Located in Bajos del Toro and surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, Catarata Vuelta Del Canon is a must-see waterfall when visiting Costa Rica. You may find that you have the waterfall all to yourself as this region typically has fewer, or no, crowds. This article will provide you with all the information about Catarata Vuelta del Canon
Location and Directions to Catarata Vuelta del Canon
Click this Link for directions to parking area
The location of this waterfall is in Bajos Del Toro, a picturesque region located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. The region is renowned for its captivating waterfalls. In addition to Catarata Vuelta del Canon, you can find a plethora of waterfalls located on the main roadway 708.
It is approximately 1.5 hours from La Fortuna and San Jose.
You do not need a 4×4 to reach this location as the road is paved. The roads in Bajos del Toro are however quite windy and steep at times.
When you reach the linked location, you will find a dirt parking lot on the side of the road and what looks like an admission area. If no one is at the location when you arrive, you can contact the guides as there is a number posted on one of the signs outside of the lot. Keep in mind that if you contact this number, you will be contacting someone who only speaks Spanish (at least that was the case when I visited).
Once you are parked, you can pay the guide. We paid $10USD, however I have read that other travellers were not required to pay unless they hired a guide or tour company. The guide will direct you through a cattle farm approx. 150m down the road. This is where the hike to Catarata Vuelta del Canon begins.
When Does Catarata Vuelta del Canon Open?
It was unclear when this place opens as the signs do not have times posted, only a phone number. We arrived at 7am and used WhatsApp to contact the number posted. Tour guides arrived around 7:15am to open the parking lot gate.
Google will tell you that the trail opens at 6am and closes at 9pm, however this was not our experience. I also would not recommend completing this hike in the dark or in heavy rain due to the river crossings and trail conditions in some areas. I would recommend to be back at the parking lot before sunset.
Trail Length
We were told by the guides that it would take 1.5hrs each way. This was not the case for myself as it took 2.5 hours there and 2 hours back. However, I stopped several times for photos, drinks and snacks. I would prepare for many stops as there are small waterfalls and picturesque landscapes on your way up. On the way back we didn’t make many stops.
What to Expect/Difficulty
Difficulty: Moderate
River Crossings: 14
For the first kilometer you will be walking through the cattle farm field (between two fences). The remainder of the hike is through the forest.
There are 14 river crossings on this trail. Although that may sound daunting, I would not let this deter you from seeing Catarata Vuelta del Canon. This was my first time crossing any river during a trail hike and I did not find it to be overly difficult. The water was never higher than my knees.
Expect slippery and muddy trail conditions in some areas on the trail.
Lost on Catarata Vuelta del Canon Trail
During daylight hours, it would be difficult to find yourself lost on this trail. The trail path is clear and well marked. You will find white arrows or orange strings at river crossing areas or when the trail comes to a fork.
Around the last 5 to 10 minutes you will reach your final river crossing. This is where we stopped seeing the markers. It appeared as if there was a mudslide where the trail used to lead up to. However, if you keep following up the river you will find the waterfall. Hiking up the final river was challenging due to the large rocks you had to climb up but it’s doable.
If you are planning to complete this hike, I would not recommend doing it alone. This is because if you suffered an injury or needed help, you may not come across anyone to provide assistance. You also do not have cell service while in the forest.
What to Pack For Catarata Vuelta del Canon
- Food/Snacks
- Waterproof shoes/Water shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Water Bottle/Water
- Bathing Suit
- Walking stick
- Camera
- Waterproof Backpack