Tamarindo Waterfall Tour: Llanos de Cortez & Hot Springs

Unwind in Llanos de Cortez’s secluded pools with your own private guide

A private waterfall and hot springs tour from Tamarindo takes you through rainforest to Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, across hanging bridges, and to natural hot springs and mud baths. You travel with a dedicated guide who sets the pace, and the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, water and all entry fees. The route suits families and anyone wanting to move through the landscape without a fixed group schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rainforest hike and waterfall visit

• Visit Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
• Swim and take photos at waterfall
• Hike through rainforest and hanging bridges
• See four waterfalls including Llanos de Cortez
• Enjoy hot springs and mud baths

The experience

Ten to eleven hours means you start early and move through several distinct stops. The day opens at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, where you swim in the pool below the cascade or photograph the water from the rocks. From there, the tour climbs into the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges (the vantage point the operator names as the draw) before descending to natural hot springs fed by the Miravalles Volcano. You finish at mud baths where you soak in the warm mineral water before heading back to your hotel.

A dedicated guide travels with you the whole time, which means no rushing between stops and no competing for the guide's attention. The air-conditioned vehicle handles the transport between sites, and the operator brings bottled water throughout the day. Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, or other restrictions) can be arranged if you mention them when you book.

Children from age one travel on this tour, though the operator notes it is not recommended for pregnant travelers. The hike itself suits all fitness levels according to the operator's description, though the terrain includes rainforest paths and the hanging bridges require balance and comfort with heights.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• entry to all sites, hot springs and mud baths.
• use of the sauna facilities.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Infant (1 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by On The Road Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a private guide and the flexibility to pause at rainforest stops, hanging bridges, and waterfalls on your own pace rather than moving with a group schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 11 years).

What is Llanos de Cortez Waterfall like when you arrive?

Llanos de Cortez is a large waterfall with a swimming pool at its base where the water is a relaxing temperature. You can swim in the pool or stay on the rocks to photograph the cascade and the surrounding landscape.

Do you walk across the hanging bridges, or do you view them from the ground?

You walk across the hanging bridges yourself. They cross through the rainforest canopy and offer views of four waterfalls, including Llanos de Cortez, from above.

Are the hot springs and mud baths natural, or are they built facilities?

The hot springs and mud baths are natural, fed by the Miravalles Volcano. You soak in the warm mineral water as part of the tour's final stops before returning to your hotel.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs ten to eleven hours total. Hotel pickup is included, so the guide will collect you from your accommodation. The exact start time depends on your hotel location and the operator's schedule.