By Chris Grass Monteverdetravel.com

A Hike to San Luis Waterfall

San Luis waterfall is one of the most spectacular in the country. Adding to the mystique of the 100 meter catarata is the adventure getting there! Approximately a three hour hike from downtown Sta. Elena, the falls are nestled deep in the valley. If you're short on time it's possible to hire a taxi which will drop you off at the San Luis Research Station (managed by the University of Georgia ). You can also hire a guide and go by horseback. It is a fairly quick, although sometimes difficult, hike from the station to the waterfall. The rocks can be slippery, the trail washed out, and the insects intense. However, those willing to brave the elements are rewarded with an incredible view. Here is our recommended itinerary:

Start from your hotel and stock up with water and a couple snacks. There are a few nice cafes on the way (Dulce Marzo or Bromelias are my two favorites) where I usually stop by and grab a coffee with a couple of pastries. Walk up the road to Monteverde Reserve until you reach the sign for San Luis (about a kilometer past the gas station la Bamba). Take this right and continue down the very steep and windy road down the canyon. Before making it too far down there is a wonderful spot for a snack or little picnic. The view is fantastic and there is a small picnic bench to rest on. Down, down, down you go until you see a sign for the San Luis Research Facility and Catarata . The sign is on the right side of the road but you must take a left here. It's easy to miss so keep an eye out for it.

The research station is another nice place to drop the bags and take a rest. If you arrive around lunch time they will feed you a hearty meal for about $10 p/p. From here the hike should take about 45 minutes. Continue on the same road past the station until you reach the trapiche de Don Miguel. It's $8 for entry on his farm which goes towards keeping up the trails and miscellaneous expenses. He will show you the trail head and warn you if there have been any problems with the trail. Bring cash… I'm not sure he has electricity out there, let alone a machine to accept credit cards.

This is where the hike becomes fun; as the trail meanders through the rain forest you'll get glimpses of the river until you're dropped right on top of it. Hiking shoes are definitely recommended but you could probably get through barefoot if you felt so inclined. A sign will indicate you've finally reached the waterfall… ignore that. Walk up around the sign and another fifty meters or so until you're brought face-to-face with the crashing water. There is a little “bench” here to enjoy the scene but the pool of water is often too tempting. It is fairly deep and extremely cold. Enjoy a dip and then make your way back to the research station.

Personally, I'm fairly spent by this point so I have the receptionist call a taxi. It will cost about $10 all the way back to Sta. Elena. If you want to try and make it UP the huge hill you came DOWN, good luck and God bless. Add a couple hours to the journey though…