Los Chorros Waterfalls: What's Covered
Los Chorros Waterfalls sits just 45 minutes from San José, making it one of the most accessible waterfall destinations in Costa Rica. Located near the charming town of Grecia in Alajuela Province, this pair of cascading waterfalls offers the kind of local experience that most tourists miss entirely. The name translates to “the jets,” referring to the powerful streams of water that pour from the surrounding hillside into refreshing swimming pools below. Catarata Zamora (40-meter/130-foot cascade) and Catarata Prendas (hidden 50 meters upstream in natural cove) both feature swimmable pools surrounded by lush jungle. Located in Los Chorros Municipal Recreation Park about 10 km southeast of Grecia—30 minutes from SJO Airport, 45 minutes from San José. Small entrance fee (~3,000 colones) paid to local property owner. Moderate trail difficulty with 15-20 minute downhill hike and steeper return climb through bamboo groves. Best for half-day trips, picnics with locals, budget-friendly adventures.
Quick Facts
- Location: Los Chorros Municipal Recreation Park near Grecia, Alajuela Province—30 min from SJO Airport, 45 min from San José
- Cost: 3,000 colones entrance ($6 USD) plus parking fee—budget-friendly
- Trail: 15-20 minute downhill hike through jungle canopy, steeper uphill return; uneven terrain with exposed roots
- Swimming: Yes, natural pools at both waterfalls; Catarata Zamora (40m cascade), Catarata Prendas (hidden upstream)
- Best Time: Weekday mornings before 10 AM for solitude; January-March balances high water with dry weather
- Road Access: Fully paved to Grecia, final few km on gravel—standard car works dry season, passable year-round with care
- Nearby: Poás Volcano (45 min), Grecia red metal church, Sarchí artisan town (20 min)
Top 5 Los Chorros Tips
- Arrive Before 10 AM on Weekdays for Private Experience – Weekends especially Sundays transform waterfalls into gathering place for Costa Rican families with coolers, hammocks, all-day picnics; early weekday arrivals give peaceful jungle pools before crowds
- Pack Everything Since No Facilities On-Site – Limited or no bathrooms/changing rooms/vendors at waterfalls; bring water shoes (rocks slippery), swimsuit under clothes, quick-dry towel, drinking water, snacks/lunch for picnic area, 3,000 colones cash for entrance
- Don’t Miss Hidden Catarata Prendas Upstream – Second waterfall 50 meters past Zamora sits in natural cove with fern-covered rock walls; many visitors miss it entirely focusing only on first waterfall—both equally impressive
- Combine with Poás Volcano Day Trip – Proximity makes natural combination—hit Poás for sunrise crater views (book SINAC reservation), cool off at Los Chorros afterward; add Grecia’s Belgian red metal church and Sarchí oxcart artisans for full Central Valley day
- Perfect First-Day Activity from SJO Airport – Just 30 minutes from airport on simple, low-stress route ideal for figuring out Costa Rican roads; pick up rental car, head straight to waterfalls for excellent introduction—better than wasting arrival day on pure transfer
Los Chorros offers genuine local experiences perfect for travelers with limited time near San José or the airport. The waterfalls anchor half-day Central Valley explorations, making them valuable for easing into Costa Rica before tackling longer drives. Many travelers combine the visit with nearby Poás Volcano crater views, Grecia’s distinctive Belgian metal church, coffee plantation tours at Doka Estate or Café Britt, or Sarchí’s hand-painted oxcarts. For building comprehensive itineraries, check our one-week and two-week plans. The Central Valley’s spring-like climate means comfortable temperatures year-round (18-26°C/64-79°F) at elevation. What Los Chorros delivers is authenticity—where locals escape, families celebrate birthdays with potluck picnics, teenagers swim on hot afternoons, connecting you to Costa Rican life impossible at heavily touristed attractions. Standard vehicles handle paved roads through Alajuela and Grecia fine; final gravel stretch manageable dry season (December-April), passable year-round with careful driving. The green season brings more dramatic water flow and lusher vegetation though afternoon storms common. Route 118 from Alajuela through Grecia well-maintained—right turn after Tacares toward waterfalls.
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Los Chorros Waterfalls sits just 45 minutes from San José, making it one of the most accessible waterfall destinations in Costa Rica. Located near the charming town of Grecia in Alajuela Province, this pair of cascading waterfalls offers the kind of local experience that most tourists miss entirely. The name translates to “the jets,” referring to the powerful streams of water that pour from the surrounding hillside and rocks into refreshing swimming pools below.
Key Takeaways
- Location: Los Chorros Municipal Recreation Park, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of Grecia in the Central Valley
- Distance from San José: 45 minutes (approximately 30 miles or 50 km)
- Distance from SJO Airport: 30 minutes (approximately 19 miles or 30 km)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate 15-20 minute downhill hike with steeper return
- Swimming: Yes, natural pools at both waterfalls
- Best For: Half-day trips, picnics with locals, budget-friendly adventures
- Entrance: Small fee (~3,000 colones) paid to local property owner
Where Is Los Chorros Located?
