Poza Los Coyotes is one of the best kept secrets in Costa Rica. Just 35 minutes from the Liberia Airport, Poza Los Coyotes is a series of turquoise pools, waterfalls, and canyons. It’s an awesome attraction for anyone looking to beat the heat (and crowds) and enjoy the natural beauty of Guanacaste.
It’s unbeatable price and convenient location makes this destination a no-brainer. Poza Los Coyotes is the best $4 you can spend in Costa Rica!
Heading to Guanacaste? Check out the top 17 things you can’t miss in this area of Costa Rica!
What is Poza Los Coyotes Like?
The natural pools of Poza Los Coyotes feel like a complete oasis in the middle of the dry, desert-like region of Guanacaste. These pools are turquoise in color and surrounded by tall canyon walls.
Locals love to come and jump off the canyons into the pools below. It’s also a great spot to picnic. There are charcoal grills, picnic tables, and plenty of places to roll out a blanket beside the water.
There are several different areas to explore within Poza Los Coyotes. There is a beautiful waterfall that you can observe from the canyon walls and multiple turquoise pools (pocitas) where you can set up camp!
However, my favorite spot is the cave (Cueva del Coyote) which is about 400 meters (1,300ft) from the entrance. You can swim through the cave and up the river to see a small waterfall! It makes for a very unique experience.
Recently, Poza Los Coyotes has added a sort of “snack shack” with quick bites made to order. There is also a shop with convenient items like water shoes, waterproof bags, and more, in case you forgot something!
How to Get to Poza Los Coyotes
Poza Los Coyotes is to the north of Liberia, just 17 miles (27km) from the Liberia Airport. It’s located off Route 1, about 3 miles (5km) down a gravel road. You’ll see a turn off to your right with a sign for Poza Los Coyotes. There will be a person or two outside of a small welcome booth who will take down your name, collect your $4 per person, and give you wristbands.
Poza Los Coyotes is easy to find on Google Maps. You can type Poza Los Coyotes or click here for directions.
Parking & Road Conditions at Poza Los Coyotes
There is plenty of parking which is very near to the pools! There are also restrooms available to you. The property has signs indicating the direction and distances of the must-see canyons and caves. There are also helpful staff members who can point you in the right direction!
The gravel road leading to the Poza Los Coyotes turnoff is generally fine for all vehicles. You may find bigger pot holes and uneven roads in the rainy season (May to November). The road to the pools is a bit more rugged, with roots and puddles during the rainy season. If you are coming in a lower vehicle or sedan, it’s best to drive slowly and cautiously.
What to Bring to Poza Los Coyotes
The best thing about this destination is that you don’t need to plan or pack much to have an amazing time! It’s the ultimate spot to enjoy a natural wonder of Costa Rica at your own pace.
Bring the following to stay cool and comfortable:
☀️ Cash – You’ll need to bring 2,000 Colones ($4 USD) per a person to get into the property, but I suggest bringing another 2,000 Colones to rent an inner tube! It makes it even more fun! Bring extra cash in case you want to buy fries or a hamburger from the Snack Shack!
☀️ Bathing suit, Towels, & Change of clothes
☀️ Sunscreen & Bugspray
☀️ Hat & Sunglasses
☀️ Water shoes – To walk around and explore comfortably in the river. This also keeps you safe on the slippery canyons.
☀️ Plenty of drinking water
☀️ Waterproof bag! – My favorite purchase for Costa Rica! Whether you are hiking in the rainforest, boating on a catamaran, or visiting a waterfall, a waterproof bag is a lifesaver!
To check out my specific recommendations for water activities in Costa Rica, check out my Waterfall Essentials list on Amazon!
If you want to picnic:
☀️ Sandwiches, sliced fruits, drinks, and a cooler!
☀️ Hotdogs, meat, or other food to grill
☀️ Charcoal and a lighter for the grill
☀️ A blanket, camping/beach chairs, or something else to sit on
When to Visit Poza Los Coyotes
The best time of year to go to Poza Los Coyotes is in the summer months (December-April) since you can expect a sunny, rain-free day. The clear mornings during the lighter months of the rainy season (May-August) can also be a good time to visit! You can choose to stay by the pools nearest to the parking lot for a quick getaway in case it starts to rain.
The sun sets around 5:30-6pm during most months of the year, so plan to come early enough to have at least a couple of hours to enjoy.
This hidden gem can get busier on the weekends, since it is a local favorite. Try to come on a weekday to make the most of it!
Final Thoughts: Why Poza Los Coyotes is a Must-See
Poza Los Coyotes is one of my absolute favorite places to bring visitors in Guanacaste! It is a true hidden gem in Costa Rica, that you can enjoy for only $4! The location is easily accessible, near Liberia, with plenty of parking and good road conditions.
The cool, turquoise pools are the perfect spot to cool off from the heat. There are also a couple sights to explore on the property like canyons and waterfalls. Coyote Cave is a must-see when visiting Poza Los Coyotes. Pack a picnic to spend the day here and make the most of it!
More Essential Info for Your Dream Trip:
🔹 Costa Rica Planning Guide – Trip planning 101
🔹 10% off your rental car – Costa Rica’s most reliable company
🔹 The Ultimate Packing List for Costa Rica
🔹 Las Catalinas: Another must-see in Guanacaste!
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