THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a day chasing three waterfalls near Rincón de la Vieja: swim at Llano de Cortez, admire the 25-meter Oropendola, and cool off at the local favorite Poza Los Coyotes. This accessible, full-day tour from Tamarindo combines short hikes, reliable plunge pools and a taste of Guanacaste geography and culture.
Spend a day chasing three waterfalls near Rincón de la Vieja: swim at Llano de Cortez, admire the 25-meter Oropendola, and cool off at the local favorite Poza Los Coyotes. This accessible, full-day tour from Tamarindo combines short hikes, reliable plunge pools and a taste of Guanacaste geography and culture.
You step off the van into humid air and the distant rush of water—Guanacaste’s dry hills give way to bands of green as the day moves inland from Tamarindo. The first stop, Llano de Cortez, opens quickly: a short, mostly flat walk to a broad cascade that pours into a shallow sandy pool where locals and travelers float in bright light.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Xplore Costa Rica Tours Empresa Individual de Responsabilidad Limitada · Tamarindo, Guanacaste
You step off the van into humid air and the distant rush of water—Guanacaste’s dry hills give way to bands of green as the day moves inland from Tamarindo. The first stop, Llano de Cortez, opens quickly: a short, mostly flat walk to a broad cascade that pours into a shallow sandy pool where locals and travelers float in bright light.
Geologically, these falls drain slopes on the western flank of Rincón de la Vieja’s volcanic highlands. Basalt flows and erosion have carved ledges and plunge pools; Oropendola Falls drops roughly 25 meters beneath old lava terraces and attracts birds and scent of wet leaf mold. Poza Los Coyotes sits quieter, a local favorite where fingers of the river wind through boulders into calm swimming holes.
Culturally you’ll see roadside stands selling fresh fruit and hear guides translate local place names; the region has a long ranching and mixed-agriculture history tied to Guanacaste’s identity.
Practically: expect an 8‑hour outing with three stops for 30–60 minute swims and short walks (mostly under 20 minutes each). Wear supportive water shoes for slippery rocks, reef-safe sunscreen, and bring a dry bag for phones. Hydrate—driving between sites can be warm—and allow time for changing and a casual lunch near Oropendola.
This tour suits casual swimmers and travelers who want varied waterfall access in a single day: quick hikes, reliable swimming pools, and a clear sense of volcanic landscape giving way to rivers that keep nudging you forward.
easy.
8 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, low-elevation walks and swimming ability for those who want to enter pools.
The tour runs about 8 hours, typically departing Tamarindo in the morning and returning around 4 p.m.
Yes — each waterfall stop is planned for swimming and photography, though participation is optional based on comfort and conditions.
The trip is family-friendly; however, younger children should be supervised at pools and may require life jackets—ask the operator about infant seats and safety options.
The tour operator may cancel or reschedule if conditions make access unsafe; check cancellation terms and local weather on the day of travel.
The falls sit on volcanic terrain shaped by historic eruptions and erosion; the Rincón de la Vieja area has long been used for cattle ranching and holds indigenous cultural ties.
Stick to marked approaches, avoid applying non-biodegradable products before swimming, and follow guides’ directions to minimize erosion and disturbance to river habitats.
Xplore Costa Rica Tours Empresa Individual de Responsabilidad Limitada operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the van into humid air and the distant rush of water—Guanacaste’s dry hills give way to bands of green as the day moves inland from Tamarindo. The first stop, Llano de Cortez, opens quickly: a short, mostly flat walk to a broad cascade that pours into a shallow sandy pool where locals and travelers float in bright light.
You step off the van into humid air and the distant rush of water—Guanacaste’s dry hills give way to bands of green as the day moves inland from Tamarindo. The first stop, Llano de Cortez, opens quickly: a short, mostly flat walk to a broad cascade that pours into a shallow sandy pool where locals and travelers float in bright light.
Geologically, these falls drain slopes on the western flank of Rincón de la Vieja’s volcanic highlands. Basalt flows and erosion have carved ledges and plunge pools; Oropendola Falls drops roughly 25 meters beneath old lava terraces and attracts birds and scent of wet leaf mold. Poza Los Coyotes sits quieter, a local favorite where fingers of the river wind through boulders into calm swimming holes.
Culturally you’ll see roadside stands selling fresh fruit and hear guides translate local place names; the region has a long ranching and mixed-agriculture history tied to Guanacaste’s identity.
Practically: expect an 8‑hour outing with three stops for 30–60 minute swims and short walks (mostly under 20 minutes each). Wear supportive water shoes for slippery rocks, reef-safe sunscreen, and bring a dry bag for phones. Hydrate—driving between sites can be warm—and allow time for changing and a casual lunch near Oropendola.
This tour suits casual swimmers and travelers who want varied waterfall access in a single day: quick hikes, reliable swimming pools, and a clear sense of volcanic landscape giving way to rivers that keep nudging you forward.