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⚠️ RESERVATIONS ONLY, NO WALK INS

Hiking Tour of
La Leona Waterfall
with Lunch

Swim through turquoise canyon waters, hike jungle trails, and discover the hidden La Leona Waterfall cave.

Recharge afterward with authentic Costa Rican food at our on-site restaurant.

5.0 Google Rating (6k+ Reviews)


⭐ 5.0 TripAdvisor (530+ Reviews)

hiking tour of la leona waterfall with lunch in rincon de la vieja

Duration
2.5 – 3 hours

Difficulty
Moderate

Swimming
Yes


Minimum Age
4 years

Restaurant
On-Site

Hotel Pickup
Available

See what the La Leona Waterfall hike near Rincon de la Vieja looks like and discover specialties served at our on-site restaurant.

la leona waterfall adventure hike costa rica
la leona waterfall in rincon de la vieja
spot wildlife along the jungle trail to la leona waterfall
enjot freshly mixed cocktails at the la leona restaurant close to rincon de la vieja
enjoy the hiking tour of la leona waterfall with your kids
through the river canyon to la leona waterfall
choose from our varied menu on the hiking tour to la leona waterfall with lunch
enjoy fresh fish and traditional dishes at the la leona restaurant in curubande

Ready to experience the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike yourself?

Located near Rincon de la Vieja National Park and about 20 minutes from Liberia, the La Leona Waterfall offers one of the best river hikes in Costa Rica, where you truly experience Guanacaste’s wild nature from within.

As a local tour operator in Curubandé, we offer the unique opportunity to combine your adventure with a traditional Costa Rican lunch or à la carte specialties at our on-site La Leona Restaurant.

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La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike

Ready to Explore La Leona Waterfall?

Reserve your spot and add a traditional lunch during booking, or choose from our restaurant menu after the hike.

Explore the main highlights of the La Leona Waterfall hike, from jungle trails and canyon swimming to a delicious lunch at our on-site restaurant.

hiking tour to la leona waterfall with kids

4×4 Ride & River Crossings

Meet your guide at the reception and begin the adventure with a fun 4×4 ride to the trailhead.

Cross a shallow river and step into the tropical forest, surrounded by huge trees and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.


Climbing Sections & Bat Cave

The tour becomes even more exciting as you climb over rocks and ladders, with your guide always by your side to assist whenever needed.

Along the trail, you will also pass by a narrow cave where, with a little luck, you can observe bats resting on the ceiling.

rock climbing on the la leona waterfall hike in costa rica

swimming through a canyon to reach la leona waterfall

Swimming through the Canyon

Enter the bright blue river and swim through impressive volcanic rock formations before reaching the waterfall cave.

Your guide will assist you especially during the final section, where the current is strongest.


Reaching La Leona Waterfall

After the adventurous canyon swim, you’ve finally arrived at La Leona Waterfall!

Take your time to enjoy the view, the refreshing water, and capture some photos in this unique natural setting.

la leona waterfall group tour

burgers at the la leona waterfall restaurant in costa rica

Recharge at the La Leona Restaurant

Our restaurant is located directly across from the reception, where you’ll return after the hike.

Relax after the adventure with authentic Costa Rican food, specialties from our menu, and refreshing drinks in a comfortable atmosphere.

The La Leona Restaurant close to Rincon de la Vieja offers traditional Costa Rican cuisine and premium dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.

To complete your tour with a visit to our restaurant, you can choose between two different options:


During booking, you can add a typical lunch for only $15.

This option includes a popular dish called “casado” with rice, beans, fried plantains, vegetables, and a protein of your choice, served with a refreshing fruit drink.

hiking tour of la leona waterfall with lunch

If you prefer to decide on the day of the hike, you can explore our varied menu with gourmet burgers, special cuts of beef, grilled salmon, and much more. Enjoy natural fruit drinks and tropical cocktails prepared by our bartender while relaxing after the adventure tour.

Take a look at some of the most popular dishes from our menu below.

👇 Click on the images to view details.

premium cuts of beef at the lhiking tour to la leona waterfall with lunch
grilled salmon at the la leona restaurant near rincon de la vieja
burger menu at la leona restaurant in curubande

Ready to join one of the best waterfall hikes in Rincon de la Vieja? Choose the tour option that fits your trip best and complete your experience with delicious Costa Rican food at our on-site restaurant.

private tour to la leona waterfall in costa rica

Perfect for families with small children or travelers who prefer a more personalized experience.

