Catarata Los Murciélagos / Monteverde Waterfall
Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
1 / 10

San Luis Waterfall

4.6
·227 reviews·, Costa Rica

A breathtaking cascade in Monteverde, offering a short jungle hike, suspension bridges, and a refreshing swim. A true hidden gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning

Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

CrowdLow
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Catarata Los Murciélagos / Monteverde Waterfall
Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

San Luis Waterfall

Best Time

Mid-morning

Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking cascade in Monteverde, offering a short jungle hike, suspension bridges, and a refreshing swim. A true hidden gem.

4.6
(227 reviews)

"Easily the best $7 we spent in Monteverde!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

The hike has ups and downs; closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.

💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray

Stay hydrated and protected from insects on this short but wild jungle trail.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Luis Waterfall

San Luis Waterfall

Monteverde

One of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, cascading over volcanic rock into a refreshing pool.

Suspension Bridges

Suspension Bridges

Trail to the waterfall

Cross charming suspension bridges on your way to the main attraction, adding a touch of adventure.

Swimmable Pool

Swimmable Pool

Base of the waterfall

Take a dip in the cool, clear pool at the waterfall's base for a refreshing natural experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Quick Hike, Big Reward

San Luis Waterfall offers a short, rewarding hike with stunning cascades. It's a perfect quick stop, often visited on ATV tours or as a brief detour. Plan for a brief but invigorating walk, and consider bringing water and insect repellent.

Best Value in Monteverde

With an affordable entrance fee, San Luis Waterfall is frequently cited as one of the best value experiences in Monteverde. It's a great option for budget travelers looking for natural beauty without a hefty price tag.

Best Times

When
Mid-morning
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cataratas del Tigre en Monteverde 🇨🇷 8km de senderos, 4 catartas grandes, puentes colgantes, pozas en el río y posibilidad de montar a caballo (opcional) Disfruta de la mejor comida en nuestro restaurante panorámico ⛰️ Siguenos en instagram @eltigrewaterfalls
@eltigrewaterfallscr
20.8K likes • 409.3K views

👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

The hike has ups and downs; closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray

Stay hydrated and protected from insects on this short but wild jungle trail. Reddit

@naturave_monteverde es un glamping estilo cabaña ubicado en Monteverde 🇨🇷 Tuvimos un fin de semana rodeados de mucha naturaleza 🌿 si buscan un lugar único para descansar, que sea acogedor AQUÍ ES. Es un domo de dos pisos, el primer piso cuenta con una mini nevera, un área de lavado, baño completo y un área de estar. El segundo piso es hermoso 😍 y cuenta con la cama más un balcón que vas a amar. ...
@natiarayacr
12.7K likes • 398.7K views
We discovered a hidden gem during our ATV tour—San Luis Waterfall.We weren’t sure what to expect, but we were ready. And it was worth it. One of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica, pouring over volcanic rock into a rainforest paradise.Living Out Loud in Costa Rica.⸻Hashtags:#LivingOutLoud #SanLuisWaterfall #MoreteATVTour #CostaRicaAdventure #HiddenGem #PuraVida #WaterfallMagic #ATVExperience #Na...
chrisbrezzy50
1 likes • 19 views

💰 Excellent Value

Considered one of the best $7 spent in Monteverde for a beautiful natural experience. Reddit

🐜 Observe Leaf-Cutting Ants

Watch the diligent work of leaf-cutting ants along the trails – a fascinating natural spectacle. Reddit

🇨🇷 San Luis Waterfall – A Jungle Gem Just Minutes Away 🌿💧 Just 5–10 minutes from Finca Renacer, the San Luis Waterfall is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Hike through lush jungle trails, listen to birds overhead and arrive at a breathtaking cascade deep in nature. 🏞 Take a dip in the ice-cold pool below – it’s the perfect way to refresh after the walk. 🌿 The trail itself winds through r...
fincarenacer.cr
42 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

The hike has ups and downs; closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Bug Spray

Stay hydrated and protected from insects on this short but wild jungle trail. Reddit

💰 Excellent Value

Considered one of the best $7 spent in Monteverde for a beautiful natural experience. Reddit

🐜 Observe Leaf-Cutting Ants

Watch the diligent work of leaf-cutting ants along the trails – a fascinating natural spectacle. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Op

Capture the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings; it's a hidden gem worth photographing. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(227 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about San Luis Waterfall's beauty and affordability, calling it a 'gorgeous experience' and 'best $7 spent'. The short, wild hike with suspension bridges is a highlight, leading to a refreshing swim in the waterfall's pool. While some find the water cold, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile and beautiful natural stop.

"A nice quick trip that was real cheap and worth it. It is about 10 minutes to go up or down. The waterfall was nice. There are 3 little suspension bridges were cool as well."

Luis Stiller

"Lovely little walk including over 2 hanging bridges to waterfall where you can swim. Worth a little visit. Entrance was $7/adult and $4/child."

Monique Wong

"A GORGEOUS experience! The hike had some ups and downs- definitely recommend closed toed shoes- but it’s quite brief and well worth it! Waterfall pool was swimmable, cold but so nice once you were in! Only saw a handful of other people during our visit! Easily the best $7 we spent in Monteverde!"

Nicole Brandt

What People Like

Stunning waterfall
Affordable entrance fee
Short, adventurous hike

What People Dislike

Water can be cold

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Luis Waterfall is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes from Finca Renacer in Monteverde.Instagram It's often visited as part of an ATV tour Instagram or as a quick stop on the way to other attractions. The hike down is about 15 minutes, making it easily accessible.

