We waded the waist deep river to cross over to the other side and access a fallen tree log that protrudes over the river. Climbing a couple of boulders, we walked on to the edge of the tree log and sat silently to enjoy the vantage views of the Llanos del Cortes waterfall. This log definitely forms the most photogenic frames of the waterfall.
Llanos del Cortes is an easy to reach waterfall that requires no 4X4 vehicle, neither any long and strenuous hike. Also, the proximity to Liberia airport allows it to be an easy addition to the exploration of other activities and attractions in Guanacaste.
So, if you want to visit a pretty waterfall without having to put in much of an effort, include Llanos del Cortes in your Costa Rica itinerary.
Related Reading: Costa Rica 10-Day Itinerary from Liberia
Quick Resources for Planning Llanos del Cortes Visit
✓ Difficulty Level: Easy short walk. Includes stairs. Accessibility: No.
✓ Best Way to Get to the Waterfall: Self-drive. Check our Costa Rica Car Rental Deal.
✓ Guided Tour with Transportation: Full Day Tour – Llanos del Cortes, Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary
How to Get to Llanos del Cortes Waterfall
Self-Guided Tour
Llanos del Cortes waterfall is located few kilometers off the Ruta 1 highway, near Bagaces town. It is a well paved road until the entrance and thereafter a dirt road will lead you to the parking area. But you do not need a 4×4 vehicle to visit Llanos del Cortes.
The distance from San Jose airport is 181 km (112 miles) and the drive takes a little over 3 hours, without stops and without traffic. From Liberia international airport, the waterfall is located at a distance of 35 km (22 miles) and the drive takes about 35-40 minutes.
You can find the waterfall on Google Maps. There is a similar marking by the name “Catarata Llanos del Cortés y Poza Escondida” but that is NOT the official entrance. You need to go to the one named “Catarata Llanos del Cortés”.
This is the Google Maps location for the official entrance way of Llanos del Cortes.
As you drive by, look on your right for a prominent board for the official entrance gate and booking office.
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Guided Tour with Transportation
If you prefer not to drive, you can opt for a guided tour that includes transportation. But if you are opting for a tour, it is better to choose a full day excursion that takes you to multiple destinations.
Book this tour: Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary and Llanos del Cortes
The tour is operated by Native’s Way Costa Rica. They offer hotel pickup and drop-off in all the prominent beach areas around Liberia.
You start the day by visiting Llanos del Cortes waterfall and spending some time swimming and hanging out there. Next, you head to Rio Celeste to see the waterfall with striking sky blue color natural pool and river. You also get to visit a sloth sanctuary.
Tour price includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, services of bilingual guide, driver.
Book Llanos del Cortes + Rio Celeste + Sloth Sanctuary tour here –>Llanos del Cortes Waterfall
Access to the Waterfall
From the parking lot, a short 5-10 minutes walk down the concrete stairs will lead you to the Llanos del Cortes waterfall. So, although short, the path is not accessible for all.
On the way from the parking area to the stairs, there are local vendors selling chilled drinks, fruits and handmade artisanal souvenirs. There are also some picnic tables in this area.
The Waterfall
As you reach the end of the stairs, Llanos del Cortes waterfall reveals itself. A wide veil of white stream topples off the cliff above to drop into the big natural pool below.
The setting of Llanos del Cortes does not appear to be too wild or out-of-the-world as some other waterfalls in Costa Rica, like La Leona or Rio Celeste Waterfall. Still it is a pretty waterfall with photogenic appearance, making it one of the best waterfalls to visit near Liberia.
For visiting La Leona and Rio Celeste waterfalls:
- La Leona Waterfall Hike: Book here and get 5% discount with coupon code paradise
- Rio Celeste: Book Full Day Combo Tour – Llanos del Corte + Rio Celeste + Sloth Sanctuary
Things to Do
Near the Llanos del Cortes waterfall, there is plenty of sandy open ground where you can lay a blanket under the shades of trees and station yourself for a few hours.
Pack a picnic lunch, admire the views of the waterfall surrounded by lush tropical forest and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
Seasonal Variation
Guanacaste is one of the driest areas of Costa Rica.
So, the flow of water at Llanos de Cortes may vary depending on the season you are visiting. Rainy season months between May and November will have fuller flow.
We visited in the month of January, and as you can see from the photos, we got to see fairly good flow of water.
Related Reading: Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
Left: Waterfall as seen from behind the tree log. Right: Indranil standing on the log and enjoying the views.
Can You Swim at Llanos del Cortes?
Yes, you can swim at Llanos de Cortes waterfall.
The natural pool is perfect to take a dip and beat the Guanacaste heat. However, do not get too close to the waterfall as it may not be safe, according to the guidelines.
When you walk down the stairs from the parking area, you will notice a few sign boards with instructions. One of them clearly marks the areas of the pool that are designated safe for swimming. Take a note of that and follow accordingly.
Also, there are onsite lifeguards who will blow a whistle in case you venture into the unsafe areas of the swimming hole.
Related Reading: Best Waterfall Hike in Guanacaste – Catarata La Leona
Left: Instructions marking the safe areas for swimming. Right: Pubali at the swimming hole near the waterfall.
Llanos del Cortes Waterfall: Entrance Information
Visiting Hours
Llanos del Cortes waterfall is open for visits all days of the week.
The open hours are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with latest entry allowed by 3:00 pm.
Entrance Fees
- Foreigners | Adults: 7 USD
- Foreigners | Children, Seniors, Students with IDs: 4 USD
- Costa Rica citizens and residents | Adults: 2,000 CRC
- Costa Rica citizens and residents | Children, Seniors, Students with IDs: 1,000 CRC
- Children under 6 years of age: Free
Facilities at Llanos del Cortes Waterfall
At Llanos de Cortes, the facilities are well organized. Municipality of Bagaces manages the infrastructure and development of this waterfall as an eco-tourism project.
Guarded parking lot and a small building with showers and restrooms allow you to enjoy a day at the waterfall without bothering much about the logistics.
- Parking: Free and secure parking available on site.
- Restrooms: Yes.
- Showers: Yes.
- Restaurant: No.
Tips to Visit Llanos del Cortes Waterfall
What to Wear
- Comfortable quick-dry clothes. Guanacaste is hot!
- Waterproof hiking sandals. It is a short walk down the stairs – so hiking shoes are not really necessary.
- Water shoes. There are rocks on the riverbed.
- Apply sunscreen.
What to Carry
- Carry water for hydration.
- Bring towels and swimsuits if you wish to take a dip in the natural pool.
- It is a nice place to sit under a shade and enjoy a picnic lunch. So pack snacks and food accordingly.
- The waterfall is very photogenic. So do not forget your camera.
Related Reading: What’s in Our Camera Bag?
Final Thoughts
If sights of pretty waterfalls in tropical settings excite you and if you are going to fly in to or out of Liberia airport, add Llanos del Cortes as a great stop on your overall Guanacaste adventures.
Check out our travel guides to other wonderful waterfalls in Costa Rica:
- La Leona Waterfall
- Oropendola Waterfall
- La Cangreja Waterfall
- Rio Negro Waterfalls and Hot Springs
- Rio Celeste Waterfall
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- El Tigre Waterfalls Hike, Monteverde
- Catarata Del Toro
- Nauyaca Waterfalls, Dominical
- Uvita Waterfall
- Montezuma Waterfalls, Nicoya
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Cascada el Pavon, Ojochal
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