Chindama - Guápiles

Dakota B.
May 18, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Nov 7, 2019

If you've ever searched the terms "Costa Rica" and "Waterfall," there's a good, strong chance you've seen this particular beauty. Somewhere down the page, just past Llanos de Cortés and La Fortuna, you'll likely come across information about this astounding waterfall.

Getting information about it is one thing. Anyone can log onto the world wide webs and look at a picture or two (kinda like what you're doing here). Getting the trip planned and hiking the 14 kilometers to her base and back is a whole different story, let me tell you. There were two unsuccessful attempts to organize a trip to this beautiful destination (although both attempts ended up turning into trips to other awesome waterfalls) until we finally made it happen in March of 2019. Third time's a charm, yeah?

This photo is the original off an iPhone. Completely untouched. Natural.

We had a big group with us for the hike - some 15 total - including volunteers, locals, and a few friends who were brave enough to make the hike. After a difficult three-hour, up-and-down walk/hike/climb through some super mountainous terrain along with a half-dozen or more river crossings, we finally made it to her base. Let me tell you - it was all worth it.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/06abee_055113379f3c4af5b623f1dc25dade7a/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

The pool, deep and broad, was frigid, and only a few of the braver group members dared to enter. After a little self-pep talk, I joined them. The good news is I got right up next to the base of this amazing waterfall, but the bad news is somewhere along the way my trusty GoPro camera decided to stop working. So, unfortunately, I don't have any YouTube video of this trip to accompany this post. Oh well. I still got to see her in person, and that's something no faulty tech can take away.

A note about this particular hike: It's a long walk even before you get to the property. The bus from Guápiles only goes so far down the main road, and then you'll have to walk another couple kilometers before you get to the entry to the property. All told, it's something like 14 kilometers over some pretty rough terrain. I say this just so that you are aware ahead of time. It's completely doable, but don't expect it to be a walk in the park. Be prepared with good hiking boots, comfortable and breathable clothes, and plenty of water and snacks to get you through the 7+ hours that you'll spend making this awesome journey.

Contact Derrick with La Casona de Bella Vista at +506-8308 7515 for more info. Derrick and his mentor, Hugo Durán are wonderful guides, and you will be in great hands throughout the entirety of your adventure.