TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall
Plan your trip from La Fortuna to one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica
Traveling from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall?
La Fortuna is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, located next to Arenal Lake and in the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano. After visiting the highlights of the area, many travelers continue their journey toward the famous beaches of Guanacaste, such as Tamarindo or Playas del Coco.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to visit between destinations, La Leona Waterfall near Liberia in the Rincon de la Vieja region is a great choice, offering one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica.
In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly how to get from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall by car, transportation, or bus, and show you some of the best free things to do in La Fortuna before continuing your journey.
See What Awaits You in La Fortuna & Rincon de la Vieja
We visited La Fortuna on a weekend trip from Liberia and explored some of the best free attractions, accommodation options, restaurants and travel tips.
Curious what the La Leona Waterfall hike is like? Follow us through river canyons, stunning nature and along jungle trails to reach a hidden waterfall cave.
Got curious and want to explore La Leona Waterfall yourself?
How to Get from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall
La Leona Waterfall is located near Curubandé, a small village just 20 minutes from Liberia in the popular Rincon de la Vieja region, about 147 kilometers (91 miles) from La Fortuna. You can get there by car, with transportation included in your tour, or by public bus for the most budget friendly option.
⬇️ Overview of Travel Options from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall
By Car
About 2.5 hours
✔️ Best if you have your own/rental car
With Transportation
About 2.5 hours
⭐ Most comfortable option
By Public Bus
About 3.5 + hours
✔️ Most budget friendly option
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Location on Google Maps
La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall by Car
You can use our Google Maps location above to drive from La Fortuna to the La Leona Waterfall tour office, or follow the directions below.
🦋 Especially in the first part of the route along Lake Arenal, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Volcano and the surrounding nature. Keep an eye out for wildlife, you may spot toucans, coatis, or even monkeys in the trees!
Directions to La Leona Waterfall
1️⃣ From La Fortuna, follow Route 142 along Lake Arenal and through the countryside for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until you reach Cañas.
2️⃣ In Cañas, turn onto Highway 1 and continue toward Liberia.
3️⃣ After passing through Liberia, continue on Highway 1 for about 5 km and take the right turn toward Rincon de la Vieja (Curubandé).
4️⃣ Upon reaching the village of Curubandé, you will see a church on the left side. Continue straight and you will see the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.
Planning to visit La Leona Waterfall driving yourself?
Transportation from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can book transportation together with your tour and enjoy the most comfortable and stress-free way to get from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall. There are two options available:
1️⃣ Day trip from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall
Your driver will pick you up in La Fortuna, take you to the waterfall hike, and bring you back after the tour.
2️⃣ La Leona Waterfall as a stop between two destinations
Your driver will pick you up in La Fortuna, take you to the waterfall hike, and then continue to your next destination.
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike is a local tour operator specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja region. We offer reliable transportation and flexible shuttle services with experienced drivers throughout Guanacaste.
👉 Click here for more information and booking options.
🚗 Traveler’s Tip
Beautiful Stops Along the Way from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall
There are some spots along the route that are worth visiting and can make the journey a memorable part of your trip. If you’re traveling with your own car, parking is available at the following locations. If you’ve booked transportation, you can always ask your driver to make a short stop.
☕ Café & Macadamia
Take in beautiful views of Lake Arenal while enjoying a delicious coffee from a scenic outdoor terrace. Café & Macadamia offers coffee specialties and a varied lunch menu, making it the perfect stop in the middle of your journey before leaving the Arenal region.
📸 Lake Arenal Viewpoints
Take advantage of the scenic viewpoints along Route 142 to enjoy some of the best volcano and lake views. There are various viewpoints along the route, we’ve linked one of the most popular ones below.
La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall by Bus
Ready for the most adventurous way to get to La Leona Waterfall from La Fortuna? Taking the bus will cost you only around $10, but it’s also a significantly longer and slightly more complicated option. To get from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall by public bus, you’ll first need to take three buses to get to Liberia.
1️⃣ La Fortuna → Tilarán
Departure from: Parada de autobuses La Fortuna
Departures per day: 3 times a day (ask at the bus station for the exact times)
Cost: about $2
2️⃣ Tilarán → Cañas
Departure from: Parada de autobuses Tilarán
Departures per day: about every hour
Cost: about $2
3️⃣ Cañas → Liberia
Departure from: Terminal Municipal de Canas
Departures per day: about every 30 minutes
Cost: about $4
⚠️ Keep in mind that each bus ride must be paid for in cash directly to the driver.
It’s best to bring small bills with you, as drivers may not always have change for larger notes.
Once in Liberia, you’re only about 20 minutes away from La Leona Waterfall in Curubandé. However, continuing by bus is difficult, as there is only one bus from Liberia to Curubandé at 6:45 am and one return bus from Curubandé to Liberia at 1:15 pm.
If you want to visit La Leona Waterfall on the same day you arrive, we recommend booking a tour with transportation included from Liberia. The other option is to stay overnight in the city and take the bus to Curubandé the next day. There are plenty of other things to do in the area, so you likely won’t regret spending a few extra days here!
Planning to visit La Leona Waterfall without transportation included?
Free Things to Do in La Fortuna
Before continuing your journey to La Leona Waterfall and the Rincon de la Vieja region, visit these two popular attractions you can enjoy in La Fortuna without paying any entrance fees.
