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Marco Explore CR

Roca Verde waterfall hike, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica

Waterfall Hikes · Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica

Roca Verde The Valley's Most Photogenic Falls

Centuries of moss have turned the volcanic rock behind this waterfall a deep green, tinting the pool below it to match — the single most photographed stop on our hikes, and the one guests ask about most before they book.

Duration
4 h
Difficulty
Intermediate
Highlight
Moss-Covered Rock
From
$60
Roca Verde

Tour

Roca Verde

Intermediate · 4 h

Group$60
Private$100
View tour →

Quick answers

How much does Roca Verde 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 Roca Verde (Green Rock)?

A thick layer of moss covers the volcanic rock face behind the falls, turning it a striking green that gives the waterfall its name and its color.

Can I swim in the pool at Roca Verde?

Yes — the pool at the base is suitable for swimming, with the green-tinted water making it one of the more striking spots to take a dip.

Is this the best hike for photos?

It's the one we get asked about most for photography — the moss coloring makes it stand out from every other waterfall we hike to.

A waterfall colored by centuries of moss

Every waterfall in Bajos del Toro has its own character, but Roca Verde is the one people remember for its color. Constant moisture from the cloud forest has let moss blanket the volcanic rock face behind the falls, turning the whole backdrop a deep, saturated green that reflects into the pool below.

The hike in follows similar terrain to our other intermediate routes, with your guide timing the arrival for the best light on the moss. It is the stop most guests photograph the longest before moving on.

Who this hike is for

  • Photographers and anyone chasing the most visually distinctive waterfall in the valley.
  • Nature lovers curious about the moss ecosystem that gives the rock its color.
  • Hikers who want one striking, photogenic destination rather than several smaller stops.

If color and photos matter less to you than distance or dry terrain, Vuelta del Cañón or Pozo Azul & Río Seco offer a different kind of highlight.

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 the pool.
  • Water and a snack.
  • Proper closed footwear with grip.
  • A phone or camera with enough storage — this stop tends to fill it up.

Important: no tour can be done in open shoes. Moss-covered rock near the pool can be slippery, so grip matters here more than it might look.

5-star rated, 30+ reviews

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

The constant humidity and shade of the cloud forest around this particular rock face create ideal conditions for moss growth, more so than at our other waterfalls.
Morning light tends to bring out the green tones best, which is part of why our tours depart early.
The moss stays green year-round thanks to constant moisture, though the water volume and clarity of the pool can shift with recent rain.
Similar duration and difficulty, but the draw here is entirely visual — Bluefalls offers more stops, San Fernando offers more height, Roca Verde offers the most distinctive color.
Yes — professional drone photos and video are available on private tours for $250 per person, including the tour and lunch.
Light rain doesn't usually cancel the tour, and it can even deepen the green color of the moss. Your guide will advise if conditions require a change.

More waterfall hikes in the valley

Looking for a different highlight? These bring their own character.

Ready for the greenest waterfall in the valley?

Tell us your dates and group size and we'll confirm your spot on Roca Verde.