Los Chorros Waterfalls sits within the Parque Recreativo Municipal Los Chorros, nestled between the small towns of Chilamate and Tacares. The park protects a significant stretch of jungle in what is otherwise agricultural countryside filled with coffee plantations and pastures which is typical of Costa Rica’s Central Valley.
The location makes Los Chorros particularly convenient for travelers staying near the airport or in San José. If you’ve got a morning before your flight or want to escape the city for a few hours, this is an ideal destination. The Central Valley’s spring-like climate means comfortable temperatures year-round, typically ranging between 18-26°C (64-79°F).
How Far Is Los Chorros from Major Destinations?
From San José International Airport (SJO), you’re looking at about 30 minutes of driving through well-maintained roads. The route takes you through Alajuela and into the green hillsides that mark the edge of the Central Valley. From downtown San José, add another 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
The proximity to Poás Volcano National Park makes Los Chorros a natural addition to a volcano day trip. You could easily combine both attractions, hitting Poás for sunrise crater views and cooling off at the waterfalls afterward.
How Do You Get to Los Chorros?
Getting to Los Chorros is straightforward once you know the route. Head toward Grecia from Alajuela on Route 118. About 6 miles (10 kilometers) past Grecia’s center, watch for a sign directing you toward the waterfalls and there’s a right turn just after passing through the small community of Tacares.
What Are the Road Conditions Like?
The main road from San José through Alajuela and Grecia is fully paved and well-maintained. Once you turn off the main road, you’ll encounter a gravel road for the final couple of miles leading to the parking area. During dry season (December through April), any standard rental car handles this stretch without issues whereas the road can get muddy but remains passable for most vehicles with careful driving in rainy season.
If you’re picking up a rental car at the airport, Los Chorros works perfectly as a first-day activity while you’re still figuring out Costa Rican roads because the route is simple and low-stress compared to mountain destinations.
What Should You Expect on the Trail?
The trail down to the waterfalls takes about 15-20 minutes and follows a well-worn path through forest canopy. It’s not technical hiking, but it’s not a stroll either so expect uneven terrain, exposed roots, and sections that get slippery after rain.
How Challenging Is the Hike?
The descent is easy enough for most fitness levels. The return journey is where you’ll feel it because climbing back up takes longer and can leave you winded if you’re not used to hiking. That said, families with children manage the hike regularly on weekends when locals flock here for picnics.
Along the way, you’ll pass through bamboo groves, lush jungle vegetation and tropical flowers with a distinct smell of wet earth and butterflies are common companions.. The forest canopy provides welcome shade which keeps temperatures comfortable even during midday.
What Are the Two Waterfalls Like?
Catarata Zamora is the first waterfall you’ll reach which is a magnificent 40-meter (130-foot) cascade that crashes into a pool below. The mist from the falls creates a natural air conditioning effect that’s incredibly refreshing after the hike down. You can wade into the pool and even stand near the base, although the water pressure is strong so be careful.
Catarata Prendas is the second waterfall which is hidden about 165 feet (50 meters) upstream from Zamora. Many visitors miss it entirely, which is a shame because Prendas is equally impressive. The pool here sits in a natural cove surrounded by fern-covered rock walls and can appear light blue at times.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Los Chorros?
Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience. Arrive by 9 AM and you might have the waterfalls to yourself for an hour or more. By contrast, weekends, especially Sundays, transform Los Chorros into a gathering place for Costa Rican families who come prepared with coolers, hammocks, and plans to spend the entire day.
What’s the Ideal Season?
Dry season (December through April) provides the most comfortable hiking conditions and clearest skies, but the waterfalls still flow impressively. Green season brings more dramatic water flow and lusher vegetation, though afternoon storms are common.
January through March tends to hit the sweet spot as water levels are still high from the recent rainy season, but the weather is reliably dry. The Central Valley’s elevation keeps temperatures pleasant regardless of when you visit.
What Should You Bring?
Pack smart for Los Chorros. There are limited or no facilities at the site, so you’ll need to come prepared.
Essential Items
- Water shoes or hiking sandals: The rocks around the pools are slippery. KEEN-style sandals work well because you won’t need to remove them to wade
- Swimsuit worn under clothes: There may be basic changing facilities, but don’t count on them
- Quick-dry towel: You will get wet
- Plenty of drinking water: No vendors at the waterfalls
- Snacks or packed lunch: The picnic area near the first waterfall is perfect for eating
- Cash: For the entrance fee and parking which is around 3,000 colones per person plus parking
What Should You Leave Behind?
While the parking area has a guard, petty theft happens at tourist sites throughout Costa Rica. Your phone is fine for photos, but expensive cameras and jewelry are better left at your accommodation.
What Else Can You Do Near Los Chorros?
Los Chorros fits naturally into a Central Valley exploration day. The surrounding area offers several complementary attractions that work well as part of a road trip from SJO.
What Makes Grecia Worth a Stop?
Grecia is famous for its distinctive red metal church,the Iglesia de las Mercedes, which was imported from Belgium in pieces and assembled in the late 19th century. The church anchors a pleasant central park where locals gather in the evenings. A quick walk around town gives you a taste of authentic Costa Rican small-town life without the tourist polish of beach destinations.
