Chasing El Chorro: A Hidden Beach and Waterfall in Costa Rica
On the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Cocolito rewards the adventurous with beauty, solitude, and a waterfall that flows into the sea.
Over the river and through the woods… not to grandmother’s house this time, but to Playa Cocolito! The river and woods part, though, was right on.
Living in Costa Rica means enjoying nature is a daily joy. I’m lucky to be surrounded by stunning landscapes all year long in this tropical paradise, and chasing waterfalls has become one of my favorite activities. Here in Costa Rica, you can find waterfalls in pretty much every part of the country!
During an editorial trip to Montezuma, I took a day trip to a remote beach located between Tambor and Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula. This was not your regular beach day, it was an adventure enjoying unspoiled nature with a Pura Vida vibe.
How to Get There
At the entrance to Tango Mar, follow the road to the “Waterfall/Cascada” signs. Park your car and follow the path, walking by the chain-link fence. Head toward the ocean; you will hear the crashing waves calling your name.
Continue walking, surrounded by lush greenery, which I find so energizing. That vibrant green color always enhances my mood. Breathing in the fresh air, my nervous system relaxes.
After a short walk, you come to a river that flows down into the ocean. The waterfall, known as El Chorro, is one of the few waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the sea, making it a unique find.
Cross the river slowly—the rocks are slippery, but the water is shallow. Once on the other side, you have to climb down the rocks. This isn’t the best spot for anyone uncomfortable on uneven terrain. But once you hit the light brown, soft sand, you are on a remote beach… a slice of paradise.
Since reaching this beach requires more effort, its limited accessibility keeps the crowds away.
You must go at low tide, as you could get stuck on the beach once the tide comes in, unable to access the rocks to climb out.
Other Ways to Access This Beach
Walking
From Playa Montezuma, walk north for about 3 miles along the beach. Since the walk takes about 1.5 hours, it might be best to walk there and arrange a ride back.
From the main beach in Montezuma, you will enter the Romelia Wildlife Refuge, where the path intersects protected jungle and a rocky beach. If you get lucky, you may see white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, coatis, scarlet macaws, and toucans. Romelia is also a turtle nesting beach (olive ridley, hawksbill, and sometimes leatherback). Nesting is seasonal and usually happens at night into the early morning hours.
Then you hit Playa Grande, a vast and beautiful surfing beach. Stop to explore and swim along the way; the walk is a coastal gallery, where you might spot crabs, fish, and snails in the tidepools. Check out the hidden coves tucked between rocks along the way.
⚠️ Be sure to go at low tide, since parts of the walk become impassable at high tide.
On Horseback
Local tour operators in Montezuma and Tambor offer horseback riding tours along the beaches and trails to reach Playa Cocolito. On horseback, you’ll take in scenery that includes the sparkling ocean, jagged cliffs, and lush greenery.
By Boat
Some boat tours from Montezuma or Tambor include Playa Cocolito as a stop. Most boat tours also offer snorkeling and dolphin watching.
My Recommendations
I suggest using a local guide for this excursion. My nephew, who lived in the area, showed me the ropes by accompanying me during my trip. If you are into private paradises off the beaten track, Playa Cocolito is a must-see.
When you are in the area, I also suggest visiting:
Río Lajas: On the road to Cabuya from Montezuma, check out Río Lajas, a tropical paradise where river and ocean ecosystems collide. The palm tree-lined river is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours soaking in the sun and the beauty of the area.
Montezuma Waterfall: This waterfall is easy to access, as there is a parking lot right near the trail. Be careful as you cross the river and hike the trail, as it can be slippery. Always use caution, especially in the rainy season, when currents and debris can make conditions dangerous. Bring a bathing suit—you’ll definitely want a dip in the natural pool once you reach the top.
With its incredible biodiversity and natural beauty, Costa Rica promises unforgettable experiences and adventures that will last a lifetime!
— Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
Exploring off-the-beaten-path spots is half the fun of living abroad. What hidden gem have you discovered? Drop it in the comments so we can all add it to our lists!