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Llanos de Cortés: A Guanacaste Oasis

Discover Llanos de Cortés, a stunning waterfall near Bagaces, Guanacaste, offering a refreshing escape and picturesque beauty.

Llanos de Cortés is a stunning waterfall cascading into a refreshing pool, offering a tropical escape near Bagaces, Guanacaste. It's known for its accessibility and picturesque beauty, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a refreshing break from the region's dry heat.

A brief summary to Llanos de Cortés

  • Bagaces, Guanacaste Province, CR

Local tips

  • Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks, as there are limited options to purchase food at the falls.
  • Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel to enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfall's pool.
  • Visit during the rainy season (June to November) to witness the waterfall's most powerful stream.
  • Be aware that the entrance fee may vary, with foreigners sometimes charged more than locals.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Liberia, head southeast on the Pan-American Highway (Route 1). After about 20 minutes, look for the exit for Llanos de Cortés, keeping an eye out for the sign. Turn onto the dirt road and follow it to the entrance. From the entrance, continue another 1 km to the parking area. The road is accessible without a 4x4 vehicle. Parking is free, but tipping the parking attendant is customary.

  • Public Transport

    From Liberia, take a bus towards Canas, San Jose, or Puntarenas. Ask the driver to drop you off at “la entrada para Llanos del Cortez”. From the highway, it's about a 2 km walk to the waterfall entrance. Bus fare from Liberia to Bagaces is approximately $1-2. From Bagaces, a taxi to the waterfall costs around $30-$40.

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Discover more about Llanos de Cortés

Nestled in the Guanacaste province, Llanos de Cortés is a breathtaking waterfall that provides a refreshing contrast to the region's characteristic dry forests. The waterfall, also known as Catarata Llanos de Cortés, is roughly 12 meters wide and 28 meters tall, featuring multiple streams of water gracefully cascading down a mossy rock face into a clear pool below. The falls have a rich history, having been discovered by the indigenous Chorotega people and serving as a local refuge from the tropical heat. Today, it stands as a testament to Costa Rica's natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can swim in the pool at the base of the falls and relax on the sandy area. For a different perspective, a path on the left side of the waterfall leads to the top, offering views of the cascading water. The hike is relatively easy via a staircase, but caution is advised near the edge. The waterfall's stream can vary in strength depending on the season, with the rainy season (June to November) creating a more powerful flow. The surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife, including small fish in the water.

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