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If you’re planning a trip to Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, and searching for a great place to swim, explore, and experience the country’s incredible natural beauty, then Poza Los Coyotes needs to be on your itinerary. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Arenal Volcano National Park or the popular beaches along the Pacific Ocean, Poza Los Coyotes remains a hidden gem—a tranquil retreat where crystal-clear waters, towering canyon walls, and a peaceful jungle atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable experience. If you want more ideas, read my 22 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica post!

Tucked away in the countryside near Liberia, this natural oasis offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a refreshing break from the Costa Rican heat, this unique ecosystem delivers. The lush rainforest surrounding the pools is alive with tropical birds, diverse flora, and even howler monkeys, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

One of the best things about Poza Los Coyotes is its untouched, off-the-beaten-path feel—it’s not part of Costa Rica’s national parks, so it’s free from crowds and commercialization. You won’t find big tourist facilities or guided tours here, just the raw beauty of Costa Rica’s tropical climate in its purest form. Imagine floating effortlessly down a serene river, swimming in a hidden cave, or discovering natural pools carved into the rock by centuries of flowing water.

With its affordable entry fee, easy trails, and stunning scenery, Poza Los Coyotes is a great way to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of busier attractions. Whether you spend the day floating through the canyon, exploring the caves, or just soaking in the jungle surroundings, this spot is sure to be a highlight of your Costa Rica adventure.

Why Poza Los Coyotes is a Must-Visit in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is home to some of the world’s biodiversity, including famous tropical forests, wildlife refuges, and volcanic activity in places like Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio Volcano National Park, and Arenal Volcano National Park. While those locations offer challenging trails and unforgettable experiences, Poza Los Coyotes provides something different—a relaxing, family-friendly destination that still showcases the diverse flora and stunning landscapes of the region.

Unlike the cloud forests of Monteverde or the dense jungle of Corcovado National Park, Poza Los Coyotes is an easy hike away from some of the most beautiful natural pools in Costa Rica. It’s also much less crowded than popular attractions like La Fortuna Waterfall or Rio Celeste Waterfall, making it a great way to experience nature without the tourist rush. If you want to add Poza Los Coyotes to your Costa Rica Adventure, check out my suggested 7 Day Itinerary and 10 Day Itinerary posts!

Our Personal Experience at Poza Los Coyotes

Our visit to Poza Los Coyotes was one of those unexpected highlights of our trip to Guanacaste Province—the kind of place that you hear about from a local or stumble upon while looking for something different from the usual tourist hotspots like Arenal Volcano National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park. We were looking for a great place to cool off, spend time as a family, and enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty—and Poza Los Coyotes delivered all that and more.

First Impressions: Finding Our Own Jungle Paradise

As we pulled up to the entrance, we were greeted by a simple rental shack with inflatable tubes and life jackets stacked neatly under a shaded platform (📸 as seen in our photo below). The whole setup was refreshingly rustic—no big tourist crowds, no long lines, just a handful of other families getting ready to enjoy the water. A small signpost pointed us toward the different attractions: the main swimming area, canyon, and cave. There is a big parking lot, and no crowds!

We paid our 2,000 colones entry fee, grabbed a few tubes, and set off down the main trail, a short and easy walk through the dense forest. The sound of birds filled the air, and we could already hear the faint rush of water in the distance. The weather conditions were perfect—warm but not too hot, with plenty of shade from the trees.

Floating Through the Canyon

When we reached the canyon, we knew right away that we’d found something special. The water was that perfect shade of bright blue, the kind you usually only see in travel brochures, and the canyon walls rose high above us, lined with thick greenery and vines. It was peaceful but not completely silent—you could hear the occasional splash from other swimmers and the distant calls of howler monkeys somewhere in the trees.

We grabbed our inflatable tubes and eased into the water, letting the gentle current pull us along. The river winds through narrow rock formations, making it feel almost like a natural lazy river. As we floated, we caught glimpses of tiny tropical birds darting between the branches, and every now and then, a leaf would drift down from the trees above, landing softly on the water’s surface.

The kids had an absolute blast. They were racing, splashing, and taking turns pushing each other’s tubes. The water was on the cooler side, which was a nice break from the heat, and it was deep enough for a good swim but calm enough to feel safe. That said, you can’t see the bottom, and there aren’t any steps or easy entry points, so it’s worth keeping in mind if you have young kids, weak swimmers, or anyone with mobility limitations. We made sure our kids had their lifejackets on the whole time, which let them enjoy the water without any worry.

Discovering Cueva del Coyote

After some time in the canyon, we decided to follow the easy trail to Cueva del Coyote, one of Poza Los Coyotes’ most famous features. The walk took less than 10 minutes, leading us through a quiet stretch of tropical forest before opening up to reveal the hidden cave pool.

This spot was magical. The entrance to the cave was partially covered by rock formations, creating a cool, shaded area where the water looked even bluer than before. You can’t make it all the way to the cave since the current is so strong, so you just paddle/swim as far as you can and then float back down the river. It was peaceful, refreshing, and completely unlike any other place we’d been to in Costa Rica’s national parks.

