Eco Chontales Waterfall & Restaurant
THIS RESTAURANT IS NOT TO BE MISSED
This is a MUST-SEE restaurant – especially if your family or fiends are visiting the area! In one visit you can check so much off your list – a drive through Costa Rica’s stunning high country, an exciting river bridge crossing, a beautiful walk through the jungle, a spectacular 63 meter (210 foot) waterfall and this amazing traditional-styled restaurant in the mists of the cascades!
The restaurant and surrounding natural wonders are a bit off the beaten path, so you will not see many tourists here especially during the green season – in fact during our visit we were the only ones in the eatery while a few families with young children waded in the nearby river pools, just below the waterfall. It was a surreal experience, as if we were taken back in time to when this land was a little quieter and the magic a little more permeating. During the busier season, small organized trips make their way down to enjoy this amazing spot, rated as the #2 Top Attraction in the Perez Zeledon area.
THE RESTAURANT
The Eco Chontales Waterfall Restaurant is very traditional in its construction – open walls ensure you are at one with the surrounding jungles. Raw beams of lumber support high, sloping metal roofs. At times waterfall mists may drift between the tables as the sounds of the rushing river and cascades fills the space. Several tables of various sizes are peppered across the space. Toilet facilities are located nearby, accessible via an elevated and covered walkway which crosses a burbling mountain stream. Change rooms are provided under the roof of the adjoining camping area. All around you are towering jungle trees, tropical plants, orchids, and the sounds and sweet smells of the rainforest. generally the restaurant is open between 8am – 4pm but it pays to check ahead.
THE FOOD
Breakfast, lunch and snacks are served. There is a wide variety of choices, including local cuisine – gallo pinto, sandwiches, nachos, chicken wings & chips, sweets, refreshments, coffee, beer and drinks – something for everyone! Starting with an order of cold beer, we did not have to wait too long for the meals – chicken and rice, and nachos. The food was delicious and the portions were very fair.
One thing I need to mention – I used to participate in hot chili eating competitions so am used to spicy foods. But the chili garnish that accompanied our meals was perhaps the hottest side dish I have ever tasted! Props to the chef!
THE WATERFALL
At 63 meters, or 210 feet, the Eco Chontales Waterfall is HUGE! And it is spectacular – set against vertical jungle-covered cliffs, you are transported to another world. The waters cascade into the boiling pools with a mighty roar and explosion of mists. During the green season you may see up to three separate veils of water while during the dry season only the furthest veil may be clearly present. But either way, you will be mesmerized by this natural spectacle.
A viewing platform can get you up and close (visible in the photo below). But beware that, when the flow is high, the platform and nearby walkway are drenched in the mists so be prepared! That was the case on the day of our visit as you can clearly see, in the photo, the thick clouds of mists thoroughly soaking the viewing platform and parts of the walkway. Activities like wading, swimming, tubing, diving and others are available to be enjoyed around the waterfall and surrounds.
GETTING THERE
First get on highway 234, the road which connects Dominical with San Isidro. Near the southern end of Platanillo, turn onto C. Al Valle del Guabo. Follow that road for 13.7km until you arrive at Eco Chontales. From there, a leisurely 700m walk will take you to the restaurant. The road is not paved but is in very good condition. Several exciting one-way bridge crossing are to be expected – the hanging bridge is a marvel of engineering and you will see (and feel) the platform move as you drive over it! But do not worry as this is the design of the bridge, as the deck is supported by the two big cables which span the crossing.
THE 700m LEISURELY WALK
This walk may be one of the highlights of the trip! Starting near the office area, the wide and gently descending path meanders through the rainforest. Steps are provided for the steeper sections and bridges span over streams and ravines. The hum of the waterfall becomes audible shortly before you glimpse the mists as they float their way down the steeply-sloped river valley. The majesty of the 63m Eco Chontales Waterfall in indescribable – and you can get very up-and-close with a short detour to the viewing platform on your left. Continuing ahead, you make your way down a series of staircases as you move towards the restaurant by following the river – be careful as the rocks may be wet and slippery. There is an option of reaching the restaurant by turning to the right before you start the descent towards the waterfall, and this may be advisable for people who want to enjoy an easier and less strenuous walk.
PARKING
Plentiful parking is provided next to the office building as well as in the open area below and behind it. Parking areas are clearly marked by big green signs and are all located in very convenient and accessible locations.
SEE YOU AT ECO CHONTALES!
To visit the main Eco Chontales Waterfall website, follow: https://ecochontaleswaterfall.com/
Trip Advisor reviews of the attraction can be found here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction
Towering jungle-clad waterfalls, secret local restaurant, refreshing swim-pools, and off-the-beaten-track attractions are scattered in every corner of Costa Rica. Imagine living in a place where every day brings the thrill of discovering something new – and if you want to leap from ‘imagine’ to ‘take the first step’, your trusted partner RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE is here, eagerly waiting for you to reach out! Why not start by browsing our extensive database of property listings here?
