Waterfall Hikes · Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
Pozo Azul & Río Seco Two Landscapes, One Hike
Walk through the exposed volcanic rock of a dry riverbed before it opens onto Pozo Azul, a strikingly deep blue pool — two of the valley's most different landscapes joined by a single trail.
- Duration
- 4 h
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Highlight
- Dry Canyon
- From
- $60
Quick answers
How much does Pozo Azul & Río Seco cost?
$60 per person in a group, or $100 for a private tour. A 50% deposit is required to book (PayPal accepted), with the remaining 50% paid in cash to your guide on the day of the tour.
Why is it called "Río Seco" (Dry River)?
The trail follows a stretch of volcanic riverbed that runs dry for much of the year, exposing bare rock formations you won't see on our other hikes.
Can I swim at Pozo Azul?
Yes — Pozo Azul is deep enough for a proper swim, and it's the highlight stop at the end of the trail.
What makes this hike different from our other waterfall hikes?
It's the only route that pairs a dry riverbed canyon with a deep pool — most of our other hikes follow flowing water the whole way.
From bare volcanic rock to deep blue water
This hike is built around contrast. The first stretch follows Río Seco, a riverbed that runs dry for most of the year, leaving behind exposed volcanic rock and a canyon landscape unlike anywhere else we hike in Bajos del Toro. From there, the trail opens onto Pozo Azul, a pool so deep and clear it earns its name — "blue well."
Your guide times the walk so you spend real time at Pozo Azul rather than rushing through, with the dry canyon serving as the build-up to the payoff at the end. It's a good pick if you want a hike that feels different from the waterfall-to-waterfall format of our other routes.
Who this hike is for
- Hikers who want varied scenery rather than one continuous waterfall trail.
- Photographers looking for the dry riverbed's distinct volcanic rock formations.
- Anyone who wants a proper swimming spot as the highlight of the hike.
If you'd rather see running water for the whole route, Bluefalls or San Fernando stay closer to the river throughout.
What's included
- Experienced local guide, English and Spanish.
- Minimum 2 people per tour.
- Available every day, departing at 7:00 am.
- Transport can be added, priced by distance from your accommodation.
- Professional drone photos and video available on private tours ($250 per person, including tour and lunch).
What to bring
- Swimsuit and a towel for Pozo Azul.
- Water and a snack.
- Proper closed footwear with grip for the exposed rock sections.
- Sun protection and insect repellent.
Important: no tour can be done in open shoes. The exposed rock of Río Seco can be uneven, so good footwear matters here as much as at the pool.
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Rated 5 out of 5 on Google by past travelers — see the reviews on our Google Business Profile.
50% deposit to book
Reserve your spot with a 50% deposit by WhatsApp or the contact form — the balance is paid to your guide on the day of the hike.
Frequently asked questions
More waterfall hikes in the valley
If you'd rather stay by flowing water the whole way, or want a shorter option, these are worth a look.
Ready for something different?
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll confirm your spot on Pozo Azul & Río Seco.