Even though Guanacaste is the driest of the seven provinces, there is no shortage of waterfalls to chase around this diverse region of Costa Rica. From Playa Grande, there are ample opportunities to gaze up at several glorious waterfalls. The waterfalls in this particular list are all within driving distance from Playa Grande and can be visited as part of a day-trip to several other popular natural attractions.
Llanos de Cortés
Llanos de Cortés is an easily accessible waterfall just outside of Liberia in the town of Bagaces. This is the perfect place to stop by on your way to or from other attractions like Rincón de la Vieja National Park, La Fortuna, the Tenorio National Park, or the Puma Rescue Center. After paying a small entrance fee and taking a short walk down a path from the parking lot, you will arrive at a magnificent waterfall and pristine natural swimming pool. This spot is also ideal for an afternoon picnic, as many locals like to do on the weekends here.
Four Main Waterfalls in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Oropéndula
This 82-foot waterfall is conveniently located near the Las Pailas entrance to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. You can assess this impressive waterfall on horseback or on foot. At the base of the falls is a crystal clear turquoise swimming hole.
Chorreras
There are actually two waterfalls that cascade down a canyon in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. What’s unique about this particular waterfall(s) is that the pool beneath is a majestic sky blue color thanks to the high concentration of minerals in the water. On horseback, you can reach this duel-waterfall in 25-minutes.
Victoria
Victoria waterfall is located on the Rio Negro and plunges 115-foot into an inviting natural pool. The Rio Negro is a famed river tubing destination within the Rincón de la Vieja Nationa Park. You can certainly tube the river and explore this waterfall in a day’s adventure.
Cangreja
The Canjrega waterfall is located deep in the biodiverse and beautiful forest of Rincón de la Vieja. Cooper from the nearby volcano turns the water that pools at the base of this 130-foot waterfall a heavenly blue color. From the park’s entrance, you can easily hike to this jaw-dropping forest waterfall.
Waterfalls at Sensoria
Sensoria: Land of Senses and Magical Rainforest is a privately owned and protected property in Guanacaste that is host to four spectacular waterfalls, natural thermal hot springs, blue rivers, and abundant wildlife. Only a few guests are granted access to Sensoria daily, so if you make a reservation, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t be bothered by crowds of people while you are enjoying the waterfalls and natural attractions of this little slice of paradise. The four waterfalls are Buenos Aires, Aguilar, Jicara, and Dantas.
While many visitors from around the world flock to Guanacaste’s golden beaches, the interior of the province is host to waterfalls, diverse forest ecosystems, and an incredible collection of wildlife. If you are staying in Playa Grande, you can enjoy both the salt and fresh water features of this unique place in Costa Rica.