The town also serves as a gateway to Poás Volcano which is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible active volcanoes. The crater viewpoint sits about 45 minutes from Grecia but requires advance reservations through the SINAC system so plan ahead.
What Other Day Trips Work from This Area?
The Central Valley position opens up several possibilities. Coffee plantation tours operate throughout the region so choose between theDoka Estate and Café Britt which both run engaging programs to explain Costa Rica’s coffee heritage. Sarchí, the artisan town famous for hand-painted oxcarts, is just 20 minutes from Grecia.
If you have a full day, consider combining Los Chorros with a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens or the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. They offer very different experiences but showcase the biodiversity that makes Alajuela Province special.
Is Los Chorros Worth Visiting?
Absolutely but manage your expectations. Los Chorros isn’t the most dramatic waterfall in Costa Rica. If you’re seeking the thundering cascades of La Fortuna Waterfall or the turquoise pools of Rio Celeste, you’ll want to add those to your itinerary separately.
What Los Chorros delivers is authenticity. This is where locals come to escape, where families celebrate birthdays with potluck picnics, and where teenagers swim on hot afternoons. The experience connects you to Costa Rican life in a way that heavily touristed attractions simply cannot.
Who Is Los Chorros Best For?
- Travelers with limited time near San José or the airport
- Anyone wanting a genuine local experience away from tourist crowds
- Families looking for a budget-friendly outdoor activity
- First-day arrivals who want to ease into Costa Rica before tackling longer drives
- Repeat visitors seeking something off the typical tourist circuit
The combination of easy accessibility, low cost, and natural beauty makes Los Chorros one of the Central Valley’s hidden gems. It won’t replace a full day at Arenal or Manuel Antonio, but it provides a glimpse into how Ticos actually spend their weekends.
How Do You Get There Without a Car?
Public transportation reaches Los Chorros, though it requires some effort. From San José, take a bus to Grecia from the Musoc Terminal. From Grecia’s Tuan bus terminal, catch the bus toward Tacares or Carrillos and ask the driver to let you off near Los Chorros. The walk from the bus stop to the waterfalls adds 30-45 minutes each way.
Having your own rental car simplifies everything dramatically. The drive takes less than an hour from most Central Valley locations, and you’ll have the flexibility to combine Los Chorros with other stops. For travelers arriving at SJO, picking up your vehicle and heading straight to the waterfalls makes for an excellent introduction to Costa Rican driving.
Important Safety Considerations
Like all natural swimming areas, Los Chorros requires common sense. The trails aren’t maintained to national park standards so watch your footing, especially on wet sections. During rainy season, check conditions before attempting to wade across the river to reach the second waterfall as fast-moving water has caught visitors off-guard.
The trails at Los Chorros can be slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear matters. Hiking sandals with good grip work better than flip-flops or bare feet. And while the pools look inviting for diving, underwater rocks make jumping dangerous so wade in instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterfall to visit in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has dozens of spectacular waterfalls, and “best” depends on what you’re looking for. La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal Volcano offers the most dramatic single drop at 230 feet (70 meters) with swimming access. Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park delivers surreal turquoise colors unlike anywhere else. For accessibility, Llanos de Cortés in Guanacaste provides easy access and swimming. Los Chorros stands out for its proximity to San José and authentic local atmosphere.
Where is the El Chorro waterfall?
Los Chorros Waterfalls (sometimes called El Chorro) is located in Alajuela Province, about 6 miles( 10 kilometers) southeast of Grecia in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. The waterfalls sit within the Los Chorros Municipal Recreation Park, roughly 45 minutes from San José and 30 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
What is the history of Los Chorros?
Los Chorros has served as a local recreation area for generations of Costa Rican families. The name means “the jets” in Spanish, describing how water streams from the surrounding hillside. The park protects both the waterfalls and an important drinking water source for nearby communities like Atenas. While the official municipal entrance has been closed at times, local families have maintained access which reflects the community’s long connection to this natural space.
Are guided tours available at Los Chorros?
Los Chorros operates more informally than national parks and you typically won’t find official guided tours on-site. However, some San José-based tour operators include Los Chorros in their Central Valley itineraries. Most visitors explore independently, which is straightforward given the clearly marked trails. If you want a guide, arrange one through your hotel or a local tour company before arriving.
Is it safe to swim in waterfalls in Costa Rica?
Swimming at Costa Rica’s waterfalls can be safe with proper precautions. At Los Chorros, the pools below both waterfalls allow swimming during normal conditions. Key safety practices include: never dive or jump due to hidden rocks, check water conditions during rainy season when currents strengthen, wear water shoes for slippery rocks, and avoid swimming directly under powerful falls. Always assess conditions yourself rather than assuming safety.
What is the best time to visit waterfalls?
For waterfall visits in Costa Rica, early morning provides optimal conditions because there are fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and better photography light. Seasonally, January through March offers an ideal balance because water levels remain high from recent rains while dry weather ensures comfortable hiking. Weekday visits avoid the crowds that descend on popular waterfalls every weekend. At Los Chorros specifically, arriving before 10 AM on weekdays gives you the best chance for a peaceful experience.
