costa Rica: Visiting Hacienda Alsacia Costa Rica has a lot of authentic coffee tours, but the Starbucks tour near Poas Volcano is interesting too. Other, smaller ones, offer perfect swimming holes. Dino Land Costa Rica: Not far from Catarata del Toro is a dinosaur-themed park that is super fun with the kids. For the first time of many, youll descend steeply down to your first view of the milky blue river. It doesn't get much more Costa Rica than that. The paths down to each of the falls (except Las Gemelas), for us at the time anyway, were off-trail and rugged. Bajos del Toro Costa Rica is a unique private reserve in the Central Highland area next to the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. With two different tour options to explore the Blue Falls of Bajos del Toro, which Blue Falls tour should you choose? On their site, they even mention that eventually, their goal is to add all the falls onto a single entry ticket, meaning the Full vs. Light Tour distinction will be gone. 170+ very steep steps (hard going on my short legs) very few hand rails. You have to pack your own food and water. What is this? Bajos del Toro is a hidden gem in Costa Rica. Many people do this drive with a regular sedan, but an SUV would be more comfortable with the bumps. See all Blue Falls of Costa Rica 21 Waterfalls Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco 44 National Parks Catarata Ro Agrio 36 Nature & Wildlife Areas, Hiking Trails Catarata Del Toro Adventures 285 The forested part of the trail is flat and easy to navigate. Other, smaller ones, offer perfect swimming holes. Hidden on the backside of Poas Volcano in a lush green valley lies Bajos del Toro. This small town is not well known but boasts many amazing waterfalls. If youre on a budget in Costa Rica, theres a choice of a few basic hotel options and Airnbnbs. 1. The water spills nearly one hundred meters down into an extinct volcanic crater. Youre up for a rugged off-trail hike with some technical elements like ropes and river crossings. LAS VENTANAS RESTAURANT, Bajos del Toro Its a pretty cool walk! Our guide told us that this would be our last opportunity to take a swim on the tour, so I decided to finally suck it up and hop in! Bajos del Toro is a nature lovers dream place, and its a must-visit, especially for those who want to chase the best waterfalls in Costa Rica. We hung out here for a bit, ate lunch, and enjoyed the view. As you cross, your first glimpse of the first waterfall will come into view and youre jaw might literally drop. You can buy a combo ticket for 25 USD per person if you want to visit them both. Here, you have time to hangout and swim again and just enjoy the jungle surroundings. (Video) Blue Falls Waterfall Hike With Kids - Hidden GEM! Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. The waterfall itself is one of a kind and super picturesque. Children, $12.50. Within individual neighborhoods and downtown, you'll find wide sidewalks, plenty of crosswalks and leafy streets that offer some shade from the sun. For us, the Blue Falls Full Tour was the ultimate adventure in Costa Rica. Just look at this waterfall! How to Visit the Blue Falls of Bajos Del Toro in Costa Rica If you love nature and especially waterfalls, you should definitely spend at least 1-2 days in Bajos del Toro. Appropriate clothes: The weather goes around 68 to 90 Farenheit (20-32 Celsius) and not even counting on the humidity. This post is a good place to start. Turn right on Northgate, and go 400 feet to the lot. We had to try this unique experience out ourselves! Many people visit the Bajos del Toro on their way to another destination. One of our forever favorite waterfalls in Costa Rica is Paraiso Manantiales. Do you need a reservation for the Blue Falls Full Tour? The first is the Light Tour. The turnoff to the falls is located between the towns of San Miguel to the east and Venecia to the west. Once you cross the river, youll get your first glimpse at one the Las Gemelas. On our hike, we even saw people working away at creating trails. The waterfall is located across the street from Blue Falls, Costa Rica, and they both share the same entrance. Swimming or playing in creeks and streams can put you at risk for waterborne illness or infection. Their updates will certainly increase accessibility of the falls to a lot more people, but at the cost of the authentic and uncrowded experience that we got to have. Its another steep, slippery, and challenging path down to the river bank. - Catarata Del Toro - Costa Rica. These two waterfalls have a sky blue color and you can swim in one of the them. