Bagaces is a canton in Guanacaste full of hidden gems. And Llanos de Cortés is hands down one of the most impressive ones — a waterfall with a small beach and a secret pool that will make you want to drop everything and head to the coast this weekend 🧳 This is one of those spots that make you say: Wow, Costa Rica is wild.
Our Visit to Llanos de Cortés 🌴
Just 3 hours from San José, Llanos de Cortés is a lush oasis in the heart of Guanacaste. We took Route 1 north, passed Cañas and Upala, and turned toward Bagaces.
3 km after the Bagaces turnoff, right past Río Piedra, we turned left onto a gravel road. At the entrance, a local was collecting a voluntary donation to support community projects 🙌
🛣️ The Arrival
The road to the parking area was rough but manageable. There, a friendly watchman gave us the lay of the land: one path to the famous waterfall, and another to a hidden pool 🕵️
We grabbed our gear, walked 50 meters, and suddenly saw a gorgeous waterfall with a small beach — the Llanos de Cortés in all its glory. We chilled under the trees before diving in.
💧 The Swim… and the Secret
We climbed the rocks and stood under the falling water — nature's curtain. With the heat of Guanacaste, it felt incredible.
But the real surprise came later…
We remembered the watchman’s tip and took the hidden path. After crossing the river and climbing to the upper part of the waterfall, we came back down and followed the right-hand trail. Just 50 meters later, we found a crystal-clear pool with lush greenery all around, fed by a spring.
It’s over 2 meters deep — perfect for a jump or floating around until hunger hits. We ended the day with cold coconut water and snacks before hitting the road again.
🌿 Unexpected Jungle in Guanacaste
What’s most surprising? This lush paradise is found in the driest province in Costa Rica. While most of Guanacaste looks like African savanna, this spot is full of tropical vegetation, wildlife, and hidden corners just waiting to be explored, protected, and enjoyed.