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Catarata del Toro

A 90-metre plunge into an extinct volcanic crater

Offbeat score 2 of 5AlajuelaWaterfallNear Bajos del Toro

Catarata del Toro is the reason most people find Bajos del Toro. The Río Toro drops around 90 metres over a crater wall streaked with orange and red minerals, into the bowl of an extinct volcano wrapped in cloud forest.

A viewing deck near the entrance gives the classic view. For the full scale, take the long staircase down towards the base, then save energy for the climb back up.

Getting there

Drive north from Bajos del Toro village on Route 708 for about 6 km. The entrance and parking are on the road.

Local tips

There are a few hundred steps down to the base. Wear shoes with grip and take water for the climb back up.

Travel lightly

Stay behind the barriers at the crater rim and on the marked stairs.

Photo: Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Shared by Offbeat team