An Amazing Day Trip to Poza Los Coyotes
POZA
LOS
COYOTES
I’ve now had the great pleasure of visiting the incredibly blue waters of Poza los Coyotes several times, and each visit has been incredible. Located on a privately owned “finca”, or ranch, it’s easy to get to, and well worth spending half a day before your Walmart or PriceSmart shopping in Liberia!
The area features a slow moving, deep stream with brilliant celeste blue water that flows from a series of small pools, through a small canyon, and then down into a larger pool. The stream originates from area around the Rincon de la Viejo volcano, and over the millennia it has created this unique location as it has carved its’ way through the rocks.
The largest pool, about 400 meters from where you park, is perfect for swimming and is a very popular place for locals to bring their families for a picnic lunch.
You can swim both above and below the canyon area, and it’s common to see people jumping from the high banks into both the upper stream and pools and into the larger pool below. Lots of fun but be careful to check your landing spot carefully before you jump as there can be some boulders relatively close to the surface. Never a bad idea to jump in the same place you see others doing it safely!
There are limited tubes and lifejackets available for rent, but they go quickly, so it is best to bring your own water toys. Something to float on makes it easier to explore the area, as for the most part the water is to deep to stand in.
On my last visit we were entertained by a troop of howler monkeys above, and the area is full of butterflies, small lizards and dozens of species of birds.
How To Get There
Poza Los Coyotes is only 20 minutes from Liberia, located in the northwest corner of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. The first 10 minutes are on the 2-lane highway that terminates at the border with Nicaragua, and the final 10 minutes are on a well-maintained gravel road.
At the time of writing the entry fee, which includes parking, was only 1,000 colones per person (~$1.60), regardless of nationality. As generally most parks, public and private, charge more for tourists, so it is refreshing to see such a reasonable price for entry. Definitely the best deal in the area!
The parking area is wide open and grassy and there are people that keep an eye on the cars for security.
The location is easily found on Waze and there are signs on the highway and when you get to the entrance to the property.
