Information
Landmark: Llanos de Cortés WaterfallCity: Guanacaste
Country: Costa Rica
Continent: North America
Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, North America
Overview
Tucked away in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall (Catarata Llanos de Cortés) dazzles visitors with its wide curtain of water spilling into a cool, clear pool.With its calm waters and rolling green hills, this place draws both locals and visitors looking for a quiet retreat.Here’s your guide to this remarkable spot near Bagaces, just a half-hour southeast of Liberia and a quick turn off the Pan-American Highway: a broad waterfall spilling into a clear, shallow pool perfect for wading or cooling off, with the dry season’s softer flow unveiling the delicate ridges and hollows carved into the rock behind it.During the wet season, the waterfall roars with extra force, mist curling through the air, and the natural pool below shimmers between smooth rocks and soft sand-perfect for cooling off, picnicking in the shade of tropical trees, or wandering short forest trails where bright flowers and darting butterflies catch your eye.The trail’s an easy walk most days, though after rain the damp clay can turn slick underfoot.From Liberia, head south on Route 1, the Pan-American Highway, toward Bagaces.Watch for signs pointing to the turnoff for Llanos de Cortés, like the small green one tucked beside the dusty roadside.Just a few kilometers off the main road, the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall sits within easy reach-about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Tamarindo or Playa Flamingo via Route 21 and Route 1.In the dry season from December to April, the sun stays bright, the air warm, and the trail easy to follow, though the falls flow more gently.Come in the rainy months of May to November and you’ll hear the rush of stronger water, but expect muddy, slippery paths.Pack a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes if you plan to swim, along with bug spray, sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, and snacks or a picnic, since no vendors are on-site.Carry out all your trash and leave the place as untouched as you found it; in the wet season, watch for stronger currents.Nearby, you can hike volcanic trails and soak in hot springs at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, spot birds among the wetlands of Palo Verde, or unwind in the warm pools of Bagaces Hot Springs.This quiet spot is one of Guanacaste’s treasures-a peaceful escape surrounded by the sound of falling water and rustling leaves.If you want to swim, spread out a picnic, or just stand there listening to the rush of water, this waterfall is a stop you shouldn’t miss when traveling through Costa Rica’s northwestern region.
