Eco Chontales Waterfall

This was one of my favorites! The family that runs this place was amazing! They were so kind and make sure you order lunch. It was so good. I thought we had to hike out to eat but the had lunch ready for us at the time we told them we wanted to eat and we got to eat down by the waterfall. Such a special treat. No crowds and they showed my family the small jumps then the big 25 foot jump. They made it very safe. Loved this place so much!!!

Oh wow! Such an amazing waterfalls and I’ve been to a few in Costa Rica! I loved the drive in, it was absolutely stunning views. The swing metal bridge gave me pause to cross it but it was all good (and I’ve a big SUV). The hike in is very manageable and just wow when you reach the falls. AND they had the cutest baby cows when we got back that were all about a photo shoot!
So worth the drive to see this specular site!!

We got there early & had the whole place to ourselves! It’s a little bit of a hike down (& back up!) but well worth it! One of the local guides showed us the jumping spot & happily demonstrated it for us, my husband jumped but i chickened out! it’s at least a 20’ drop! there’s a ladder to help you back up - its near the restaurant area, near back of the property. The views were amazing! Was pleasantly surprised of the valley feeling down at the waterfall.

As with most of Costa Rica, the nicest people own and operate this place which truly is a wonder. A short mild walk to the bottom opens to a mind blowing waterfall soaking that is just refreshing and utterly beautiful. The owner showed us how to swim the strong currents for a nice ride through the river that was the best part of our trip. On top of that there is a full kitchen with beverages of all types and clean bathrooms at the base of the falls. Well worth the price. It’s a 15-20 minute hike to the bottom for slow not so sure footed people and 10min for others. Great place that I will return too. Thank you for preserving this and making it available.

Once exiting the main road, you will drive on a gravel road. It will be around a 10 mile drive. Beautiful scenery. During the rainy seasons, it is recommended to have a 4X4. The last two miles are quite steep. The daring part at about 6 miles is the suspension bridge. Don't think a full-size vehicle will fit. Questionable. Okay. Now you have made it. The entrance fee there is 10 usd a person. There are bathrooms and changing rooms and a restaurant on site. The hike downhill is about a half mile steep. No elevators back up. Once down there, you will be amazed by this massive waterfall and refreshing swim. Overall, it was a great choice.

A gorgeous place with incredibly kind staff. The hike is a short 700 meter walk from the parking lot. It is $10 per person and well worth it, in my opinion.

Beautiful waterfall not very crowded with people! A little gem in the mountains. Not easy to access, you will need a 4x4. The food was good there!

Awesome place!
The restaurant on the dirt road on the way in was great!
We made it no problem without 4 wheel drive.

Solo travel, ventured out in a 4x4 and crossed the bridge without giving it too much thought. Important! Do not follow Google's initial route. It will take you on a longer path that isn't even correct. Had the entire waterfall to myself. In fact I was there today and it was special! Very tranquil with beautiful views and exceptional cool water. The water fall is strong. They do have someone down at the waterfall as a ñoñife guard of sorts. Two spots for a jump....one for those who prefer a 10 foot? Jump, vs one that is over 30 feet. Overall, the staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. I'm glad I could enjoy such Beauty without the tourist crowds.

Amazing waterfall with a very short hike to get there. Restaurant at the bottom. No dogs allowed.

Incredible place 🤩 You'll be surrounded by nature , pure and clean air. Be ready to do a short hike but it'll reward you with the beauty of the waterfalls and ponds. Food is delicious at the restaurant and prices are good. 10/10 place to visit and it is at just 40 minutes from Downtown Pérez Zeledón.

Beautiful spectacle.
The facilities are excellent with office area and parking as well as a nice little restaurant with clean bathrooms and changing rooms down at the swimming level.

A very nice place to spend a day swimming and hiking.

Staff friendly and helpful.

My only suggestion was to add a couple of rest benches along the 700 meter trail that leads down to the falls.

Our first time was in the rainy season last year and we loved it! The waterfall is fuller :) We came today during dry and “high” season and it was still a great visit (yes the waterfall is smaller but still love this area. We saw macaws this time and up close! Also, not very crowded and by the afternoon there really isn’t anyone around). It’s about a 10 hike from the entrance to the falls. Easy to take kids and if you have trouble walking you can do it slow (noticed this time there are walking bamboo sticks at the entrance to borrow). This place is more than just the waterfall… you can chill by the river and there is also a little canyon which is beautiful to see too. There’s a little restaurant and changing rooms too. We took our 70 year old parents and they had a blast… it’s a beautiful area!

It is a magical place! we have been there beginning of march / dry season. less water, but still incredible. definitely we will come back in rainy season as it must be even more stunning. You could go there without 4x4, but it will take you quite some time if you don’t want to damage your car as it’s not the best road. definitely 4x4 is recommended.

We had a great time at the waterfalls.
We arrived around 3pm and had the place completely to ourselves.

There's a little hike leading to the waterfalls and lots of beautiful plants along the way.

You can swim in the river down from the waterfall and there is also a diving spot there.

We used Google to drive there, but it took us on a road with "4×4 only" sign. There is a big billboard there saying that waterfall road is 8.5km down the main road. We decided to take that billboard recommendation and that other road with fine for a regular fwd vehicle. Very clear marks and it's hard to get lost there. But the gravel ride isn't short, maybe 40-60 minutes

Many people don’t come here because it is out of the way but it is totally worth a visit and the hike down to it is only about 15 minutes. Kids will love this spot. The red macaws are amazing to see. The drive is beautiful. Use Waze for accurate location.

Great waterfall and pools to hang out in. Can easy spend a few hours here and have a great Costa Rican lunch. The drive back is so scenic!

Amazing waterfall. Not a place you can swim or jump during the rainy season. 4x4 recommended. Staff was helpful and friendly.

This waterfall is worth a visit if you prefer a quieter place away from the croweds. Getting there is a bit hectic, as its a long drive on a dirt road, but the views are definitely worth it. There are changing rooms, restrooms and a small restaurant nearby. We had a amazing time.

This waterfall was one for our favorites in Costa Rica. The family who owns the place are so kind and the the little restaurant at the waterfall is a wonderful part of the experience. Mario helped us out and he was so sweet to help us and our kids and show us around. We ordered our food at the office / entrance and then walked about a quarter mile to the waterfall. At the waterfall there is a pace right jump and a little river water slide. After playing in the water we went up to our warm food that was cooked right there in a kitchen on the trail. They even had fresh papaya juice and yummy hot chocolate if you happen to be there in a rainy day. It was so fun!! Loved it.