Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
splits. From the left-hand fork, you'll reach Guayabo, with a few
sodas
and basic
cabinas;
to the right, you'll find Fortuna de Bagaces, with easier access to the hot springs. Both
towns are small population centers, and are not of much interest to travelers. The road re-
connects north of the two towns and continues toward Upala.
By bus, you can connect through Bagaces, which has hourly buses to and from Guayabo
and Fortuna (US$1, 45 minutes).
WORTH A TRIP
LLANOS DE CORTÉS WATERFALL
If you have time to visit only one waterfall in Costa Rica, make it
Llanos de Cortés
(admis-
sion by donation; 8am-5pm). This beautiful hidden waterfall is located about 3km north of
Bagaces; head north on the Interamericana, turn left on the dirt road after the Río Piedras
bridge, then follow the bumpy road (4WD required) for about 1km, and turn right at the
guarded gate, where you'll make a donation (US$2 will do the job) in exchange for your
admission. Proceeds help fund the local primary school.
Continue down the dirt road about 300m to the parking area, then scramble down the
short, steep trail to reach this spectacular 12m-high, 15m-wide waterfall, which you'll be
able to hear from the parking lot. The falls drops into a tranquil pond with a white sandy
beach that's perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Go 'backstage' and relax on the rocks
behind the waterfall curtain, or shower beneath the lukewarm waters. On weekends this
is a popular Tico (Costa Rican) picnic spot, but on weekdays you'll often have the water-
fall to yourself.
There are no services here except for the occasional vendor selling fruit in the parking
area. As always, don't leave valuables exposed in your car. If you don't have a car, any bus
trawling this part of the Interamericana can drop you at the turnoff, but you'll have to hike
from there to the falls.
Parque Nacional Palo Verde
US$10/1; 8am-4pm)
is a wetland sanctuary in Costa Rica's driest province. It lies on the
northeastern bank of the mouth of the Río Tempisque and at the head of the Golfo de
Nicoya. All the major rivers in the region drain into this ancient intersection of two basins,
which creates a mosaic of habitats, including mangrove swamps, marshes, grassy savannas
