La Muralla - San Antonio de Turrialba
- Dakota B.
- Feb 27, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2019
A quick and sharp descent along the southern bank of the Guayabo River in the massive county of Turrialba will bring you right to the foot of this breathtaking spectacle. Soaring down from a height of some 90 meters (295 feet) tall, La Muralla is aptly named. Translated to "The Wall," the surrounding scenery is something right out a movie, with a steep, intimidating canyon wall resulting in this magnificent waterfall. La Muralla certainly has an eerie sensation of an ever-tightening space; even so, the falls themselves crash down into the deep, blue pool below, eventually dispersing into a flowing, picturesque series of smaller cascades.
Arriving to the entrance is simple enough. From Turrialba, it's a 35 minute drive north to the small, rural town of San Antonio. A quick Google Maps search by name will get you there. Be sure to not confuse the entrance to La Muralla with another waterfall entrance, that of Las Trillizas, as they are right next to each other. In fact, La Muralla waterfall resides along the same river as Las Trillizas, downstream by some 300 meters or so. The entry fee is 3000CRC per person, and don Adolfo or any of the family members will be glad to attend to you, and they can be reached via WhatsApp at +506-8408-8446. If you're traveling by bus, the Transaro fleet departs from the same terminal as Trantusa, the main terminal in Turrialba. Simply ask at the terminal or call Transaro at +506-2556-0598 for the latest bus times.
The hike itself is mostly a straightforward, well-marked descent into the river valley below the property of don Adolfo. The trail includes a number of switchbacks to allow for a slightly less-inclined path, and it levels out as visitors approach the foot of the waterfall. Depending on the season, the valley floor can be pretty muddy, so be sure to wear shoes that you aren't afraid to get dirty.
Getting to the base of La Muralla is an experience in and of itself. With the majority of the flow free-falling for the entirety of the 95 meter drop, it makes for a exhilarating experience of sight, sound, and touch. You'll see the water cascading down the canyon wall, you'll hear the roar and crash below as the cauldron of water rolls over itself again and again, and you'll feel the spray from the base as it soaks anything and everything within 100 feet of it. Take extra care if you choose to descend along the rocks that line the waterfall's base and enter the main pool. As is often the case with the taller waterfalls, there is quite a lot of current in the pool itself, and that's no different with La Muralla. I myself have only ventured a climb around to the right side along the boulders, diving into the pool, and swimming back toward the opposite end with the power of the falls pushing me all along the way.
Once you've had your fill of the main falls (as if that were ever really possible), you can move further down the riverbed to a spot that opens up next to a 1.5 meter deep pool along the channel. Crystal-clear, often-chilly water makes for the perfect refresher after the hilly descent. At nearly 1,300 meters (4,235 feet) above sea level, the water tends to be a little colder than what you may be used to at a Costa Rican beach, but it feels fantastic and makes for a pretty unique relaxing spot, with the thunderous and pulsating rhythm of La Muralla just up the trail.
As mentioned, the return hike uphill can be daunting, especially for those who have not been up and down on inclined terrain very much. Just take your time, and you'll make it just fine. Intermittent stops along the return ascent are also a great chance to stop and look back, appreciating La Muralla from a distance once more before you make your way up and out of the river valley.
Overall there's no shortage of perfect photo opportunities all over the river valley, and you'll understand what I mean when I say it's one of the most majestic displays of power I've been fortunate to witness in this country. All of that said, please please please remember to take care of yourself. Along with all of that awesome, natural power comes a heightened level of risk, so be sure to take all necessary precautions, especially when you're entering the main pool beneath the falls. Be smart and have fun. Enjoy La Muralla!
La Muralla Waterfall Info
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: San Antonio, Turrialba, Cartago, CR
GPS Coordinates: 9.974822, -83.701711
Height: approx. 95 meters / 312 feet
Nearest bus fare: Turrialba to San Antonio, 350 CRC
Entry fee: 2000 CRC
YouTube video:
Comments