
San Luis Waterfall
A breathtaking cascade in Monteverde, offering a short jungle hike, suspension bridges, and a refreshing swim. A true hidden gem.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

San Luis Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking cascade in Monteverde, offering a short jungle hike, suspension bridges, and a refreshing swim. A true hidden gem.
"Easily the best $7 we spent in Monteverde!"

👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
The hike has ups and downs; closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Stay hydrated and protected from insects on this short but wild jungle trail.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Luis Waterfall
Monteverde
One of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, cascading over volcanic rock into a refreshing pool.

Suspension Bridges
Trail to the waterfall
Cross charming suspension bridges on your way to the main attraction, adding a touch of adventure.

Swimmable Pool
Base of the waterfall
Take a dip in the cool, clear pool at the waterfall's base for a refreshing natural experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Hike, Big Reward
Best Value in Monteverde
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
The hike has ups and downs; closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Stay hydrated and protected from insects on this short but wild jungle trail.
💰 Excellent Value
Considered one of the best $7 spent in Monteverde for a beautiful natural experience.
🐜 Observe Leaf-Cutting Ants
Watch the diligent work of leaf-cutting ants along the trails – a fascinating natural spectacle.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
The hike has ups and downs; closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray
Stay hydrated and protected from insects on this short but wild jungle trail.
💰 Excellent Value
Considered one of the best $7 spent in Monteverde for a beautiful natural experience.
🐜 Observe Leaf-Cutting Ants
Watch the diligent work of leaf-cutting ants along the trails – a fascinating natural spectacle.
📸 Perfect Photo Op
Capture the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings; it's a hidden gem worth photographing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about San Luis Waterfall's beauty and affordability, calling it a 'gorgeous experience' and 'best $7 spent'. The short, wild hike with suspension bridges is a highlight, leading to a refreshing swim in the waterfall's pool. While some find the water cold, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile and beautiful natural stop.
"A nice quick trip that was real cheap and worth it. It is about 10 minutes to go up or down. The waterfall was nice. There are 3 little suspension bridges were cool as well."
Luis Stiller
"Lovely little walk including over 2 hanging bridges to waterfall where you can swim. Worth a little visit. Entrance was $7/adult and $4/child."
Monique Wong
"A GORGEOUS experience! The hike had some ups and downs- definitely recommend closed toed shoes- but it’s quite brief and well worth it! Waterfall pool was swimmable, cold but so nice once you were in! Only saw a handful of other people during our visit! Easily the best $7 we spent in Monteverde!"
Nicole Brandt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Luis Waterfall is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes from Finca Renacer in Monteverde. It's often visited as part of an ATV tour or as a quick stop on the way to other attractions. The hike down is about 15 minutes, making it easily accessible.
Yes, it's generally well-marked and a popular stop, especially for those on guided tours. The short hike makes it straightforward to locate once you arrive at the entrance.
Many visitors arrive via ATV tours, which often include a stop here. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi to the entrance and then enjoy the short hike.
The waterfall is very close to Monteverde, typically only a 5-10 minute drive. The walk from the entrance to the waterfall itself is also brief, around 10-15 minutes.
Absolutely! While tours stop here, you can easily visit independently by driving or taking a taxi to the entrance and completing the short hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, often cited as $7 per adult and $4 per child. Many visitors agree it's excellent value for the experience.
Generally, advance booking isn't necessary. You can typically pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the site.
Specific hours can vary, but it's usually accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or confirm with your tour operator if you're unsure.
Information on parking fees is not widely available, but it's generally a small cost if applicable, or sometimes included with tour packages.
While specific discounts aren't frequently mentioned, the already low price makes it accessible for most travelers. Children's tickets are typically priced lower.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is described as short, easy, and wild, with some ups and downs. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the waterfall and includes crossing a few suspension bridges.
Yes, swimming is allowed in the pool at the base of the waterfall. The water is noted as being cold but refreshing.
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended due to the trail's terrain. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim.
Visitors often report seeing only a handful of other people, suggesting it's not usually overly crowded, especially if you visit mid-morning.
Basic facilities might be available, but it's a natural attraction, so don't expect extensive amenities. It's wise to use restrooms before you arrive.
📸 📸 Photography
The main waterfall itself is a stunning subject. Don't forget to capture the charming suspension bridges and the lush rainforest surroundings. The pool at the base also offers great perspectives.
Yes, the trails are well-maintained enough to allow for easy photography. Be mindful of other visitors and the natural terrain.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you enjoy nature photography, a wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the waterfall and its environment. A waterproof case is useful if you plan to swim.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks and protected areas before flying.
Mid-morning offers good light without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour lighting, but may also be busier.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The San Luis Waterfall Experience
The waterfall itself is a sight to behold, cascading dramatically over volcanic rock into a clear, swimmable pool. While the water is noted as being quite cold, many find it incredibly refreshing after the hike. The surrounding rainforest provides a lush, vibrant backdrop, and the relatively short trails mean you can often enjoy the natural beauty with only a handful of other visitors. It's frequently praised as a 'hidden gem' and an excellent value for its modest entrance fee.
For those looking to enhance their visit, consider the unique natural phenomena along the path, such as the industrious leaf-cutting ants. The combination of a beautiful waterfall, an adventurous short hike, and an affordable price point makes San Luis Waterfall a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting the Monteverde region.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
Insect repellent is another essential item to pack. The lush jungle environment, while beautiful, is home to various insects, and repellent will help ensure a more comfortable visit. Many visitors find the waterfall to be an excellent value, with entrance fees often around $7 for adults. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking for natural beauty. The waterfall is also a popular stop on ATV tours, offering a convenient way to incorporate it into a larger adventure.
Finally, consider the time of day for your visit. While it's not typically overcrowded, visiting mid-morning can offer pleasant temperatures and fewer people. Late afternoon can provide beautiful lighting for photos, but might coincide with more visitors. The short duration of the visit means it can easily be slotted into a day of exploring other Monteverde attractions.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit