Everything You Need to Know About Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
By Jennifer LaCharite
The province of Guanacaste along the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is known for its dry forest and dry heat (December to May). But there is a tropical oasis that is a must-see spot if you find yourself in the area. Catarata Llanos de Cortes is a 28-meter (92-foot) waterfall that is a perfect day trip from Playas del Coco, Liberia, or Tamarindo Beach.
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How to Get to Catarata Llanos de Cortes
Getting to Llanos de Cortez is relatively straightforward if you have a vehicle. There is no need for a 4×4 to reach the falls, even in the rainy season, as the section of dirt road beyond the highway is fairly well maintained.
If you are traveling to Cortes falls from Playas del Coco, head to Liberia along routes 151 and 21. Once you are in Liberia, you will head east along Inter-Americana Highway 1. To get onto this highway, turn right after the Santa Rosa Plaza Shopping Mall. You will see a gas station directly at the corner. After about 20 minutes you will arrive at the exit for the waterfall. There is a sign but you have to be paying close attention. It is best to enter “Llanos de Cortes” in Google Maps or Waze. From here, you can follow the signs to lead you to the parking lot for the falls.
If you are coming from Tamarindo, you will head west on route 155 at the turn at Villa Real. Follow this until you reach the left turn unto route 21 at Belen. This will take you to Liberia and you can continue onto the falls from there. It takes just over two hours to reach the falls from Tamarindo if the traffic isn’t too busy.
If you do not have a vehicle, there are day trips with transportation from Playas del Coco and Tamarindo.
Looking for a car rental for your trip? Find the best prices here.
Cost to Enter Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
A visit to this waterfall remains one of the most inexpensive day trips you can find in the area. While prices have increased over the years, as of May 2024, an adult foreigner can enter for 4,000 colones ($7 USD) and 2,000 colones per child ($4 USD). Residents of Costa Rica can enter for 2,000 colones.
Accessibility & Amenities at Llanos de Cortes
From the parking lot, the falls are about a ten-minute walk down a cement staircase. This trek can easily be done by small children and seniors who are in good health. Compared to other waterfalls like Rio Celeste, La Leona, and the La Fortuna waterfalls, Llanos de Cortez is easy and accessible.
Note that if you have problems with your knees or ankles this flight of stairs may not be a good choice, though there is a rope safety rail to hang onto and you can go at your own pace.
There are modern bathrooms and changing stalls in the parking lot. There are no bathrooms down at the falls themselves.
Read More: 5 Unforgettable Waterfalls Near Playas del Coco
Safety at the Cortez Waterfall
The parking lot is fairly secure. There is a parking attendant watching the vehicles and bathrooms but it is not recommended to leave any valuables in your car. Parking is free but the lot is large so if you want the attendant to keep an extra eye on your vehicle so be sure to offer them a small tip.
There are also attendants at the falls to make sure people do not climb up onto the slippery rocks or get too close to the powerful falls. You can no longer swim directly under the waterfall as you could in the past. There is a lifeguard on duty as well.
What to Bring to Catarata Llanos de Cortes
There are a few stands selling knick-knacks in the parking lot but other than that there is nothing to buy at the falls. You must bring everything you need with you.
It is recommended to bring a cooler with drinks (no glass) and snacks or lunch if you plan on spending the day. Bring chairs if you do not want to sit on the ground, however, there is a soft beach area where you can lay down a blanket. Of course, bring your swimsuit and a towel so you can cool off in the water.
This is a beautiful and safe spot to bring your fancy camera if you are a photography buff. Visitors here report seeing howler monkeys, white face monkeys, morpho butterflies, friendly iguanas, and even boa constrictors high up in the trees. Bring your hiking sandals or running shoes if you wish to hike to the top of the falls as it can get slippery.
Things to Know Before You Go
Here are some helpful notes you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your trip to Llanos de Cortez waterfalls.
Unlike some waterfalls in Costa Rica, you can swim in these falls. You can even have a guide at the falls take you to another smaller waterfall where you can jump about 5 meters (16 feet) into a deep pool surrounded by rocks. You can also have a guide take you up to the top of the falls to peek over the edge, but don’t get too close!
There have been reports that dogs are completely prohibited, even on a leash. However, small dogs have been seen at the falls as recently as November 2022. This rule may be dependent on who is working on the day you arrive but if you do not want to get turned away, it is best to leave the dog at home.
There is absolutely no smoking on the property. This includes the parking lot as well as the waterfall area. There is also no vaping allowed and the attendants are very watchful of anyone breaking these rules.
There are little fish in the water. Much like those fish spas you may have seen in touristic areas like Playas del Coco, the tiny fish in the falls may nip at your feet. Some people don’t even notice it and others are more sensitive to it. Just imagine you’re getting the fish spa experience for free! This seems to be a seasonal phenomenon that only occurs during the rainy season. Sometimes you will also see locals fishing in the surrounding freshwater ponds for small river trout.
During the rainy season (June to November) the Llanos de Cortes falls have a much more powerful stream. The dry season does not dry up the falls too much, though, and it is still an impressive sight at any time of the year.
Have you been to Llanos de Cortes? Tell us about it in the comments!
