Leave La Fortuna behind and venture into the lush Costa Rican countryside. Begin with a refreshing escape at a hidden waterfall, then continue to a vibrant cacao experience where the natural surroundings, hands-on activities, and chocolate tasting create a day full of discovery and indulgence.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From US$74
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$222
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in La Fortuna whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.
Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.
Explore at your own pace
Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to both Cortez Falls and the Rainforest Chocolate experience, allowing you to enjoy each stop at your own pace before bringing you back safely.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.
Good to know
Two-way private car transfer
Air-conditioned vehicle
Personalized pickup and drop-off
Professional English-speaking driver
Complimentary bottled water
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Cortez Falls and Rainforest Chocolate Tour should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$74
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$222
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in La Fortuna
You choose the pickup spot.
Cortez Falls
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A hidden jewel of Guanacaste’s forest that invites a refreshing escape into nature.
Step through a short forest trail to a stunning cascade spreading across rocky cliffs, forming a natural pool ideal for swimming or wading. The broad flow and soft sandy edges create a serene oasis where visitors can pause, cool off in the refreshing water, or explore the surroundings. Take a moment to dip your feet, admire the cliffs, or stroll along the water’s edge, while birds call from the treetops and the gentle rustle of leaves adds to the jungle ambiance. The site is open daily but may close during heavy rain, so it is best to check the current opening status online before visiting: https://www.facebook.com/CatarataLlanosdelCortes
Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
An immersive cacao experience that turns the rainforest into a hands-on chocolate adventure.
This tropical plantation offers a sensory journey into the world of chocolate. Wander through rows of cacao trees, discovering the journey from bean to bar, and try traditional grinding techniques on ancient stone tools. Sample fresh cacao, pure chocolate, and locally inspired flavors while enjoying the tropical surroundings. Learn how cacao shaped indigenous culture and Costa Rican history and gain insight into sustainable farming practices. The site is open daily, but tour options, entry fees, and current opening hours should be checked online before your visit: https://rainforestchocolatetour.com/book-tour/
Back to La Fortuna
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
There is typically a small vendor area near Cortez Falls where snacks and drinks may be available. The Rainforest Chocolate Tour includes tastings as part of the experience. However, full meals are not included in the day trip price, and availability at vendor spots can vary. It is a good idea to bring your own snacks and stay hydrated, especially given the warm Costa Rican climate.
Yes, swimming is one of the main draws. The wide cascade fans out across rocky cliffs and forms a large, shallow natural pool with calm sections ideal for wading and cooling off. Sandy edges and flat rocks make it easy to relax along the water. The site closes in heavy rain, so check the official Facebook page before your visit to confirm access.
Yes, the chocolate tour is highly family-friendly. Children enjoy the hands-on tastings and the process of discovering how chocolate is made from a tropical fruit. The terrain is flat and accessible, and the sensory experience holds interest for all ages. It is consistently praised by families as a fun, educational stop. Check the tour website for current schedules and admission fees before visiting.
The trail to Cortez Falls is short, roughly 5 to 10 minutes through a forest path. It is generally easy and suitable for most fitness levels, though the terrain can be uneven and muddy after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Unlike La Fortuna Waterfall, this one does not involve steep stairs, making it a more accessible option for families and those with limited mobility.
The Rainforest Chocolate Tour is a hands-on cacao experience set on a tropical plantation near La Fortuna. Visitors walk through rows of cacao trees, learn the full journey from bean to bar, try traditional grinding on stone tools, and sample fresh and finished chocolates. It connects local history and sustainable farming in a relaxed, approachable format. Admission is not included in the day trip price.
The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable weather and easier road conditions. The waterfall can be especially dramatic during or just after the rainy season (May through November) when water flow is at its peak, though the site may close temporarily in very heavy rain. The chocolate tour runs year-round and is a good option even on rainy days since parts of it are covered.
Pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes for Cortez Falls, along with water shoes or sandals that can get wet. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket are recommended year-round in Costa Rica. Bring cash or a card for admission fees at both stops, which are not included. A snack and a reusable water bottle are also a good idea since meals are not provided.
Cortez Falls, also known as Cataratas Llanos del Cortes, is located near Bagaces in Guanacaste, roughly 50 miles (80 km) from La Fortuna. the drive takes around 1.5 hours each way, passing through scenic Costa Rican countryside. The waterfall sits at the end of a short forest trail and rewards visitors with a wide cascade and a natural swimming pool.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.