Cocalito Falls (locals call it “El Chorro”) is one of only about 15 waterfalls in the world that cascade directly into the ocean. Let that sink in for a moment. A freshwater waterfall dropping off a jungle cliff straight onto a beach where the Pacific crashes just meters away. That alone would make it special. But there is more.
The sand here has a pink tone. The beach stretches for miles in both directions with nobody on it. There is no sign, no entrance fee, no crowd. Roughly 99.99% of people who visit Costa Rica will never know this place exists. It is, genuinely, a hidden treasure.
This is Marta’s and my favorite beach in all of Costa Rica. We come here for picnics, spend entire days with our feet in the sand, and it still gives us that feeling of discovering something for the first time. Every single visit. It is our romantic getaway, and we are sharing it with you because a place this beautiful deserves to be experienced, just respectfully.
How to Get to Cocalito Falls
Cocalito Falls is located between Montezuma and Cabuya on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The GPS coordinates are 9.6844, -85.0304 (Google Maps).
Our recommended route (drive or ATV). You can technically walk from Montezuma, but we recommend driving or taking ATVs to this parking spot near Cabuya. From there it is a short walk down to the beach. This saves you the 40-minute coastal hike each way and lets you spend your energy at the falls instead of on the trail. If you are renting ATVs in the area, this makes for an incredible ride through the peninsula roads before arriving at the coast. You can book an ATV tour in the Montezuma area and ask to include a Cocalito stop.
Walking from Montezuma (longer option). If you prefer to hike, walk south along the beach from Montezuma town. After about 20 minutes you will reach rocky sections where the trail moves slightly inland through coastal forest. The total hike is roughly 40 minutes one way. The path is not marked in places, so pay attention. Wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
Tide matters. Parts of the coastal trail cross rocky beach that gets submerged at high tide. Check the tide tables before going and plan your hike for low or mid tide. Attempting the coastal sections at high tide is dangerous and has stranded hikers before.
Dallas’s tip: Go early morning, before 8 AM. You will likely have the entire beach and waterfall to yourself. The light is softer for photos, the hike is cooler, and you can swim without an audience. Bring water and a snack because there is nothing to buy between Montezuma and the falls.
What to Expect at the Falls
Cocalito is not a massive waterfall. It drops roughly 10 to 12 meters off a cliff face directly onto the beach below. During the rainy season (May through November) the flow is strong and impressive. During dry season (December through April) the flow slows to a thinner cascade, but it still runs year-round.
The beach itself spreads for miles in both directions. The sand has a subtle pink tone that catches the light beautifully, especially in the early morning. The cliffs are covered in tropical vegetation, and the whole setting gives you this mystic feeling of discovering territory that nobody else knows about. Because, honestly, almost nobody does.
Important Safety Notes
The ocean here is rough. This is not a calm swimming beach. The waves can be powerful and unpredictable. We strongly recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean here, or at the very least staying in the shallows and never going deep. Enjoy the waterfall pool and the beach, but respect the water.
Crocodile inlet. There is a small river inlet nearby where crocodiles have been spotted. They are typically far from the beach and are not interested in people, but it is worth knowing. Do not approach the inlet or wade into the river mouth. This is their home and they keep to themselves, but awareness is important.
There are no facilities at Cocalito. No bathrooms, no vendors, no lifeguard. Bring everything you need and take everything out with you.
Marta’s note: The beach can collect ocean garbage that washes up during rough sea days. If you want to be a true hero, bring a garbage bag with you and collect as much as you can. We do it every single time we visit and it truly makes a difference. Most days the beach is clean, but after heavy swells a surprising amount of plastic and debris washes ashore. Leaving it cleaner than you found it is the best way to say thank you to a place this special.
Nearby Activities in the Area
Cocalito Falls sits in one of the most activity-rich corners of the Nicoya Peninsula. If you are spending time in the Santa Teresa and Montezuma area, combine the waterfall visit with:
- Montezuma Waterfall: The much larger and more famous waterfall is a 20-minute walk from Montezuma town in the opposite direction. A 24-meter cascade dropping into a deep swimming pool. You can reach it by hiking or on an ATV tour to Montezuma Waterfall for a more adventurous route.
- Tortuga Island: The Tortuga Island day trip departs from nearby Montezuma. White sand, turquoise water, snorkeling, and lunch on the island.
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: Costa Rica’s first protected area is a 45-minute drive south. The Cabo Blanco reserve offers hiking trails through dry tropical forest down to a pristine beach.
- Surf lessons: Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen have some of the most consistent surf in Costa Rica. Book a surf lesson at Paradise Beach if you have never tried it.
- Canopy zip-line: The Canopy Mal Pais zip-line tour sends you flying over the jungle canopy with ocean views between the trees.
- Bioluminescence tours: On moonless nights, the plankton in nearby bays glow electric blue. Experience it on a bioluminescence boat tour or bioluminescence kayak tour.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Playa Cocalito, between Montezuma and Cabuya |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| Hike time | 30 to 40 minutes from Montezuma |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate (rocky sections, tide-dependent) |
| Best time to visit | Low tide, early morning. Rainy season for strongest flow. |
| Facilities | None. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks. |
| Footwear | Closed-toe water shoes or hiking sandals with grip |
| Nearest town | Montezuma (2 km) |
What to Bring
- Water shoes or hiking sandals (the rocks are sharp in places)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for electronics
- Towel and swimsuit
- Snacks (there are no vendors at the falls or on the trail)
- Cash for Montezuma restaurants on the way back
Video
Watch what Cocalito Falls looks like in person: Cocalito Falls video on YouTube
Exploring the Nicoya Peninsula?
We plan trips to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and the surrounding area daily. Surf lessons, ATV tours, boat trips, and transport sorted for you.