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, Bocas del Toro is the perfect place to spend your vacation. Combo with Catarata del Toro and Blue Falls of Costa Rica: Adults, $25. You can make a reservation via email (found on the tour operators website). You can choose to purchase a combined ticket for both the Light Tour and Catarata del Toro for $25 USD to save some money (the normal entry fee for Catarata del Toro is $14 USD). This waterfall is one of the largest in Costa Rica and definitely one of the most interesting, as it flows into an extinct volcanic crater. When we were here, this part of the trail was in the middle of improvements, with the addition of stone walkways. Flights to Bocas del Toro are served by Air Panama and Nature Air of Costa Rica. Bajos del Toro is situated directly in between San Jose and the popular tourist destination of La Fortuna, just an hour and a half drive from each. Its such a picturesque location, tucked into a corner behind the first fallsand the water is just. The Best Time to Visit Bocas del Toro is September/October The ocean conditions are typically flat during this time with very light winds. The Blue Falls of Costa Rica has hiking trails that lead to seven blue waterfalls and several swimming holes. Breathtaking views, great hiking . And to be honest, as much as I loved seeing all these beautiful waterfalls up close, boy was I getting tired, and a little thankful that we werent going all the way back down to the river! Most of the walk is straight forward but there are two tricky sections a 100-metre-long narrow path exposed on one side and a short scramble on wet rocks along the river to reach the path behind Sgwd yr Eira. Top 10 Places to Visit in Costa Rica & Things to Do [4K UHD], 6. Visit the Stunning Blue Falls of Costa Rica: Las Gemelas - MytanFeet El Tigre offers 2 different tour options, Full Package and The Big Hike. In addition to Catarata del Toro, this area boasts several other amazing waterfalls and is covered in thick, lush jungle. We recommend closed toe shoes for the hike. , How long should I spend in San Jose Costa Rica? You can swim at El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde. We recommend you wear long pants and perhaps even a long sleeve (at least layer it), particularly on the Blue Falls Full Tour. The little down climb here was a bit tricky, and Kevin even swung too much on it and got a gnarly scar on the side of his temple from a hanging branch! Check out our full guide to Bajos del Toro for more information. Catarata del Toro claims to be Costa Ricas best kept secret and it delivers. As you get closer to the waterfall, the trail flattens out in places, then goes down some more steps. Quebrada Gata is a very unknown and untouched waterfall and also not easy to reach. June 16, 2021 Sarah Mayo Attractions About a 2-hour drive from Costa Rica's capital city of San Jose in the small cloud forest town of Bajos del Toro, the Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike is a countrywide attraction for locals and worldwide visitors alike. This height makes it the largest waterfall in Costa Rica. When we took the tour on a Friday morning in early March, we had each of the seven waterfalls to ourselves. Should I stop in Bajos del toro on the way? Yes please! It cannot be reached by car, so the way to get to Yelapa is by boat, which makes it an exotic destination before even getting there. Just because its the shorter tour doesnt mean the experience is not as goodbecause it is! See all Blue Falls of Costa Rica 21 Waterfalls Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco 44 National Parks Catarata Ro Agrio 36 Nature & Wildlife Areas, Hiking Trails Catarata Del Toro Adventures 285 Hiking & Camping Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours Poas Volcano It takes about an hour round trip of hiking, and then you can spend an hour so at the falls, swimming, and enjoying the jungle views around you. San Jose is a great place to make a base for Costa Rican day trips. The guides go at your pace, and they allow you to swim, break and eat lunch for as long as youd like (within reason of course). The tour lasts as long as you make it. Pack a towel, too. Its 1.5 hours (maximum 2 hours) from San Jos, it's a powerful waterfall surrounded by surreal rocks and not far from there are the Blue poles called: Pozas Celestes. Worth it? A single 90 m / 300 ft drop tumbles into an old volcanic crater, dripping with lush greenery. Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Currently, they are working on adding safer trails to all of the other waterfalls, some lookout points, seating areas, and trails that connect each of the falls along the river. The falls can be found on the left side of the road near the 23-mile marker. