Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Hikes

Catarata San Fernando

Alajuela, Costa Rica

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST HIKES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 70 2026
Catarata San Fernando

A privately run trail near Cinchona drops through cloud forest to four waterfalls, ending at San Fernando at the canyon bottom. Fixed ropes aid the steep sections, two falls have swimming pools, and spray soaks visitors at the base of San Fernando.

Highlights

  • San Fernando Waterfall base
  • Swimming pools at two falls
  • Hummingbird garden at entrance

Good to know

  • About 2 to 3.5 hours for all falls
  • $20 per person, cash, waiver required
  • Steep, slippery sections with ropes; wear boots

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