In addition to the tours we recommend to our clients we are always looking for new tours to suggest to our clients. One of the best things about the San Carlos region is how many hidden gems are tucked away just an hour from Finca 360. From hikes and waterfalls to cozy restaurants and welcoming locals, this area is full of treasures and Paraiso Manantiales in Toro Amarillo is one of them.
Paraiso Manantiales is a campsite, restaurant, and hiking trail all on one property. They have been operating since 2015 and showing the beautiful waterfalls here ever since. It is easy to navigate to, as there is clear signage along the road showing where their entrance is and it is accurately pinned on google maps. When we arrived, at first it seemed like they may be closed. However, the family who owns the property quickly came out after our arrival, so be patient and they will be sure to take care of you. As of June 2025 the entrance fee was 5000 colones per person which we paid in cash (which I recommend for places like this one). Once we paid one of the owners showed us the map of the property and explained how to best enjoy the trail and property.
From the entrance we had to drive another 400 meters or so down to the parking area and where the trail started. The trail was definitely more rustic than some places I’ve been to, but by no means is it impossible to traverse.
The first waterfall is under 5 minutes from the entrance to the trail and very easy to get to. (photo of first waterfall) From there the waterfalls begin to be a little harder to get to. After seeing the first waterfall you walk back and take a new route to the spiral staircase. If you easily get dizzy or have vertigo I would not recommend this hike as the spiral staircase is required to see all of the amazing waterfalls.
Once you descend the spiral staircase you continue down another staircase to the next waterfall.
From there you continue to an amazing viewpoint that overlooks Rio del toro which is hard to capture how incredible it is. You walk over a little bridge that is basically over a waterfall/river. From there you can go to the end of a small walkway which has a view of the Rio del toro and is a great spot to take a cute photo.
After your photo op you walk through a bit of water to continue your descent to the river for the best waterfalls. The owners recommend you start to your left of the river entrance to see the first waterfall along Rio del toro.
Since you are right along the river it is harder to get a photo of all of its glory, but it is stunning to look at. To the right of the entrance you walk towards the best of all the waterfalls, or rather section of waterfalls. This area is still along the river however there is a small land mass keeping you away from the strong current so you can enjoy a swim. The first bit of waterfall you walk up to has a perfect little swimming hole that would be amazing for a photoshoot.
Then to the left there is the tallest of waterfalls which is truly breathtaking. You may be able to swim at the base of this waterfall, however the wind currents coming off of this one are a little rough, so it wouldn’t be very relaxing. I really wish I had brought a little picnic to enjoy here to relax for a while. I am also disappointed I didn’t bring a swimsuit, but dipping your toes in is also a very pleasant experience.
The trail back is basically the same however instead of returning to the viewpoint they recommend crossing a bridge to see yet another waterfall. They showed this on the map before beginning the hike, but somehow we didn’t even realize we were taking this different trail until we were at the waterfall which was a pleasant surprise. I managed to snap a photo in the middle of the bridge here, however it was a bit scary to do so, so keep this in mind. From there the trail was all the same. We took about 2 hours total to visit the whole place, with some extra time at the epic waterfall by the river. Once we came back to the top the owners let us visit another viewpoint that had some glass walkway points to look down at the forest, which were very cool.
I believe visiting this point comes at a small extra cost, which I would say is worth it if you’re okay with the glass walkway. I would highly recommend this trail if you like something off the beaten path, quiet, undisturbed, and breathtaking waterfalls. We visited on a Friday during the rainy season and were the only people there. So definitely check it out and recommend it to all your adventurous friends and family!
