La Fortuna to Cortez Falls and Macaw haven: Private day trip

At 12 meters high, the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall isn’t the tallest cascade in Costa Rica, but it is undoubtedly one of the best. Wider than they are tall, the falls create a wispy white curtain as they pour into a tranquil pool. The rock cliff behind the wall has eroded away, so you can relax on the rocks behind the curtain. A sandy area in front of the pool makes for a great place to sun yourself, and there are occasionally vendors set up onsite serving up snacks and refreshments. If you want to immerse yourself in the jungle a bit more, just take a stroll along the riverbank. You’re bound to see some of Costa Rica’s rich wildlife, including the water-walking Jesus Lizard.

The Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa is a charity dedicated to preserving Costa Rica’s wildlife, with a special focus on at-risk species. The sanctuary’s namesake macaws aren’t bred for the pet trade - rather, they’re released into the wild. As such, the birds here fly unrestricted, and are free to enjoy their habitat as the get ready for the real world. The sanctuary provides a home for animals victimized by human actions, so along with the macaws, you’ll see monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, and orphaned jaguars, and many other species. For more information, please visit http://www.natuwa.com. Please allow a minimum of 90 minutes to allow for the duration of the guided tour.