Beyond the popular shores and crowded paths of Manuel Antonio National Park lies a realm of quieter adventures framed by the forest’s deep green and the rush of unseen waterfalls. These hidden waterfall hikes reveal the terrain’s raw personality—where the forest floor sturdily supports your steps and streams challenge your rhythm, daring you onward.

First, the enchanting Nauyaca Waterfalls trail offers a moderately challenging 5.5 km (3.4 miles) round-trip trek with an elevation gain of about 200 meters (650 feet). The path twists through dense rainforest, branches occasionally brushing against your backpack like reaching hands. At the falls, the water plunges with fierce certainty into deep pools, tempting you to cool off. The terrain is mostly packed earth with slippery roots near the water—proper footwear with grip is a must.

Next is the Uvita Waterfall Trail, an off-the-radar 4 km (2.5 miles) out-and-back hike, gently climbing just 100 meters (330 feet). This route follows a lively creek, whose currents sing and push forward beneath the shady canopy. The trail’s compact earth surface is interrupted by smooth stones and occasional muddy patches after rain, so timing your visit early in the day keeps the footing reliable. The waterfall itself is a quiet pleasure, less a spectacle, more a personal encounter.

If you're ready for something more raw, the Bijagual Waterfall Trail roughly 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip requires robust effort, with about 300 meters (980 feet) elevation gain. The terrain here fights back with jagged rocks and thick foliage, rewarding those who respect its rhythm with panoramic views and the chance to stand beneath a powerful cascade. The falls roar, pushing air and mist that demands you pause, breathe, and respect its force.

Hydration here isn’t optional—streams carry stories but are unsafe to drink raw. Carry at least two liters of water, use sturdy waterproof boots, and wear moisture-wicking clothes to handle the tropical heat and occasional rain showers. Plan hikes before noon to avoid trails slick with evening dew or summer rains. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, as the rainforest’s temperament changes quickly.

Every step taken on these trails is a conversation with the land, a negotiation with nature that remembers its own rules. Whether treading soft leaf-covered ground or climbing rugged granite, these hidden waterfall hikes near Manuel Antonio offer more than views—they deliver an experience where both the adventurer and the forest remain fiercely themselves.