Experts in
Outdoor Adventures
We connect people with the majesty of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, creating memories that last a lifetime.
33+
Years of experience
50.000+
Satisfied tourists
3+
Tour options
Daily
Tours every day
A Story of Effort, Roots, and Family Passion
The family is born, Opportunities are born.
About 60 years ago, our parents Braulio (Lulo) and Ruth arrived in this area. Still very young, they began a new chapter in their lives, full of dreams and hopes. They moved to a farm where they worked as caretakers. It was all virgin land, and the process of development had to begin.
They had no opportunities, so they worked very hard. Our father was in charge of everything from cutting down trees to open paths, to planting corn, rice, beans, and other crops—not for themselves, but for someone else (the boss), for whom he received his pay.
Our mother was in charge of cleaning, preparing meals, and all the other daily activities carried out in a country home. In rural life, wives support their husbands by taking care of the surroundings of their homes, the animals—most commonly chickens, pigs, and cows.
Why “Nauyaca”?
When they began working on that property and discovered the waterfalls, there were many rocks, and the workers didn’t like having to start working in that place. At that time, our father was listening to a radio drama, which featured a beautiful estate and a farm called Nauyaca.
The passion for the radio drama was so strong that when the workers went to carry out their tasks on the farm where the waterfalls were located—untouched, undeveloped, and covered with rocks—they were told it was a day to go to Nauyaca, saying it as a hyperbole, since it was an unpleasant place.
Over time, this name continued to be used, but now with the hope that the place would be as beautiful as the one mentioned in that captivating radio drama.
This name comes from the Mesoamericans, in the Nahuatl language, and referred to a type of snake found in the region. Years later, we added “waterfalls,” finally registering the name Cataratas Nauyaca S.A.
From Livestock to Tourism
For many years, we were dedicated to livestock farming, achieving great successes. Then came the livestock price crisis, and it was then that, in order to meet our needs, we started a small nursery project.
We believe that was where the 360-degree shift began, because although livestock still played a very important role in our activities, it was no longer the main focus. In the first years of this project, from the total production of young trees for sale, we set aside a few thousand to reforest the less productive areas, with the vision of trying to somehow repair the great damage we had caused to nature.
The Waterfall: From Dream to Project
From a very young age, we often visited the waterfalls. At that time, we had some friends who visited us frequently, and their greatest dream was to see the waterfalls. But there was no access: it had to be done up the river for over a kilometer, and the route was very difficult, so it wasn’t always possible to get there.
This raised big questions:
How could we make it possible?
How, if we lived six kilometers from the main road, with no access, only by horseback, and it took an hour?
How, without communication, electricity, infrastructure, studies, knowledge of English, and with so much fear?
It was a world completely different from ours. Even without having started and without any knowledge, we carried out all ethical, professional, and administrative processes, with a clear objective: tourism.
Yes, but international tourism, because the Dominical area was just taking its first steps in this field.
The First Visitors
But who knew about the waterfalls? Who had seen them? How could we make them known?
All of this kept us from taking the first step… until one day our father gathered his courage and went to meet don Jack Ewin and Maike Maguines, both tourism entrepreneurs (the first from Hacienda Barú and the second from Restaurante San Clemente), to tell them about this beautiful place. He invited them to visit, see it for themselves, and suggest how to get started.
After their visit and following their recommendations, one day in June 1992, we welcomed the first two tourists to our home. And they were foreigners! What a joy!
More and more visitors kept arriving, and as a result, we had to work hard, with honesty, tenacity, and all the beautiful virtues that God has given us.
More than 30 Years Later…
Today, after having started the horseback rides to the waterfalls, we have been able to survive many storms. We have seen how others were born, grew, and disappeared.
At this moment, our company continues to grow, as does our family. Now our children are also part of the business, and our small staff has remained loyal, being a fundamental part of the success of our lives.
Even day by day, we learn more and we know that this company, born from the efforts of a family, is bearing fruit. Little by little it expands further, and we still have many ideas for improvement.
We hope that, over time, Cataratas Nauyaca S.A. will grow even more, always with the aim of satisfying our visitors.
Att:
Jiménez Solís Family
What Defines Us
Every tour we conduct is guided by these fundamental principles
Safety First
We have trained staff, controlled access, and responsible protocols to ensure a safe experience at all times.
Respect for Nature
We protect and care for the environment around us, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism in harmony with nature.
Unique Experiences
Experience the magic of nature with authentic tours, family-friendly service, and landscapes you’ll only find at Nauyaca Waterfalls.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Join thousands of visitors who have experienced the adventure at Nauyaca Waterfalls.
The majesty of nature and an unforgettable experience await you in this hidden paradise.