Relaxing in the Natural Pools

To wrap up our visit, we headed to the wide-open natural pools (📸 as seen in our photos of the kids swimming in the big blue pool). This was the perfect place to just float, swim, and soak up the tropical scenery. A few fallen logs stretched across the water, giving the kids a fun challenge to balance on while we relaxed nearby.

We spent at least an hour here, watching the sunlight dance on the surface of the water, listening to the distant sounds of howler monkeys, and simply enjoying the moment.

Our visit to Poza Los Coyotes was more than just a fun day trip—it was an unforgettable experience. Unlike the more famous costa rica's trails in Arenal Volcano National Park or Rincón de la Vieja, this was a laid-back, no-fuss adventure where we could enjoy nature at our own pace.

If you’re planning a trip to Guanacaste Province and want to explore a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path gem, Poza Los Coyotes is the best way to experience a different side of Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Pack your swimsuits, water shoes, and a sense of adventure—and get ready for a day of floating, swimming, and exploring in one of the most beautiful hidden spots in Central America. If you want more ideas like this, read my favorite hidden gems in Costa Rica post!

Getting to Poza Los Coyotes: Best Way to Arrive

Located about 16 kilometers from Liberia, getting to Poza Los Coyotes is relatively simple.

• Driving Directions: Start on the Pan-American Highway, then take a turn onto a dirt road that leads to the entrance. The last 5 kilometers can be a little rough, so a car with higher clearance is helpful but not necessary.

• Weather Conditions & Best Time to Visit: The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit. If you come during the rainy season, expect some muddier trails and stronger currents in the water.

• Park Entrance Fee: The cost is 2,000 colones (about $3.60 USD) per person, which is incredibly affordable compared to Costa Rica’s national parks.

Once you arrive, clear signage will guide you to different areas, including Cueva del Coyote, the canyon, and the natural pools.

What to Expect: Activities & Attractions

1. Floating Through the Canyon

Poza Los Coyotes is famous for its serene turquoise pools and narrow canyon. The main trail leads to this calm and scenic section of the river, where you can float or swim beneath the towering canyon walls.

👉 Tubes and Life Jackets Available: At the rental station near the entrance, you can rent an inflatable tube for 1,000 colones (about $2 USD). This makes for a fun and relaxing ride down the river, perfect for families with kids.

2. Exploring Cueva del Coyote

An easy hike of about 10 minutes leads to Cueva del Coyote, one of the most unique features of Poza Los Coyotes. The cave pool is partially hidden by rock formations, giving it a mysterious and adventurous feel. You paddle upstream in your tubes as far as you can (until the current doesn’t let you go any farther), take some photos and float back the way you came!

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during the rainy season, be mindful of water levels, as the cave can fill up more quickly after heavy rains.

3. Swimming in the Natural Pools

Further along the river, you’ll find several natural pools, some wide and open, others tucked between rocky riverbeds and small cascades. The water here is incredibly clear and cool, making it a great escape from the Costa Rican heat.

The surrounding area is full of exotic plants and tropical birds, adding to the beauty of the experience.

Practical Tips for Visiting Poza Los Coyotes

To make the most of your visit, keep these practical tips in mind:

What to Bring

✔ Swimwear & Towels – You’ll be in the water most of the time.
✔ Water Shoes – The rocky riverbeds and cascades can be slippery.
✔ Sunscreen & Hat – Even though there’s plenty of shade, it’s still hot.
✔ Snacks & Water – There are no food vendors inside.
✔ Dry Bag – Protect your phone and valuables while you’re swimming.
✔ Insect Repellent – Since Poza Los Coyotes is a tropical rainforest area, there will be bugs!

Best Time to Visit & Weather Conditions

• Best Trip Timing: The dry season (December-April) is ideal because the roads are in better shape, and the water is crystal-clear.

• Crowd Levels: Weekends can get busy with locals, so if you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.

Wildlife & Surrounding Area

Costa Rica is home to some of the most biologically intense places on Earth, and even though Poza Los Coyotes is not a wildlife refuge, it’s still common to spot some amazing creatures, such as:
✔ Howler Monkeys – You’ll likely hear them before you see them!
✔ Tropical Birds – Keep an eye out for colorful birds flitting through the trees.
✔ Exotic Plants & Flora – The area surrounding Poza Los Coyotes is full of dense forest and beautiful tropical vegetation.

If you have extra time, you might also consider visiting Rincón de la Vieja or Santa Rosa National Park, both of which are in Guanacaste Province and offer incredible hiking trails, volcanic activity, and natural hot springs.

Final Thoughts: Why Poza Los Coyotes is a Must-Visit

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Costa Rica, Poza Los Coyotes is an amazing off-the-beaten-path destination. It’s a great place to cool off, enjoy nature, and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re floating through the canyon, swimming in the natural pools, or taking in the scenery, this spot offers a relaxing and unforgettable experience.

Compared to other destinations like Arenal Volcano National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park, or Manuel Antonio National Park, Poza Los Coyotes is less crowded, more affordable, and a better way to experience a natural side of Costa Rica that many travelers overlook.

So, pack your swimsuit, grab a tube, and enjoy one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets!