Nauyaca Waterfalls excursion from Manuel Antonio, Quepos
Experience the majestic Nauyaca Waterfalls with exclusive 4x4 canyon access! Enjoy swimming, 30ft cliff jumps, and an authentic Costa Rican lunch!
Practical information
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Nauyaca Waterfalls with 4x4 transport from Manuel Antonio or Quepos.
- Thrilling 4x4 truck canyon ride and short, scenic hikes to explore the Nauyaca Waterfalls.
- Expert guidance from certified water-rescue instructors who swim and climb with you.
- Includes an authentic Costa Rican "Casado" lunch at a local Nature Park Rancho.
Course of events
Please allow 7 hours for the entire experience.
- Arrival at Paddle 9 offices in Quepos with your car (free parking available) or pick-up transfer from your hotel to Paddle 9
- Safety briefing and access to changing rooms
- Scenic transfer in an A/C van to the Nauyaca Waterfalls Nature Park (approx. 70 minutes)
- Arrival at the park for a welcome juice and boarding of the 4x4 truckfor
- Rugged 4x4 ride down into the canyon followed by a short hike to the Upper Falls (15–25 minutes)
- Upper Falls exploration: local fruit snacks, swimming, and natural river clay mask application (25–45 minutes)
- Guided hike to the Lower Falls for cliff jumping (up to 30ft), supervised climbing, and swimming (1.5 hours)
- Guided uphill hike back to the lower rancho at a comfortable pace (800 meters)
- 4x4 return ride, followed by traditional Costa Rican "Casado" lunch served at the Nature Park Rancho
- Air-conditioned return transfer to the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area
- End of activity
Activity requirements
It is necessary to know how to swim to participate in this activity.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
A minimum number of 2 participants is required for the activity to run.
All participants must sign a waiver on-site before the activity. Safety briefing participation is mandatory. Respect of guide’s instructions required.
No alcohol or drugs before the activity.
Special terms
Pick-up available from Quepos or Manuel Antonio (to be confirmed upon booking). You can also arrive to the meeting point on your own.
This activity is not recommended for pregnant people.
This activity is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Pets are not permitted.
Please list any dietary restrictions when booking.
Since wildlife is unpredictable, their presence is never guaranteed.
This activity is weather-dependent and the itinerary may change.
Photos and videos are available on-site for an extra fee.
Free parking is available at the meeting point.
Spoken languages:
English, SpanishIncluded
- Certified guide
- National Park entrance fees
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio or Quepos
- 4x4 canyon transport in the park
- Life jacket
- Technical equipment
- Changing room facilities
- Snacks (fresh fruit)
- Traditional lunch
- Insurance
Excluded
- Personal expenses
- Photo packages (available on-site for purchase)
Do not forget to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Water shoes
- Change of clothes
- Sport clothes
- Sunscreen
- Hat / Cap
- Bottle of water
- Backpack
- Camera
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
English, SpanishCancellation: Flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest, and discover one of the country's most iconic natural wonders, The Nauyaca Waterfalls! Featuring two magnificent tiers dropping over 140 feet, the waterfall offers a rugged sanctuary carved by the Barú River. Here, the dark volcanic rock faces contrast sharply with the emerald green of the natural pools and the dense canopy where monkeys, owls, and tropical reptiles thrive. The Nauyaca Nature Park is the site where thebiodiversity of the Pacific South meets the geological formations of the Dominical mountain range.
Departing from Quepos, this Waterfall Expedition at Nauyaca Waterfalls, operated by the Paddle 9 team, is meticulously designed to maximize your adventure time. After a comfortable transfer from Manuel Antonio / Quepos to the Nauyaca Waterfalls park, you will board a premium 4x4 truck or tractor to access the canyon and bypass the long walk on hot, dusty roads, saving your energy for the water. You will enjoy short, scenic hikes on manicured trails to reach the different levels of the falls. Led by certified water-rescue guides who swim and climb alongside you, you will explore both levels of the Nauyaca Waterfall. At the upper tier, discover natural mineral river clay to create a detoxifying full-body mask, while the lower tier offers the main event: expansive swimming holes and world-class cliff jumping spots.
Safety and accessibility are at the core of this experience. The guides provide hands-on instruction for waterfall free-climbing and hazard assessment, ensuring you find the safest handholds and depths. Whether you are an adrenaline seeker ready for a 30-foot jump or a traveler looking to float comfortably in a lifejacket, the group sizes are kept manageable for a personalized "expedition vibe."
The Nauyaca canyon is a seasonal highlight that remains a must-visit year-round, though water levels add unique character to each visit. The tour concludes with a traditional "Casado" lunch at the Nature Park Rancho, supporting the local economy with authentic flavors.
Book your Nauyaca Waterfalls excursion today and secure your spot for a high-energy jungle adventure starting from the Manuel Antonio area in the Quepos!