This municipal park is located about 30 minutes by car from the center of Alajuela.  There is a river running through the park with a few waterfalls and cascades.  The public entrance to the park has been closed for several years due to deterioration of the dir road.  However, access is still possible though via private property.  There is a house at the end of the road, where you’ll pay for parking.  The owner, Luis, will show you or guide you to the river and the waterfalls.

Sign at the the dirt road

The hike down into the river starts by hiking down a grassy hill.  During the rainy season, it may be muddy and difficult to gain traction.  There are a couple of trees past after leaving the parking lot, whose name I don’t know, but are pretty impressive.  They have these thorn-looking spikes which protrude about an inch from the tree bark.  I imagine you could make your own morning star (medieval weapon) from this tree.

The river runs in the valley below the banana trees

Don’t attempt to climb this tree

The trail winds through enclosed foliage, then past a bamboo forest, and down to the river.  It is quite amazing to see different plant species here.  Once at the river, you can continue upstream to a couple of waterfalls.  Along the way, there are a few spots where the water is spewing out of cracks in the rock wall.

Maintained trail to the river

Bamboo forest

Water spouting from cracks in the rock

The water is relatively warm, about 75° F, but it can feel cold.  The river is enclosed on both sides by tall cliffs and vegetation, so direct sunlight is limited to certain times of the day.  If the wind is blowing, it will feel like the temperature has dropped.  You can hike in the river, or along its banks by where the water is shallow, the current minimal, and you can grab onto shrubs and tree branches.

One of the waterfalls

Waterfall at Los Chorros

Sky view, all enclosing forest

Water gushing from the rock

View of the river

Waterfall at Los Chorros

I attempting to walk under the waterfall, but the force of the water was unbearable.  At times it felt like pelting hail.  So I settled for a natural water-jet massage.

Enjoying a water-jet massage

Yours truly