The Catarata del Toro demands both respect and awe. Carved inside an ancient volcanic crater, this waterfall drops a striking 90 meters, standing as the tallest in the region. The journey to reach it is a hands-on engagement with Bajos del Toro’s raw terrain—not a casual stroll, but a hike that invites you to move carefully through dense forest, steep inclines, and weathered steps. Expect roughly a 3-kilometer round trip with an elevation change of about 150 meters, enough to quicken your pulse and sharpen your senses. The trail pulses with life: moss clings to bark like it’s been dared to stay; tree roots twist and stretch like fingers gripping the earth. The air tastes fresh, tinged with earth and mist from the tumbling water.

Starting from the entrance, the path descends sharply, navigating volcanic rock and slippery soil, requiring sturdy boots with good traction. The rushing Toro River follows your route, seemingly daring you not to look down as it pushes forward with steady force. At the viewpoint, the crater opens wide beneath you, spraying cold mist that brushes your face like a ghostly handshake. This vantage point delivers an unobstructed view of the waterfall’s sheer drop—powerful and relentlessly vertical.

Planning your visit? Early morning trips reward you with cool temperatures and the hush of waking forest life. Bring a refillable water bottle, as the humidity and exertion make dehydration a real threat. Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers serve best; weather can shift suddenly, with mid-day rains common in the wet season. Don’t skip trekking poles if you want extra stability descending uneven terrain.

Camping isn’t allowed, but accommodations in nearby Alajuela give you a convenient base from which to explore. The road to Bajos del Toro twists through lush hills, offering glimpses of local farms and wildlife.

Engaging with Catarata del Toro is an adventure of balance—between challenge and delight, effort and reward. It asks you to move deliberately, to listen closely, to recognize that here nature is fiercely itself, unyielding yet generous in spectacle. By preparing thoughtfully, you can step into that crater with confidence, taking home a clear memory of a waterfall that stands tall not just in height, but in presence.