A lot of people don’t realize it but, Guanacaste is much more than just incredible beaches! Its culture is unique in Costa Rica, the climate is warm and welcoming, ok the beaches are amazing of course, but there are also many hikes and waterfalls in Guanacaste!
One of the most known waterfalls in Guanacaste province is Llanos del Cortés Waterfall. This is a 24 meters (79 ft) majestic waterfall located in Bagaces, Guanacaste. This waterfall is close to the Interamerican highway, which is the main road that connects Guanacaste to San José. For this reason, I highly recommend everyone that visits Guanacaste beaches to stop by this fantastic waterfall.
How to get to Llanos del Cortés Waterfall in Guanacaste?
This beautiful waterfall is just 10 minutes away from the Interamerican Highway (Guanacaste to San José way). You’ll just have to take an exit, drive 10 minutes and arrive at the complex entrance. The Bagaces Town Hall publicly owns this complex, so by paying for the access, you’ll also be helping the town’s development.
If you are going to beaches like Tamarindo, Conchal, Grande, Avellanas, or other beaches nearby, Google Maps/Waze may take you in the route through the “Puente de la Amistad.” If you take this route, you won’t be able to pass near Llanos del Cortés Waterfall. So, I suggest you take the way through Liberia it’s a bit longer but not too much (around 30 min). In this route, you will pass through Bagaces (10 min away from the entrance of Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls).
Here is the Google Maps locations to get to this place: Llanos del Cortés Waterfall
Facilities
The facilities in Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls are one of the most organized and clean facilities I have visited in a publicly owned park/touristic complex in Costa Rica. When I recently went, there were spotless bathrooms, showers and a big parking lot, with enough space for buses and cars.
There is also a small market right next to the parking lot where you’ll be able to find local souvenirs such as coffee bags and mugs or local craftsmanship. All these facilities that I am mentioning are around 5-10 minutes from the waterfall and natural pool.
Ticket Fee
The ticket fee is one of the cheapest I have seen in Costa Rica for locals and tourists! Making this an extra plus for visiting this amazing place.
- Residents: 2,000 colones ($3-$4 approx)
- Non-residents: 4,000 colones ($6-$7 approx)
Llanos del Cortés Waterfall and Natural Pool
On this occasion, there was not a big and adventurous hike before reaching the waterfall. In this case, you’ll only have to walk around 5 minutes before reaching the imponent waterfall. To be 100% honest, I didn’t miss much the hike before the waterfall with Guanacaste’s temperature being crazy hot that day! When I made this trip (mid-April), the temperature reached 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).
After parking the car and moving past the small market, we reached a small trail that 5 minutes later took us to a fantastic waterfall view. As you get closer, you’ll see a white sand beach right next to the natural pool (a crazy good combination) that looks almost like a beach.
Waterfalls in Costa Rica usually don’t have sand; rocks generally round them, so this was a nice change of pace. At this “beach” you can do even do a picnic and stay longer. But if you are in a rush to visit other places, just go fresh up with a swim. This water is at a pleasant temperature throughout the year. Making this place a perfect place to stop by on your way to the beaches in Guanacaste or back to San José.
Related Post: Hiking at Los Campesinos Ecolodge
In the end, I spent over one hour swimming in the natural pool and taking some photos. After that, I continue on my way to Tamarindo beach.
Llanos del Cortés Waterfall Recap:
- Location: Bagaces, Guanacaste (Drive there)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Access: Any car
- Contact: +506 8777-3014
- Cost: 2,000 colones ($3-$4) residents and 4,000 colones ($6-$7) non-residents.
- Parking: Yes
- More info about the place: Llanos del Cortés
- Hidden Gem Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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