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So, you’ve planned a trip to Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Now it’s time to fill the trip with some fun activities and there one fact that no one can deny. Waterfalls are epic. Visiting the BriBri Waterfalls is a great partial-day activity that you can easily do on your own without a tour. This quick guide will explain how to get there, what to expect, and what to avoid. Let’s Go!
Catarata Ma-cu a.k.a BriBri Sparkling Waterfall
Getting to The BriBri Waterfalls
Costa Rica is home to around eight indigenous groups, among which the BriBri stand out as one of the largest. Nestled in the remote southern Caribbean region, the BriBri people inhabit the expansive Talamanca Mountain range, offering a glimpse into a preserved way of life.
The Bribri Waterfalls consist of several different falls. The most popular is Catarata Ma-Cu, also known as the BriBi Sparkling Waterfall. The other two are Two Waters Waterfall and Volio Waterfall. Below are details for each of the falls.
The first Catarata Ma-cú entrance sign
The second entrance sign
Catarata Ma-Cu
The BriBri Sparkling Waterfall is the most popular and safest of the three. The signage can be a bit confusing as there are two entrances. One sign says Catarata Ma-Cu, and the other down the road says BriBri Sparkling Waterfalls. The entries are owned by different families, but eventually lead to the same place. We have always used the first entry, and this guide to BriBri Waterfalls will cover that option.
Google Maps usually directs you to park back on “Calle Catarata” and walk up to the start of the falls. That may be necessary if you visit later in the day when there’s no parking, but arrive early and you can turn into the narrow driveway and park at the local family’s home. When you turn up the driveway, you’ll see a small house and palapa with someone to accept the entry fee. During our last visit in 2026 it was ₡2500 ($5) per person, which includes coffee and fresh fruit, and the family that welcomes you is amazing.
The walk down to the falls takes around 10 minutes. It’s steep and can be slippery if it’s been raining. At the bottom, a deep pool invites swimmers, and the more daring visitors can join the locals and climb adjacent rocks for a thrilling jump in. Bring a waterproof phone case like this if you want to take photos of the falls because the mist is so powerful it will cover anything you bring with you.
Walking away from the falls is a smaller waterfall that offers a quieter but equally inviting experience, complete with a natural pool for swimming.
The welcome area
Park, pay, and grab a walking stick
Keep an eye out for the little things
Two Waters Waterfall
Another hidden gem, the Two Waters Waterfall at Finca Las Brisas is fairly easy to get to. Like Cataratas Ma-Cu, look for a similar signposted trail off the main road. After you pay the family around ₡2500 for parking, the path leads to a serene natural pool and waterfalls. These falls are usually less busy and a great spot to bring a lunch and enjoy some time there.
Look for the turnoff at Calle Catarata
Volio Waterfall
We haven’t visited this waterfall due to the recent increase in crime around the area. Given its secluded location and potential for petty theft, securing a local guide is highly advised. After parking and sorting out the fees, your guide will lead you through two shallow river crossings and a jungle path to reach the Volio waterfall. There’s really no reason to risk visiting this one with so many other amazing things to see in the Puerto Viejo area, but we’ve added the directions in the event you still want to try.
Important Notice
As of early 2025, there are still consistent reports of guide scams and robberies by gunpoint at Volio Waterfall. Visiting is not recommended at this time. Check recent Google reviews.
🌿 Tour Guide Profile: Shailo
Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Manzanillo
Shailo Rose is a local guide born and raised in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. With Jamaican and Latin heritage, he brings strong local knowledge and a clear focus on conservation and environmental education. He specializes in guided tours of Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, cacao farm experiences, night walks, and waterfall hikes. We have personally toured with him and found his knowledge and professionalism to match his 5-Star reviews. For visitors exploring Puerto Viejo and the southern Caribbean, he is a strong local option.
Travel tips for BriBri Waterfalls
Book A Tour
Due to recent safety concerns, we highly recommend booking a BriBri Waterfall Tour if you plan on visiting the Volio Waterfalls. Robberies are becoming more frequent and a guide will help deter any issues.
Arrive early
Plan to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the falls at their most peaceful state.
Don’t forget the essentials
There can be tons of mosquitos, so pack your day bag with a good insect repellant, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks for your visit. There are no food or drink vendors at the falls, so come prepared for the trip. Sturdy hiking shoes or sandals with good traction are recommended for the hike to the falls. We love these Salomon Hiking Shoes. Lastly, keep your immune system boosted with this Propolis Spray from Beekeeper’s Naturals. We use it daily and double down before all of our Costa Rica trips.
Don’t bring valuables
The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is less developed and poses a higher risk for theft of valuables in remote places. If you’ll be venturing out unguided, this isn’t a destination to bring flashy jewelry, camera gear, etc.
👉 Don’t Miss: 9 Things NOT to do in Costa Rica
Practice sustainable tourism
Help preserve BriBri Falls’ beauty by minimizing your environmental impact, staying on marked trails, and disposing of trash responsibly.
Be prepared for accidents
The Caribbean Coast is remote, with limited medical facilities in some areas. If an emergency happens, you may need to travel to Limon or even San Jose for care. World Nomads Travel Insurance covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuations, giving you peace of mind while you explore. Check coverage here.
The fearless local boys
Let’s go!
If your goal is to see a beautiful waterfall in the area, we recommend visiting Cataratas Ma-Cu and continuing on. There are many guided tours that offer multiple activities, so you don’t have to worry about navigating yourself. Take a look at our full guide to Puerto Viejo, and drop us a comment below if you have any new information about the BriBri Waterfalls.
