Minas del Aguacate

Beautiful! A gentleman helped us park for a small fee (cash)- doesn't speak much English so bring a translator app if you have questions for him. No bathroom bathroom but the swimming hole is right there...

We parked in the lot after coming in from Atenas side. Crossed the bridge and walked up to the red gate on the right which follows the river up to various swimming holes. Continue following up and up to get to the mines- the trail becomes non-obvious at points but you can follow the big wires that lead up and into the mine. We didn't go inside the mine because we are scaredy cats and it was also quite wet (bring water shoes?).

On the way down from the mine, we took the high road rather than go back down the steep section and it took us up and around to higher on the road passed the bridge. Good birding up there, and very cute cows to see.

The abandoned goldmine is cool, but apparently unsafe to go into so we only saw it from the front.
Though we did find rocks with gold in which was very fun, could have spent all day there sifting through the rocks.
It’s the surrounding area that is the reason to come here though. Waterfalls with water crashing all the way through The Valley making little pools of water on the way down that you can swim and bathe in.
It’s the easiest place to spend the day, and what’s more is that it doesn’t cost a penny.

This was an ideal stop on our drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose. From Desmonte we took a narrow, winding, steep road that was mostly paved to a concrete bridge with a good sized parking area just before it. There was a parking person there who we gave $2 USD to watch our vehicle. We then walked across the bridge where there was a concrete wall we climbed to start the trail upriver. There were 2 trail options, and "upper" and a "lower." We took the "lower" option which was closer to the river. It was steep and a bit scrambly in areas but we got to the old gold mine in about 10 minutes. By the looks of it, the "upper option" would have been easier.

We the hiked back down to one of the many swimming pools. The water was crisp and clean and wonderful. There were a total of 6 people spread between the 3 pools/swim areas. The area was well shaded.

This was an amazing free swimming spot and a great break in our drive.

About 25-30 minute drive from Atenas downtown. Easy hike, entrance is right after the bridge. There's space to park before the bridge. No bathrooms.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to play around in several natural pools and enjoy the impressive waterfall this place offers. Free parking, free entrance. Nice stop on the way from the central valley to the west coast of Costa Rica.

Awesome place to spend the day and have some fun! It's really close to the parking area (bridge), 5 mins away!

Great little hike and swimming in the cool waters after.

A beautiful river. It is a gathering place for the locals to come and picnic. There's an abandoned mine up on the hill that is very interesting. It is well off the beaten path but worth the trip.

New dirt parking lot and more of the road is paved. Not a good road for low/small cars.

If you’re up for an adventure-go! Un-marked skinny road leads you to pullout parking and the chance to hike to the top of the cascade or jump right into the cool pools at the bottom. Saw mostly locals 👍🏼 even families with kids. Please respect our earth and carry out your trash.

So many natural pools, friendly locals and a fun natural waterslide. The water is cool as refreshing, with plenty of places to sit around the sides for a picnic. The road to get there is not great, but no need for four wheel drive. Arrive early as parking is very limited.

Beautiful. Best if you go with hiking sandals. There is a small parking area..make sure you secure vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Pack a lunch. It is gorgeous .

One of our favourite hidden spots not too far from our houses. Usually very quiet, waterfalls and multiple swimming pools in the jungle.

Great place to chill and enjoy nature

It's a place where locals go to enjoy nature and cool off

Beautiful...take a walk up to the mine..bring headlamps so you can walk in 250 meters...beautiful waterfalls...wear walking shoes with good tread for the 20 minute walk up.

This was a very secluded area was a nice hike up to the mines. Wish I had bought headlamps for the mines.

Gorgeous place to spend a few hours or the whole day swimming in fresh ponds and waterfalls.

Heaven is a place on Earth.

Great place for a light hike and a refreshing splash on the river.