Yes, it's generally well-marked and a popular stop, especially for those on guided tours. The short hike makes it straightforward to locate once you arrive at the entrance.

Many visitors arrive via ATV tours,Instagram which often include a stop here. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi to the entrance and then enjoy the short hike.

The waterfall is very close to Monteverde, typically only a 5-10 minute drive.Instagram The walk from the entrance to the waterfall itself is also brief, around 10-15 minutes.

Absolutely! While tours stop here, you can easily visit independently by driving or taking a taxi to the entrance and completing the short hike.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is very affordable, often cited as $7 per adult and $4 per child.Reddit Many visitors agree it's excellent value for the experience.

Generally, advance booking isn't necessary. You can typically pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the site.

Specific hours can vary, but it's usually accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or confirm with your tour operator if you're unsure.

Information on parking fees is not widely available, but it's generally a small cost if applicable, or sometimes included with tour packages.

While specific discounts aren't frequently mentioned, the already low price makes it accessible for most travelers. Children's tickets are typically priced lower.Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike is described as short, easy, and wild,Reddit with some ups and downs.Reddit It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the waterfall and includes crossing a few suspension bridges.Reddit

Yes, swimming is allowed in the pool at the base of the waterfall.Reddit The water is noted as being cold but refreshing.Reddit

Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended due to the trail's terrain.Reddit Bring swimwear if you plan to swim.

Visitors often report seeing only a handful of other people, suggesting it's not usually overly crowded, especially if you visit mid-morning.Reddit

Basic facilities might be available, but it's a natural attraction, so don't expect extensive amenities. It's wise to use restrooms before you arrive.

📸 📸 Photography

The main waterfall itself is a stunning subject. Don't forget to capture the charming suspension bridges and the lush rainforest surroundings. The pool at the base also offers great perspectives.

Yes, the trails are well-maintained enough to allow for easy photography. Be mindful of other visitors and the natural terrain.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you enjoy nature photography, a wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the waterfall and its environment. A waterproof case is useful if you plan to swim.

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks and protected areas before flying.

Mid-morning offers good light without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour lighting, but may also be busier.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

San Luis Waterfall is a fantastic option for families. The hike is short and manageable for most children, offering a sense of adventure with its suspension bridges.Reddit The opportunity to see leaf-cutting ants Reddit can be a real highlight for younger explorers. The swimmable pool at the base, while cold, is a fun way for kids to cool off.Reddit The affordable entrance fee also makes it a budget-friendly family outing.Reddit Remember to pack snacks, water, and bug spray for a comfortable experience.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, San Luis Waterfall is a must-visit. It's frequently cited as one of the best value attractions in Monteverde, with an entrance fee of around $7.Reddit The short, rewarding hike and the beautiful waterfall provide a significant natural experience without a high cost. It's an ideal addition to an itinerary that includes other affordable activities or natural sites in the area.

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers

San Luis Waterfall is perfectly suited for day-trippers and those on a road trip through Monteverde. Its proximity to main routes and the short duration of the visit (around 1-2 hours including the hike) make it an easy stop. Many visitors include it as a quick detour on their way to or from other attractions, or as part of an ATV tour.Instagram The easy accessibility and quick payoff make it an ideal addition to a packed day.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The San Luis Waterfall Experience

San Luis Waterfall is a captivating natural attraction in Monteverde, Costa Rica, renowned for its impressive height and the refreshing pool at its base.Instagram The journey to the waterfall is as enjoyable as the destination itself. Visitors traverse well-maintained jungle trails, often crossing charming suspension bridges that add a touch of adventure to the short hike.Reddit The walk is typically brief, taking around 10-15 minutes, making it an accessible experience for most travelers.

The waterfall itself is a sight to behold, cascading dramatically over volcanic rock into a clear, swimmable pool.Instagram While the water is noted as being quite cold, many find it incredibly refreshing after the hike.Reddit The surrounding rainforest provides a lush, vibrant backdrop, and the relatively short trails mean you can often enjoy the natural beauty with only a handful of other visitors.Reddit It's frequently praised as a 'hidden gem' and an excellent value for its modest entrance fee.Reddit

For those looking to enhance their visit, consider the unique natural phenomena along the path, such as the industrious leaf-cutting ants.Reddit The combination of a beautiful waterfall, an adventurous short hike, and an affordable price point makes San Luis Waterfall a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting the Monteverde region.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

When planning your trip to San Luis Waterfall, practical preparation can significantly enhance your experience. The hike, though short, involves some inclines and declines, making closed-toe shoes a must for comfort and safety.Reddit While the trails are generally easy, sturdy footwear will prevent slips and make the walk more enjoyable. Bringing water is also advisable, as the tropical climate can be warm, and staying hydrated is key.Reddit

Insect repellent is another essential item to pack. The lush jungle environment, while beautiful, is home to various insects, and repellent will help ensure a more comfortable visit.Reddit Many visitors find the waterfall to be an excellent value, with entrance fees often around $7 for adults.Reddit This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking for natural beauty. The waterfall is also a popular stop on ATV tours,Instagram offering a convenient way to incorporate it into a larger adventure.

Finally, consider the time of day for your visit. While it's not typically overcrowded, visiting mid-morning can offer pleasant temperatures and fewer people. Late afternoon can provide beautiful lighting for photos, but might coincide with more visitors. The short duration of the visit means it can easily be slotted into a day of exploring other Monteverde attractions.

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