5 Unforgettable Waterfalls Near Playas del Coco
By Jennifer LaCharite
There is nothing quite as thrilling as being next to a waterfall – the smell of the ionized air, the feel of the fresh spray, and the sound of the rushing water! Luckily, if you’re in Playas del Coco, you have a few options for visiting these jungle Majesties.
The Best Waterfalls Near Playas del Coco
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If you walk to the north end of the beach during the peak of rainy season, you may be lucky enough to see what locals consider a “waterfall” pouring over the rocks onto the beach. While that’s the only waterfall in Playas del Coco, many of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica are just a short drive away.
Here are the best waterfalls near Playas del Coco that you need to check out.
Llanos de Cortez (Cortez Waterfalls)
Located just over an hour from Coco, Llanos de Cortez are perhaps the most popular waterfalls in the area. They are easy to get to, either on your own or as part of a tour, and easily accessible. There’s no hiking required to get there and the stairs down to the waterfall are well-maintained with a railing. Swimming in the water is allowed, though you cannot swim all the way up to the waterfall, and they do have lifeguards on duty.
Llanos de Cortez is a great option for families and those who want to enjoy a waterfall swim without a big hike. If you’ll be in Liberia or traveling through to Bagaces, this is a great place to stop and relax for an hour or two. There are bathrooms and changing rooms available.
How to Get There: If you have a rental car, you can easily drive there yourself as it’s located just outside of Liberia. A 4×4 vehicle is not required. It’s also included as part of many tours, typically those heading to the Tenorio area to see sloths.
When to Visit: Cortez Waterfalls are open year-round but note that during the rainiest weeks of the year you may not be able to swim.
Entry Fee: $7 per adult and $4 per child. Parking is free with admission. This entry fee should be covered if visiting as part of a larger tour.
Rio Celeste
June 2023 Update: As of August 1, visitors to Tenorio Volcano National Park will no longer be able to purchase tickets at the park entrance. They have implemented a new system allowing travellers to buy their tickets online.
The story, as told by the locals, is that Rio Celeste got its brilliant blue color when God dipped his brush in the river as he was painting the sky. Scientifically speaking, the photo-worthy color comes from a mix of minerals reflecting off of sunlight.
Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste receives a lot of visitors, and the trail from the park entrance to the falls is maintained to keep it relatively easy to traverse. The last segment that takes you down to the waterfall is a long flight of stairs cut into the mountainside. There are about 150 steps with rocks and tree roots to watch out for. It will take you about 30 minutes to walk down to the waterfall and is a good hike for families.
There is also 6 kilometer hike if you are up for a challenge and want to see more of the mountain. If not, you can just visit the falls (which is what most people do). For safety reasons, visitors are not permitted to swim at the pool of this waterfall.
How to get there: It’s about a two-hour drive to Rio Celeste from Coco. You won’t need 4×4 in the dry season but, although the road is paved, it can become slippery in the rainy season and some of the hills are steep.
When to visit: It’s best to visit during the dry season as the color of the water may be affected after heavy rains. Due to this, we recommend visiting from November to April. Since this is the most popular time for visitors, however, it is best to arrive by 8 or 9 am to ensure you get into the park.
Entry fee: The Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance fee for adults is $12 USD, $5 USD for children (ages 2-12). Credit/debit card only (Visa/Mastercard). Parking is 2,000 colones.
La Leona
Another waterfall with stunningly beautiful blue waters is La Leona. The waterfall is found in the small town of Curubande on Finca Don Rafs, which is a private estate owned by a local family, therefore you must go with a guide to get to this waterfall. The hike to these falls will take you through rocky hills, canyons, caves, and river pools. Expect the hike to take about three hours. What makes the trip so worthwhile is the unique waterfall itself, which is found inside a cave.
There are a few different ways to reach the cave and falls, some easier than others, so some families may enjoy this hike to what feels like a little natural hideaway. There is even white water tubing available for an extra charge. Those who are not up to the challenge, such as those with knee or hip issues, can still enjoy the pools near the entrance.
How to get there: La Leona is about an hour’s drive from Coco. The only way to get there is by car and you will need 4×4. There are tours to La Leona available with roundtrip transportation from some hotels.
When to visit: It’s best to visit during peak dry season, otherwise the trails will be muddy and the river current stronger, which will require lifejackets.
Entry fee: A self-drive tour where you meet the guide at the beginning of your hike starts at around $45 per person. Tours that include transportation from Coco will start at around double that.
Las Chorreras Waterfall
Las Chorreras is located in Rincon de La Vieja Volcano National Park, close to Hacienda Guachipelin, a hotel and adventure center located on the edge of the park. Guachipelin offers horseback rides to the falls. You can take one of two hikes; either the short 20-minute trail or the longer 40-minute trail for more scenery and a better chance of catching a glimpse of some wildlife.
Two waterfalls cascading into a refreshing cobalt blue pool makes up Las Chorreras. It’s a great place for a swim and some dreamy jungle relaxation before you begin the trek back to civilization. This is one of five major waterfalls located at the base of the volcano.
How to get there: It will take you about an hour and a half drive from Coco to reach the falls.
When to visit: As with most of the waterfall hikes, the best time to visit is during dry season to avoid slippery, muddy trails.
Entry fee: The Rincon de la Vieja National Park entrance fee is $17 USD for adult foreigners and $5.65 USD for children ages 6-12. Alternatively, you can do the hikes from Guachipelin for $27 and $22, respectively.
