Row 1:

• Bosque de Paz Falls - the most hospitable ecolodge I've ever found in a nation of hospitality. Nestled in between Poas and Juan Castro National Parks, the owners oversee every aspect of the operation and make visitors feel part of the family. This spectacular cataract is an easy hike with a guide from the lodge but can only be viewed from this one overlook. 70-300 lens.
  
• Streamside at Bosque de Paz (see above) - the most photogenic cloud forest lodge and grounds I've encountered - primary and secondary forest, wildlife feeding stations, orchid garden and rooms out of aninterior design magazine. The perfect place for a photographer's (working) vacation. 28-105 lens.
• Cariblanco Falls - one of Costa Rica's largest and tallest falls (500') photographed from the mirador (overlook) because it's quite a trek to get to the pool. It's only about 20 min drive past La Paz Falls on the road from San Jose to Puerto Viejo. Caribbean slope. 70-300 lens.
  
• Rio Celeste Falls, Tenorio National Park - in a nation of superlative waterfalls, this one is my favorite. It combines adventure (first, just finding the park northeast of Bijaqua along unmarked roads, then an 60-minute slog through a muddy trail followed by clampering down a near vertical set of "steps" cut into the cliff bank), beauty (swimming pool-turquoise water in a wide round pool surrounded by 80' sheer cliffs in a primary rainforest) and finally relief (the cool water after the trek to get there). Bring your water sandals and wear your bathing suit. You won't be content to just shoot pictures. Oh, yes. Bring a model, too - this setting is pure Paradise 28-105 lens..
  
• Sendero Las Pailas, Rincon de la Vieja National Park - this small cataract is highly seasonal: dry season - no perceptible flow; wet season - a steady stream from this 80' cliff into a small pool. Easily accessed on the trail through the steaming mud pots and into seasonal moist forest, this is nice little waterfall to sit by. After the hot sun and dry forest around the mud pots, it's nice spot for a dip, too. 28-105 lens.
  
• Las Chorreras Falls at Hacienda Guachepelin, outside Rincon de la Vieja National Park - the main attraction of the 25' falls is the wonderful swimming pool that has been created in the vertical canyon of the Rio Blanco. This photo was taken at the peak of the dry season so water flow is greatly reduced from the usual volume. Still, an easy 1km walk from the Hacienda and a great place to play. 18-35 lens.
  
• La Paz Falls - Caribbean slope on the southeast side of Volcan Poas. Perhaps the most accessible and photographed waterfall in Costa Rica, it's nevertheless worth a visit. Scramble over the rocks to the base of the wooden bridge for slow shutter speed shots of the last 60' of this large falls. Just watch for all the spray. 28-105 lens.
• "Dos Rios Falls" on private property of Finca Dos Rios on the NW (Caribbean) side of Volcan Rincon de la Vieja - this 50' falls is unusual in that its feeder stream drops into a hole in the ground and has cut out a large cave with its own small but powerful cataract before emerging as a fast flowing stream. Getting into the ravine at the base of the falls involves a near-vertical scramble down the bank. No permanent trails exist and no tourists have ever seen this falls. 28-70 lens.
  
• Los Chorros Falls, near Tacares. Just 45 minutes from downtown Alajuela, this powerful waterfall cascades into a 150' deep and narrow canyon. It's easily accessible, but avoid the weekends when large numbers of visitors clamber all over the rocks and streams at the base. The spray is heavy, so be sure to carry a plastic bag to cover camera and lens. Water shoes are useful in maintaining a good footing, although the water is icy. 12-24 lens.

Row 2:

• San Luis Falls, Monteverde - a relatively easy scramble through the forest and across the stream fed by this 3-tiered 300' waterfall in the San Luis Valley. Access via the San Luis Ecolodge. 28-105 lens.
  
• Cariblanco Falls - a wider view of this spectacular falls. 70-300 lens.
• Sendero Rio Falls, Monteverde Biological Reserve (2 photos) - this small cloud forest waterfall is nestled in a lushly forested narrow ravine. Recent changes in the trails, vegetation, and viewing platform reconstruction have restricted the views somewhat. 28-105 lens.
  
• Punta Tambor Falls at Playa Tambor, Nicoya Peninsula - this waterfall is unique in that it empties a small stream onto Pacific Island tidepools. This 100' falls is on private property of the Tango Mar resort but can be accessed via a 2.5km walk north along the beach from the town of Montezuma. Or...drive south from Naranjo and follow the signs to the Tango Mar Resort. Tell the gate attendant that you're going to the Reservations office to get information about a family vacation (a romantic anniversary getaway or something similar...); they should let you in. Keep your word and do pick up some brochures then follow the signs or ask the residents for directions to the waterfall. You can park and walk about 10 minutes to the stream at the top of the falls. Follow the well-worn trail along the stream to where it emerges from the forest and plunges 100' into an 80' wide tidal pool. If you're lucky, someone will be swimming in the pool - making for a great photo. The views up and down the beach are pretty spectacular as well, especially late in the afternoon. 18-35 lens.
• La Cangreja Falls, Rincon de la Vieja National Park - after an hour-long horseback ride through secondary forest and regenerating pastureland on the Pacific slope of this diverse national park, it's a pleasure to swim in the turquoise pool of this 80' falls hidden deep in the canyon of the Rio Colorado. 28-105 lens.
• Sendero Rio Falls, Monteverde Biological Reserve - a wider view of this 3-tiered waterfall. 28-70 lens.
  
• Roadside torrent in Tapanti National Park - this 50' stream poured down the hillside along the main road in perhaps the wettest national park in Costa Rica. After a long day of hiking, it was quite refreshing to strip down to shorts and just stand under the icy water. From June to November, this park is loaded with waterfalls. 28-70 lens.
• Llanos de Cortes Falls, Bagaces. Just 2 kilometers down a dirt road off the Pan American Highway in Guanacaste and you arrive at one of the most picturesque and accessible of waterfalls. The turnoff is well-signed and the trail from the parking area to the falls is short. At the base of the falls is a large, sandy area perfect for sunbathing or picnicking. Large trees provide some shade around the edges. The falls is about 60' tall by 100' wide and provides lots of photographic and recreational activities for several hours. 70-300 lens.