Hike Catarata El Toro
Descend to the 90-meter El Toro waterfall, one of the tallest in Costa Rica, through lush forest and observe rare bird species and bromeliads. The dramatic waterfall plunge is worth every step.
Bajos del Toro
Cloud Forest & Waterfalls
Why Visit Bajos del Toro?
Bajos del Toro is the ultimate destination for waterfall enthusiasts and hikers seeking deep nature immersion without the crowds. Its hidden blue rivers and high-altitude rainforest offer a cooler, mystical alternative to typical tropical coastal spots.
The valley sits at around 1,500 m in the crater of an extinct volcano, which is why it feels nothing like the tropical lowlands an hour away: cool, misty, and full of falling water. Catarata del Toro drops 90 m into the old crater itself, and the Blue Falls network hides half a dozen turquoise cascades on a single private trail.
Top Activities in Bajos del Toro
Explore Bosque Nuboso Trails
Wander gentle trails in cloud forest habitat, with opportunities to spot quetzals, hummingbirds, and amphibians amid moss-covered trees.
Visit Catarata Los Quetzales
Enjoy shorter, family-friendly hikes to waterfalls hidden within dense forest—ideal for swimming and close-up photography.
Float or Raft on Río Toro
Relaxed tubing or mild rafting on Río Toro offers scenic views, calm currents, and occasional class II rapids—perfect for families and wildlife viewing.
What to Do? Featured Tours
RecommendedCloud Forest & Bird-Watching Tour
Explore forest trails with an expert, spotting colorful quetzals, trogons, and exotic mist-dwelling species.
RecommendedCatarata del Toro Waterfall Hike
Descend roughly 400 steps into an extinct volcanic crater to the base of a 90-metre waterfall, with cloud-forest birding on the way back up.
RecommendedBlue Falls of Costa Rica Trail
A private reserve with half a dozen turquoise cascades on a single loop — the same optical effect that colours Rio Celeste, at a fraction of the crowds.
RecommendedRio Toro Float & Mountain Farm Combo
A gentle float on the Rio Toro paired with a visit to a working highland farm — the low-key half day most visitors miss entirely.
Best time to visit Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro sits at around 1,500 m inside an extinct volcanic crater, so it stays cool and misty all year — expect 24 °C days and 15 °C nights whatever month you come. What changes is how much water is falling.
- Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Clearer skies and firmer trails — the easier visit, and the best window for the long stair descents to Catarata del Toro and the Blue Falls.
- Green Season (May–Nov): Far more water over the falls and deeper green in the forest, with muddier trails and afternoon rain. More dramatic for photography if you can handle the footing.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 75 | 76 | 78 | 78 | 76 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 75 | 75 |
| Low (°F) | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 59 |
| Rain Days | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
How to Get to Bajos del Toro?
Bajos del Toro is about 2 hours from San Jose and roughly 2 hours from La Fortuna, on a mix of paved road and gravel. The last stretch is steep and narrow, so higher clearance helps and a 4x4 is worth having in the green season.
Rental Car:
Drive ~2 hours from San José via paved and gravel roads—4×4 recommended for the final stretch.
Shared Shuttle Services:
Available on request—comfortable coach rides to nearby San Ramon, then transfer.
Private Shuttle Service:
For convenience and comfort. For more Private transportation information click here.
Best Travel Tips for Bajos del Toro
- Bring warm layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy boots—mist and mud are common.
- Carry insect repellent and sunscreen—even in cloud forest mildness.
- Pack cash for small lodge meals and local stalls.
- Schedule early starts for best waterfall views and wildlife sightings.
- Support local farms—purchase cheese or honey to support rural communities.
Top Restaurants in Bajos del Toro
Refugio del Toro Lodge Restaurant
Open-air dining serving homemade soups, local produce, and Costa Rican dishes—all with forest views.Cerro Lodge Dining Room
Offerings include coffee, fresh tortillas, hearty breakfast and simple lunches in a cozy cloud-forest environment.Local Farm Stall – Queso y Dulce
A roadside stand selling farm-fresh cheese and sweet preserves—great for a mid-hike energy boost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bajos del Toro
What are the main waterfalls in Bajos del Toro?
Catarata del Toro is the headline: a 90 m drop into an extinct volcanic crater, reached by about 400 steps down. The Blue Falls (Catarata Las Gemelas and the surrounding network) is a separate private reserve with several turquoise cascades on one trail. Both charge their own entrance and both are worth a full morning.
Is Bajos del Toro a day trip from La Fortuna?
It works, at about 2 hours each way, but the drive is slower than the distance suggests. Bajos del Toro is often better placed as a stop between San Jose and La Fortuna, or as its own overnight for travellers who want serious waterfall hiking without crowds.
When is the best time to visit Bajos del Toro?
December to April gives clearer skies and firmer trails — the easier visit. May to November puts far more water over the falls and deeper green in the forest, at the cost of mud and afternoon rain. For photography, the green season is more dramatic if you can handle the footing.
How difficult are the Bajos del Toro trails?
Moderately demanding, mainly because of stairs. Catarata del Toro is roughly 400 steps down and the same back up, and the Blue Falls trail involves continuous ups and downs on wet clay and metal steps. Both are fine for reasonably fit walkers in proper shoes; neither suits limited mobility.
Why do so few tourists visit Bajos del Toro?
Access. There is no direct route from the main tourist corridor, the last roads are rough, and the valley has few hotels — so the tour buses skip it. That is precisely the appeal: on a weekday you can have a 90 m waterfall largely to yourself.
Bajos del Toro Reviews
Breathtaking experience
“El Toro waterfall hike was breathtaking—cloudforest and that drop!”
S
Samantha Green
Verified traveler • CA
Fun for families
“Tubing the river was fun and scenic—kids loved the gentle rapids.”
M
Michael Lopez
Verified traveler • USA
Delicious lodge meals
“Loved the lodge meals—simple, delicious, great setting by the forest.”
C
Claire Wilson
Verified traveler • Canada
Magical cloud forest
“Saw quetzals and toucans right on the trail—cloud forest is magical.”
J
James Patel
Verified traveler • NY