  • Minimum Age: 4 Years
  • Private guide: Just for your group
  • Start times: 7am to 2pm every 30 min

Add a Costa Rican lunch during booking or enjoy à la carte dishes at our restaurant after the hike.

Adult (13+):

$45

Children (4-12):

$35

la leona waterfall adventure hike group tour in costa rica

Great for travelers who want to join a guided adventure with other visitors.

  • Minimum Age: 6 Years
  • Group Size: Up to 20 participants
  • Start times: Every hour from 8am to 2pm

Add a Costa Rican lunch during booking or enjoy à la carte dishes at our restaurant after the hike.

Adult (13+):

$35

Children (6-12):

$30

Hotel Pickup Service

Most convenient option – we take care of everything

Meet at Location

Best if you have your own or a rental car or prefer to travel independently

This river hike near Rincon de la Vieja is considered moderate. It includes climbing over rocks, ladders, river crossings, swimming sections, and uneven terrain.

Who is this hike NOT suitable for?

❌ Not suitable for people with knee, ankle, walking or mobility issues
❌ Children under 4 are not allowed
Baby carriers are not allowed
❌ Not suitable during pregnancy
✔ You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but a basic level of fitness is required

Our certified guides are with you at all times to support you and ensure your safety.

💡 Can’t swim? No problem!

Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants, so you can just float in the water during the swimming sections. Ropes are also set up to help you move through the water.

Your guides will be by your side at all times and make sure you feel safe. Just let them know at the beginning of the tour if you feel unsure about swimming, and they will take extra care of you.

Here’s why travelers choose to book their tour with us:

100% Accident-Free Record

Thousands of tours operated safely thanks to strict safety protocols and certified, experienced guides.

🛡️ High Safety Standards

We operate under strict safety standards and only run tours when conditions are safe, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.

📍 Local Tour Operator

Locally owned and based in Curubandé, specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja area for authentic local experiences.

😊 Trusted by Thousands of Travelers

With thousands of successful tours, 5-star reviews and happy visitors, La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike has become one of the top-rated tour operators near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

meet the la leona waterfall adventure hike team
Meet the local team behind La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike, committed to creating safe and unforgettable experiences every day.

Join thousands of happy guests – check availability now.

See What Travelers Say About the Experience on google reviews:

Emilio Graciano

May 15, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is such an amazing excursion!! John our tour guide was amazing!!! Very friendly!! I had a blast!! I recommend doing the hike and the river tubbing!! Also get the food it’s amazing!!

Source: Google Reviews

Morgan Stewart

May 13, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazing, amazing experience. Ivan was our guide and he was very nice and down to earth. We had the luxury of seeing wildlife and didn’t feel rushed. All the staff are wonderful and the waterfall is very beautiful.

Source: Google Reviews

Samantha Ewing

May 10, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ivan was the BEST guide- so educational and made sure everyone was safe and having fun. We loved the hike and the waterfall is truly spectacular.

Source: Google Reviews

Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 6k+ reviews

See how to get to the tour starting point, what to bring for the hike, and which facilities are available at the tour office.

The tour starts at the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike reception in Curubandé near Liberia. You can arrive by car (own or rental) or choose a tour with transportation included for the most convenient option.

La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Location on Google Maps

Use the link above to drive to our tour office with Google Maps or Waze, or follow the directions below.

1️⃣ From Liberia, drive north for about 5km along Highway #1.

2️⃣ Turn right at an intersection with a green sign pointing to “Volcan Rincon de la Vieja.” Keep an eye out, as this sign can be easy to miss!

3️⃣ Continue for another 10 minutes until you reach the village of Curubandé.

4️⃣ Keep right when you see the church.

5️⃣ You’ll find the La Leona Waterfall tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs along the road.

la leona waterfall adventure hike office in curubande
Entrance to our tour office in Curubandé.

Don’t want to worry about driving or directions? Book your tour with transportation included for the most convenient and stress-free way to enjoy the La Leona Waterfall hike.

Why choose transportation included?

✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Get the best price by booking transportation together with your tour
✔ Experienced local drivers who know the route inside out
✔ Pickup available across Guanacaste
Flexible transfers: include the tour as a stop between two destinations
✔ Optional stops along the way

👉 Perfect option to visit La Leona Waterfall if you don’t have a car or want to enjoy a fully relaxed experience.

la leona waterfall with transportation included
Just be ready at your chosen pickup time and location and we will take care of the rest.

What to bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes, water shoes or sandals with straps (No flip flops!)
  • Shoes with a good grip (Keens or Chacos are suitable as well)
  • Extra clothes and shoes to change into after the tour
  • A Towel
  • A small bottle of water
  • Bug spray and sunscreen

What’s Included in the La Leona Waterfall Tour:

  • Life jackets (mandatory for all participants, no exceptions)
  • Dry bags for small personal belongings
  • Certified tour guides
  • 4×4 transportation to the trailhead

At the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour base, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable experience.

  • Free parking: Safe and private parking is available on-site and monitored during operating hours, so you can securely leave your belongings and luggage in your car.
  • Bathrooms
  • Changing rooms
  • Showers
  • Lockers: Available to store valuable items during the tour
  • Snacks & Drinks: Small snacks and refreshments are available for purchase
  • On-site restaurant: Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican meal after your tour
la leona waterfall parking curubande
Parking is free and monitored.
la leona waterfall facilities curubande
Bathrooms, changing rooms and showers available.
la leona restaurant curubande rincon de la vieja
The restaurant is located directly across from the reception.

☀️ Best Time to Visit (Dry Season)

The best time to visit La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica is during the dry season (late November to late August).
During these months it rarely rains, the weather is sunny and conditions are ideal for hiking and swimming in the river.

🌦️ Rainy Season in Rincon de la Vieja (Important to know)

In the rainy season, especially during September and October, it often rains for a few hours each day and temperatures are slightly cooler, making the waterfall hike still enjoyable. However, river water levels can rise significantly, increasing the risk of sudden flash floods.

⚠️ During this time, we closely monitor all data that could indicate unsafe conditions for entering the river. If conditions are not safe, the tour to La Leona Waterfall will not be offered in order to ensure the safety of our guests and guides.

If you plan to visit the waterfall during rainy season and would like to check if tours are available, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, live chat or email.

Read what visitors say about La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike on TripAdvisor.

trip advisor logo

Pam H

May 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Extraordinary experience with the most amazing guides!

Right from the start our guides, Ronny, Dillon and Josue were not only engaging but entertaining, so helpful and loads of fun!!! This will definitely be one of our most memorable trips!!!

Source: TripAdvisor Reviews

trip advisor logo

Christina Lopez

March 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

JUST DO IT!

Such a nice experience, totally worth it!!! Our guide Andres was so nice and took really good care of us and our safety. The waterfalls are so beautiful!!

Source: TripAdvisor Reviews

trip advisor logo

Michelle W.

March 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So much fun

This was an absolute treasure of a find. We were able to see monkeys and learn about some of Costa Rica’s culture during our tour. The guides were so fun, and we had such a gorgeous, life changing experience.

Source: TripAdvisor Reviews

Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 530+ reviews

Discover more adventure tours that can be combined with a delicious lunch at our on-site Restaurant.

la leona waterfall river tubing in rincon de la vieja

La Leona Waterfall

& River Tubing

Add a thrilling river tubing tour to your waterfall hike and enjoy lunch at our on-site restaurant. No travel between activities needed.

View Tour  →

la leona waterfall and zip lining tour rincon de la vieja

La Leona Waterfall

& Zip Lining

Recharge after the hike with lunch at our restaurant before continuing your adventure with a zip lining course high above the treetops.

View Tour  →

enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath close to rincon de la vieja

River Tubing + Lunch included

& Rio Negro Hot Springs

In this combo tour of exciting river tubing and relaxing hot springs with a volcanic mud bath, lunch is included in the tour price.

View Tour  →

Is the hiking tour of La Leona Waterfall with lunch suitable for families with kids?

Yes, the La Leona Waterfall hike is suitable for children over 4 years old. The minimum age for group tours is 6 years, while private tours are available for children from 4 years old.

The river hike includes swimming sections and climbing over rocks, making it a fun adventure for families with active kids who are comfortable with water and this kind of physical activity.

Our guides will keep a close eye on your children throughout the tour and assist them whenever needed. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants, so even kids who are not strong swimmers can safely enjoy the experience.

