NAUYACA WATERFALL NATURE PARK

Could it be that you would love to walk through the freshness of a forest and be amazed when, when the vegetation clears, you appreciate the view of the most splendid waterfall in the South Pacific?

At the Barú River crossing in Dominical, we took Highway 243 to San Isidro (Pérez Zeledón), which led us along its winding path towards the mountains. Going down, a few kilometers from the town of Platanillo, you have to turn right where a huge sign invites you to visit the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. From there, just ten minutes away along a rural road through the Las Tumbas countryside, you reach the Welcome Center.
It is located on the top of a hill and has an open restaurant with a large terrace. Are impressive the views of the Cordillera de Talamanca and the Diamante Waterfall.

On-site, you are warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink, and you can buy your entrance ticket at the box office. Soon you will board the “chapulín” that will take you to a path from where you start your walk through the primary forest (15 minutes) until you reach the falls.

The hike level is intermediate, and the signs along the trails guide you to the upper part of the magnificent waterfalls or the lower part and the large pool. How refreshing is this first dip in the pool with such cool water! We discovered a green poison frog hidden in the foliage, and we listened to the symphony of birds around us.

Under the canopy of tall trees, we ventured down the river, jumping from rock to rock, from puddle to puddle until we reached our “chosen one” with transparent waters that flow rapidly over the stones that you can devise on the bottom. There we float wholly immersed in the coolness with our gaze fixed on the tops of the enormous trees and the waterfalls shining through. Peace and harmony inspire the place; the soul feels reborn.

Returned to the meeting point, the same “chapulin” picks us up and takes us back. We enjoyed a delicious Tico lunch with a fruit smoothie and said goodbye to Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park’s friendly hosts.

In the mountains above the San Juan de Dios town runs the Caña Blanca River, which flows into the Guabo River, which later flows into the Barú River in Barú. About ten kilometers southeast near Las Tumbas and San Salvador, we find the river basin representing the main arm of the Barú.

The Barú consists of two rivers, the Diamante and the Barucito. The Diamante, in turn, receives a large part of its water from the Torito River.

The Barú River source is located near La Florida’s village between the Tinamastes and Alivio ridges, about 700 meters above sea level and about 20 kilometers upstream from the Pacific.

It is the longest of the eight rivers that arise between the Tinamastes ridge and the coast.

The river carries only a small amount of water; it turns into a torrent in the rainy season. In the tropical summer (December - April), reserve a kayak or stand-up paddling tour, take a surfing lesson, or appreciate the beauty of the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park for yourself!
JACK EWING