Monteverde Tours - San Luis Waterfall, Costa Rica

The San Luis waterfall is located within a section of the rainforest surrounding Santa Elena. Emerging from dense, tree-shrouded greenery, this 100-meter (330 ft) waterfall is both impressive and inspiring. Spraying off the sides of the rocky cliff, the water descends and then settles into a pool below. Vegetation grows along the rocky boulders surrounding the water, and in the immediate forest, visitors may be able to spot monkeys, birds or more.

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Waterfall in the rainforest after a 3 hour hike.

The area is undeniably scenic, making it a wonderful place to take pictures, enjoy a picnic, or even swim. Do note, however, that the water is quite cold!

There are several ways to get to the waterfall.

It takes about three hours to walk there along a trail that runs by rivers and through the cloud forest. The trail can be both muddy and slippery, so if you decide to walk, make sure that you have a good pair of shoes.

Those that prefer not to walk can choose to ride a horse – a fun, relatively mellow and scenic way to travel.

The final option involves taking a taxi to the San Luis Research station (which is run by the University of Georgia), and then hiking in the final 45 minutes to the falls. The research station also serves lunch, should anyone need to fill up along the way.

This cloudforest is private property, so there is an entrance fee of $10 for adults and $8 for students and children. This is charged at the trail’s entrance.