Nature Field Guide
Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
- Spanish name
- Catarata Llanos de Cortés
- Scientific name
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Join Pico and Tati to discover Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and learn how water shapes Costa Rica’s landscapes.
Species overview
About the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
A broad curtain of water spills over a rocky ledge at Llanos de Cortés. Its wide shape contrasts with the narrow column at La Fortuna and makes a useful example of how landforms influence waterfalls.
Identification
Key Features of the Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
A broad waterfall curtain.
Rock and moss around the ledge.
A pool and sandy area below.
Habitat & range
Bagaces, Guanacaste. Look for the waterfall’s river, rock formations and surrounding vegetation from approved viewing areas.
Local observations
A Costa Rican waterfall location. This card is educational and does not guarantee access, swimming permission or current visitor conditions.
When to observe
Plan a daytime visit after checking current opening arrangements, trail conditions and weather with the site operator. Flow, visibility and access can change with rainfall.
Conservation & care
Visit with an adult and follow the site’s current access rules and staff guidance. Stay on authorized trails and behind barriers. Wet rocks, steep drops, strong currents and sudden rises in water can be dangerous. Do not jump from waterfalls or climb wet rock faces. Enter water only where explicitly permitted and conditions are approved by site staff. Leave plants, rocks and wildlife undisturbed and carry out all litter.
Observation activity
Draw the outline of this waterfall and compare its width and shape with La Fortuna.
Plan Your Visit
Llanos de Cortés — visitor entrance near Bagaces
Getting There
Navigate to the visitor entrance near Bagaces, rather than to a pin in the waterfall pool. Confirm the parking area and authorized walking route on arrival.
Before You Go
Confirm current admission and opening arrangements locally. Ask staff about water conditions before entering any designated swimming area.
Visit information reviewed October 8, 2026. Confirm current access before travel.