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 roof of the restaurant can be seen just to the left of the river. — The green roof of the restaurant can be seen near the bottom of the photo, to the left of the river.

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.

Table of Contents

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.

This is a very traditional restaurant 0 with open walls and a tin roof, the sounds and sights of nature are right there with you as you eat. You may even feel the waterfall mist drift through the space!

A view of the restaurant and the nearby waterfall.

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

Towering at 63 meters—roughly 210 feet—the Eco Chontales Waterfall is a breathtaking sight. Framed by steep, jungle-draped cliffs, it feels like stepping into a hidden realm. The water crashes into the pools below with thunderous force, sending mist swirling through the valley. In the green season, you might witness up to three distinct veils tumbling down the rock face; during the dry months, only the outermost veil tends to remain visible. No matter the season, the spectacle is unforgettable.

A nearby viewing platform offers an intimate vantage point, though visitors should be ready for a soaking when the flow is strong. On mist-heavy days, the platform and walkway become drenched, adding drama to the experience. Around the falls, a range of activities—swimming, wading, tubing, and even diving—invite you to engage with the landscape, making this natural wonder not just a sight to behold, but a place to explore.

The viewing platform and the winding path can be seen in this photo.

There is a deep pool at the bottom of the 63m waterfall. This photo shows ta smaller flow during a drier part of the year. — There is a deep pool at the bottom of the 63m Eco Chontales Waterfall. This photo shows ta smaller flow during a drier part of the year.

Fancy a jump into the canyon pool? The water below is at least 4m deep! But NEVER jump into bubbly water like in the photo. The river was exceptionally high and roaring, and dangerous. Bubbles reduce the density of water, meaning if you jumped you would fall straight to the bottom and be unable to rise up to the surface – a less than ideal situation.

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.

This bridge is an attraction in itself! You need to cross it to get to the restaurant. — The hanging bridge is an attraction in itself! You need to cross it to get to the restaurant.

THE 700m LEISURELY WALK

This walk could easily become a standout moment of your journey. Beginning near the office, the broad path slopes gently into the rainforest, winding past thick foliage and shaded clearings. Steps help navigate the steeper sections, while bridges carry you over streams and narrow ravines. As you approach the river valley, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and mist begins to rise through the trees—an early sign of the breathtaking 63-meter Eco Chontales Waterfall.

A short detour to the left leads to a viewing platform, offering a close and unforgettable look at the falls. Continuing forward, the trail follows the river, descending via staircases toward the restaurant. Take care—rocks along the way may be slick with moisture. For those seeking a gentler route, a right turn before the descent offers an alternate path to the restaurant, ideal for a more relaxed and less demanding walk.

The walk starts by the animal stables, visible on the right.

The path to the waterfall and restaurant is in itself spectacular - keep an eye out for jungle wildlife! — The path to the waterfall and restaurant is in itself spectacular – keep an eye out for jungle wildlife!

A bridge crossing over a creek. The path is well-worn and well-marked - you will not get lost — A bridge crossing over a creek. The path is well-worn and well-marked – you will not get lost

The moment the waterfall comes in to view.

When the flow is high, these rocks can be slippery - you may wish to stay on the track rather than taking a closer look when there is water on the rocks. — When the flow is high, these rocks can be slippery – you may wish to stay on the track rather than taking a closer look when there is water on the rocks.

Approaching your destination - the roof of the restaurant is visible just where the path looks to end in the photo. — Approaching your destination – the roof of the restaurant is visible just where the path looks to end in the photo.

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?