Bagaces is a canton in Guanacaste that is the heart and soul of some awesome spots, activities and secret places that many of us do not know of. On this trip you will not only think/say ¡wowww!, But you will want to go straight down to Guanacaste for the weekend... I assure you.

How to get there? From Bagaces 3 kilometers to Liberia, turn left after the Piedra River.

Hours: Open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pets: No Vehicle: Automobile.

What to bring? Camera, swim trunks/ shorts, towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent, clothes to change and a good attitude.

Food? Water and Snacks

It is perfect to take children to the first waterfall because it has a little beach.

Time: Whatever you want. Parking: Yes, with a guy that watches your car.

Llanos de Cortés is only a 3-hour ride from San José, it is a paradise and it is relatively close (like everything in Costa Rica). To get there, we went through the north inter-American road to Liberia, on the way we passed the exits to Cañas, Upala and finally Bagaces.

After passing the entrance to Bagaces you will go 3 more kilometers to pass over Rio Piedras, where you turn left until you reach the entrance of the farm. Normally at the entrance, there is someone from the local community charging, the amount is voluntary, it’s intended for schools, sports teams, and various needs.

The road that leads from the entrance of the farm to the parking lot is not in good condition, but this does not prevent a car from getting there. Once in the parking lot we got out and were greeted by a care keeper who explained to us in a few words the path of the waterfall, and another not so well known path that leads to a natural pool.

We grabbed our junk from the car and walked about 50 meters until we reached what looked more like a private beach, but with an impressive view, this was the infamous Llanos de Cortes waterfall. We sat down in the shade to appreciate the glorious cascade, while we prepared ourselves for the so desired dip.

Once we got into the water we climbed to the stones where the waterfalls like a refreshing curtain on our backs, with the heat of Guana there’s probably nothing more refreshing and relaxing. Ah, I think I was wrong, there is something more relaxing ... The hidden pool that the watchman told us about in the parking lot! When we were about to leave when we remembered this part so we went to see what the fuss was about.

We crossed the river and went first to the top of the waterfall, where you have a pretty aerial view of the waterfall and the beach. After returning we went down and took the path to the right were 50 meters later we came across the most paradisiacal/delicious/solitary/perfect pool that we had ever seen. The crystal clear water comes from a stone wall with plants, which comes from a source of water that apparently has no relationship with the river of the main waterfall. It has a depth of more than 2 meters because we dived into the middle part and It was still safe. We were in the pool relaxed until we got hungry, so we went out and had a cold coconut in the parking lot, then we went back and got a bite to eat.

What’s most surprising about this place is that it is located in the driest province of our country, where we only see meadows like the African savanna, and even so, we can discover an oasis full of lush vegetation and corners that are worth a visit, protected, cared for and enjoyed by us.