For our guests at Oasis Mountain who are looking for more than just a quiet walk—for those who crave adrenaline and breathtaking landscapes—we have a special recommendation: Bajos del Toro.
While La Paz Waterfall Gardens (which we also highly recommend) offers a more accessible, family-friendly experience, Bajos del Toro is its wild counterpart. This is a destination for adventurers, known for its challenging trails, colossal waterfalls, and a unique secret: water with an almost unreal turquoise color.
Most tourists face a two-hour-plus drive from San JosĂ© to get here. You won’t.
From the comfort of your suite at Oasis Mountain, you are in a prime position, just over an hour away from this hidden paradise. Get ready for a day trip that will define your vacation.
1. The Giant: Catarata del Toro
The main event in the area is the stunning Catarata del Toro. It’s not just another waterfall; it’s a 90-meter (nearly 300-foot) column of water that plunges into an ancient volcanic crater.
The trail to its base is an adventure in itself. It’s an intermediate-difficulty hike, famous for its 350+ steps that descend the crater wall. The effort is worth every drop of sweat. The view from the bottom, surrounded by the roar of the water and the scent of volcanic minerals, is a raw and powerful experience.
- Difficulty: Intermediate-High.
- Duration: 1.5 hours (round trip).
- Important: For safety reasons, swimming is not allowed in the pool of this waterfall. The view is the reward here.
2. The Turquoise Paradise: Blue Falls
After the challenge of Catarata del Toro, comes the magical reward. A short distance away, you’ll find the Blue Falls of Costa Rica, also known as the “Pozas Celestes.”
Here, the landscape changes dramatically. A river of intense turquoise, colored by volcanic minerals, forms a series of 6 smaller waterfalls and pools. Unlike Catarata del Toro, here you CAN swim!
The water is icy cold but incredibly refreshing after the hike. The most popular spot is the Poza Azul (Blue Pool), a natural swimming hole large enough to relax in a setting that looks like something out of a fantasy film.
Plan Your Adventure from Oasis Mountain
As your hosts, we want your expedition to be perfect. Here is the key logistical info to plan your day:
The Route from Oasis Mountain
The drive from our property is an adventure in itself, cutting through the beautiful landscapes of Vara Blanca. It’s a mountain route that will take you just over an hour, much less time than from any other point in the Central Valley.
Hours & Costs
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (We recommend leaving Oasis Mountain early to make the most of the day).
- Costs (Adult):
- Catarata del Toro only: $15 USD
- Blue Falls only (Pools): $19 USD
- Combo (Recommended): $25 USD
- Services: They have secure parking, restrooms, changing rooms, and a basic restaurant.
What Should You Pack? (A Host’s Tip)
- Hiking boots (not sneakers): This is essential. The trails are uneven and can be muddy.
- Swimsuit and towel: Don’t forget these for the Blue Falls!
- A change of clothes: You’ll want to change out of your wet/muddy clothes before driving back.
- A dry bag: To protect your phone and camera from the waterfall mist and any rain.
- Snacks and water: Although there’s a restaurant, you’ll want energy on the trail.
The Perfect Combination: Extreme Adventure & Absolute Luxury
This is the real advantage of staying with us.
Picture this: you spend the day on one of the most intense and beautiful hikes in Costa Rica. You’re covered in mud, energized by the icy water, and absolutely amazed by the views.
You’re tired, but happy.
Now, instead of facing a grueling 2.5-hour drive back to San JosĂ©, you are just a short, scenic drive “home” to your luxury suite at Oasis Mountain. You arrive, take a restorative hot shower, order some dinner, and rest in total comfort, reliving the day’s photos.
That is the smart way to explore. Combine the roughest adventure by day with the most relaxing luxury by night.
FAQ Section (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Bajos del Toro Adventure
Is the hike to Catarata del Toro really that hard? The hike is intermediate-to-high difficulty. It’s not a long trail, but the main challenge is the 350+ steps to get down into the crater canyon. Going down is optional, but climbing back up will test your fitness. Take it slow, and the visual reward is worth it!
Which waterfalls in Bajos del Toro can I swim in? At the main Catarata del Toro, swimming is prohibited. The force of the 90-meter drop makes it very dangerous. However, in the Blue Falls (Pozas Celestes) section, you can absolutely swim! In fact, it’s the main attraction. Be prepared for very cold but incredibly refreshing water.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to get there from Oasis Mountain? A 4×4 is not strictly mandatory to reach the park’s main entrance, but an SUV (a high-clearance vehicle) is highly recommended. The route from our location is a mountain road; while mostly paved, you will encounter uneven sections. An SUV will give you more comfort and peace of mind.
Is Bajos del Toro a good trip for kids? It depends on the child’s age and fitness level. The hike to the Blue Falls is manageable for active kids over 8-10 years old. However, the descent to Catarata del Toro can be too strenuous for younger children. For families, we usually recommend La Paz Waterfall Gardens first.
Can I visit Bajos del Toro and Poas Volcano on the same day? It is technically possible, but we do not recommend it at all. Bajos del Toro is a very time and energy-consuming adventure (plan for at least 3-4 hours just for the hikes). Trying to check both off the list on the same day will result in a rushed and exhausting experience. It’s best to dedicate a full day to this adventure.
Why should I stay at Oasis Mountain for this visit? For two key reasons: logistics and recovery.
- Logistics: We are just over an hour away, much closer than San José. This allows you to leave early without being rushed.
- Recovery: This is an intense hike. After hours on the trail, you will be tired and likely muddy. Instead of a long 2-3 hour drive back to the city, you are a short drive away from your luxury suite at Oasis Mountain for a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a restorative rest. It’s the perfect combination of extreme adventure by day and absolute comfort by night.
Are you ready for the challenge? Book your stay at Oasis Mountain and use our prime location as your adventure base camp.