Is lunch included in this La Leona Waterfall tour?

You can add a traditional Costa Rican lunch at our on-site restaurant for $15 during the booking process for a complete local experience.

If you prefer other options, you can also explore our restaurant menu after the hike with gourmet burgers, premium steaks, grilled salmon, and more.

The La Leona Restaurant is located directly across from the reception, so you can enjoy lunch right after the tour without needing to drive to another place.

Do I need to book in advance to join the hiking tour of La Leona Waterfall with lunch?

Yes, booking in advance is required for the La Leona Waterfall hike, as tours often fill up quickly especially during high season in Rincon de la Vieja.

You can add lunch during the booking process, but if you want to decide spontaneously to order from our restaurant menu after the hike, no reservation is needed as we offer plenty of comfortable seating options.

How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?

The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike near Rincon de la Vieja is considered as moderate.

The trail includes rocky and uneven terrain, as well as sections where you’ll need to climb over rocks and ladders and swim through parts of the river.

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but a basic level of fitness is required, and the tour is not suitable for people with knee, walking, or mobility issues.

Can beginners do the La Leona Waterfall hike?

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to join the La Leona Waterfall tour, but a basic level of fitness is required.

You should feel comfortable walking for around 2.5–3 hours and climbing over ladders and some rocks, always supported by ropes you can hold on and assisted by experienced guides.

The hike also includes swimming sections, but you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants so you can simply float, also there are ropes across the river help you move through the water.

How do I get to La Leona Waterfall?

The tour starting point is located in Curubandé in the Rincon de la Vieja region, about 20 minutes from Liberia and 40 minutes from Liberia Airport.

You can reach the village car or with transportation included.

For detailed directions and transportation options, please see the sections above.

Can you swim in La Leona Waterfall?

Yes, you can definitely swim in La Leona Waterfall and it’s even required in order to reach the waterfall. Along the way, there are several swimming sections where you can enjoy the refreshing, bright blue river.

Where can I leave my belongings during the tour?

Our parking lot is monitored during all operating hours and is visible from the reception, so it is safe to leave your belongings in your car during the La Leona Waterfall tour.

We also have small lockers available, just ask at the reception to get a key.

The village of Curubandé in Rincon de la Vieja is generally a very peaceful and safe place, as people make their living from tourism and are committed to creating an enjoyable experience for visitors.

Which dishes do you offer in the La Leona Restaurant?

At our on-site La Leona Restaurant, we offer authentic Costa Rican cuisine as well as premium burgers, special cuts of beef like rib-eye steaks, grilled fish, vegetarian options, and tasty snacks.

You can also enjoy tropical fruit drinks and cocktails freshly prepared by our bartender.

Is there a restaurant at La Leona Waterfall?

Yes: There are only a few estaurants close to the waterfall and we are the only tour operator in Curubandé with an on-site restaurant located directly next to the tour office, allowing guests to enjoy lunch right after the tour without needing to drive to another place.

We offer authentic Costa Rican cuisine, premium burgers, special cuts of beef, grilled fish, tropical cocktails, and more.

You can either add a traditional Costa Rican lunch during the booking process or choose from our varied à la carte menu on the day of your tour.

Is transportation available for the La Leona Waterfall hike with Lunch?

Yes, you can easily add transportation during the booking process for the most comfortable and stress-free way to enjoy the La Leona Waterfall experience.

As a local tour operator specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja region, we offer reliable transportation with experienced drivers, hotel pickup throughout Guanacaste, and flexible transfer options to make your visit as easy and convenient as possible.

Are guides included on the La Leona Waterfall tour?

Yes, a certified and experienced guide will accompany you throughout the entire tour, assisting you along the trail and sharing interesting facts about Costa Rica’s nature and wildlife.

All of our guides are trained in first aid, prepared for unexpected situations, and highly motivated to creating a safe, fun, and memorable experience for every guest.

Is the La Leona Waterfall hike safe?

Yes, the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike is operated under high safety standards: Life jackets are mandatory for all participants, and every tour is led by a certified and experienced guide who knows the trail inside out and assists you throughout the hike, especially during the more demanding swimming and climbing sections.

During the peak rainy season, we closely monitor river and weather conditions and do not operate waterfall tours when conditions are not safe.