Catarata Los Nogales
Springs pour out of the rock above a giant, icy pool
On a farm above Santa Cruz de Turrialba, an old wooden farmhouse looks out over the valley. From there a steep, shadeless climb through pasture leads into the forest and down to a waterfall fed by springs that burst straight out of the rock wall.
The water is crystal clear and there is room for a picnic right in front of the fall. Back on the trail, a short, technical side path drops to a giant swimming pool, as cold as it is beautiful.
Getting there
Head up towards Irazú, turn off for Turrialba volcano via Pacayas, then turn left towards Santa Cruz de Turrialba. The last hour is on a rough gravel road to the Finca Los Nogales gate. Google Maps works better than Waze here.
Local tips
Put on sunscreen before the first climb: it is fully exposed. The trail can be very muddy after rain.
Travel lightly
Pack out all picnic rubbish and keep dogs on a lead near the farm animals.
Shared by Qué Buen Lugar
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