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. If you are visiting Bajos del Toro, you're no doubt in search of some beautiful waterfalls. We decided to go all out and opt for the Full Tour, since we didnt know if we would ever make it back. That water was freezing cold! Author Jeff Goodell warns a new climate regime in The Heat Will Kill You First . A hidden gem, well worth the visit - Review of Catarata Del Toro Its a short waterfall, but it had a beautifully blue pool for swimming. Best Tours of La Fortuna Waterfall. 11 Wonderful Waterfalls in Costa Rica (Plus One Secret One!) - MytanFeet You can purchase admission to both Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls, and easily hike them all the same day. Days 10-12: End your trip with adventure and relaxation in Drake Bay. If youre visiting Poas Volcanoor the northern lowlands around Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, be sure to take a day trip to the stunning Catarata del Toro. The Full tour costs $50. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly updates, tips, and travel inspiration straight to your inbox. They require a short but also steep hike. Catarata del Toro is a good stop if youre traveling to La Fortuna/Arenal from Tortuguero. Since few years ago, the community of Bajos del Torowhich is considered a hidden gemhas been experiencing benefits from tourism. Top Ten Costa Rica Waterfalls, La Paz, La Fortuna The trail that leads to the waterfalls is a two-hour hike each way, and its super scenic with lots of jungle walks, river crossings, and adventure. It all depends on your budget and what you are looking for. An excursion that is well worth the time, cost and effort. Walking. We will offer you something mind-blowing. How long does the Blue Falls Full Tour last? We call it the land of 1000 waterfalls, and once you get there, you'll understand why. The entire tours lasts a couple hours. Check out our full guide to, Catarata del Toro is a good stop if youre traveling to. The Blue Falls of Costa Rica (also known as Cataratas Las Gemelas) is a set of two waterfalls with an intense bright blue color. Rio Agrio is probably the easiest-to-reach waterfall in Bajos del Toro, but that doesnt make it less worth it. Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience. And for only $25 more dollars, you get to see a heck of a lot more! Paraiso Manantiales Waterfall - Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica - Sally Sees Get your Tickets in Offer Today. , How do I get to the waterfall in Yelapa? However, depending on which point you decide to start, the route will vary slightly in length. , What entrance is the waterfall at waterfall Glen? Kaffec is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, it's a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. You can also certainly do Bajos del Toro as a day trip from somewhere like La Fortuna, San Jose, or the Paos Volcano Area. Popular things to do Outdoor Activities Tours & Sightseeing Sporting Events Day Trips & Excursions Private & Custom Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Walking Tours Holiday & Seasonal Tours Ways to tour Bajos del Toro Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bajos del Toro. You get a guided tour to two incredible hidden gems, and get to spend a couple of hours swimming in the water and taking in the scenery. Bajos del Toro: The Tiny Cloud Forest Town Filled with Waterfalls The cutest guides we ever had! The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. On our most recent trip, we even saw a snake! White-faced capuchin monkey and howler monkey Parque Nacional Volcn Arenal. Hiking to the Blue Falls of Bajos del Toro is an awesome off the beaten path experience in Costa Rica and gives you a chance to feel like youre truly exploring untouched territory and discovering hidden gems. Reservations are required for the Blue Falls Tour. This blog post contains all the information you need when planning your trip. This final descent will bring you to a waterfall that sits along a hydroelectric dam. Several areas have small natural pools along the river, and the trail connects with them on multiple occasions, making them accessible. Its beautiful blue water is stunning, and it only gets better from here, trust us! We recommend visiting Catarata del Toro first, as it attracts more visitors than Blue Falls. To reach the waterfall parking lot, take Cass Avenue 1.5 miles south of Northgate Road to Bluff Road.