Diamante Waterfall

Catarata Diamante drops in the hills behind Dominical on the southern Pacific coast, a fall usually given at around a hundred and eighty metres, and its distinguishing feature is what is behind it: a cave cut into the rock behind the curtain, large enough that platforms and hammocks have been set up in it and visitors sleep there, walking through the water to get in. Getting to the fall means a rough drive and then a steep hike down through farmland and forest, an hour or more each way with the return a hard climb. Access is through private land and is arranged with local operators, who run guided day trips and overnight stays.

The landscape

• The tall fall - the long drop over the cliff face.
• The cave behind - the space behind the curtain used for camping.
• The hike in - the steep descent through farmland and forest.
• The valley - the country behind Dominical from the trail.

When to go

December to April in the dry season, when the track and trail are passable; the wet season makes the descent dangerous and the road difficult. Flow is stronger in the wet months but access is worse.

Good to know

Access is through private land with guided trips only, arranged in advance. The hike is steep and hard, particularly the return. Entering the cave means walking through falling water. There are no facilities beyond what the operator brings.

Nearby

Dominical lies west on the coast; Uvita is south.