EL SALTO ROPE SWING
Don’t miss this fun and completely free activity while staying in La Fortuna: a giant rope swing that lets you drop into the La Fortuna River. You can also relax in the natural pools and near two small waterfalls.
The attraction is within walking distance of downtown La Fortuna, and along the way you can enjoy amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.
FREE NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
No need to spend a lot of money to enjoy hot springs in La Fortuna: At this natural thermal river, you can relax in warm volcanic waters without paying any entrance fees.
The hot springs are located about 15 minutes from La Fortuna. We recommend taking an Uber for the safest option, which costs around $6 each way.
Why Visit La Leona Waterfall from La Fortuna?
Many visitors continue their journey to the amazing beaches of Guanacaste after staying in La Fortuna. Along the way, you’ll come across the Rincon de la Vieja region near Liberia, famous for its adventure tours and unique nature attractions.
As it offers a very different climate and scenery from the La Fortuna region, it’s definitely worth spending a few days here or making a stop on your way to your next destination to get to know the fascinating diversity of Costa Rica. If you only have time for one attraction along your journey, La Leona Waterfall is the perfect option to experience the region’s beautiful nature and get an impression of Rincon de la Vieja. It’s also only a 15-minute detour from Liberia, which you’ll pass through anyway on your journey to the cost.
Surrounded by spectacular volcanic rock formations, La Leona Waterfall is an exceptionally scenic waterfall and offers a one-of-a-kind nature adventure you won’t forget. Along a jungle trail, you’ll climb over rocks and roots, cross rivers, explore bat caves, and swim through an impressive river canyon with shimmering turquoise waters to reach the hidden waterfall cave.
⬇️ Here’s what awaits you on the trail:
La Leona Waterfall Hike – Trail Info
🚶♂️➡️ Distance: 2km each way (1.5 miles each way)
🕥 Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours from start to finish
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate (uneven terrain, small climbing parts)
👦 Minimum Age: Group tours: 6 years, Private tours: 4 years
❌ Not suitable for: Guests with knee, ankle, or walking issues
During the entire tour, you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides who will assist you whenever needed, ensuring you stay safe and can enjoy the hike at all times. You can choose between group, private and combo tours.
About Us
We’re proud to be the best-rated tour company in Rincon de la Vieja, known for our high safety standards, experienced guides, and local expertise. Our dedicated team is passionate about sharing their knowledge of Costa Rica and creating fun, educational, and safe experiences every day.
While we specialize in our signature tour to La Leona Waterfall, we also offer many other exciting activities, including river tubing, zip lining, hot springs, horseback riding, and much more.
More Things to Do in Rincon de la Vieja
The Rincon de la Vieja region has much more to offer: From exciting river tubing and zip lining to the volcanic activity hike in the national park, there are plenty of options to make the most of your day trip or spend more days exploring the area.
Check out some visitor favorites in Rincon de la Vieja.
WHITE WATER RIVER TUBING
Experience Costa Rica’s wild nature from a unique perspective, drifting down the Colorado River through fast rapids and floating gently in calmer sections.
Our guided river tubing adventure starts at the same point as the La Leona Waterfall and is the perfect add-on to your adventure hike.
➡️ Read more
ZIP LINING TOUR
This exciting zip lining course offers stunning views of the river canyons of Rincon de la Vieja and guarantees an adrenaline rush.
Add this adventure tour to your La Leona Waterfall hike or enjoy a full-day combo tour with our One Day Adventure Pass.
➡️ Read more
LAS PAILAS TRAIL
Ready to experience real volcanic activity? Walk along bubbling mud pots, steam vents and active fumaroles in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Feel the hidden forces of the volcano while hiking through impressively diverse landscapes, with high chances to spot wildlife along the way.
➡️ Read more
Which is better, La Fortuna Waterfall or La Leona Waterfall?
Both waterfalls are absolutely worth visiting, but they offer very different experiences.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls of Costa Rica, about 75m high and situated in an open forest scenery. It can be reached with a 20–30 minute walk that includes steps.
La leona Waterfall
When visiting La Leona Waterfall, the trail itself is a highlight. On this 2.5-3 hour jungle hike, you will climb over rocks and roots, cross rivers, and swim through a spectacular canyon to reach the hidden waterfall inside a volcanic cave.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for an easier waterfall experience, La Fortuna Waterfall is a great choice. If you’re ready for a more adventurous tour and want to experience Costa Rica’s nature up close on a unique river hike, La Leona Waterfall is the better option.
Ready to experience one of Costa Rica’s best waterfall hikes yourself?
La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall – FAQ
How long does it take to get from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica?
Depending on if you travel by car, transportation, or bus, it takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to get from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall, covering a distance of about 147 kilometers (91 miles).
How do I drive from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall?
From La Fortuna, follow Route 142 along Lake Arenal and through the countryside for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until you reach Cañas. In Cañas, turn onto Highway 1 and continue toward Liberia. After passing through Liberia, continue on Highway 1 for about 5 km and take the right turn toward Rincon de la Vieja (Curubandé). Upon reaching the village of Curubandé, you will see a church on the left side. Continue straight and you will see the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.
Can I book transportation from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, you can include transportation from La Fortuna to La Leona Waterfall with your tour reservation. Simply select a tour with transportation included, let us know your pickup location, and we’ll take care of everything to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
If you’d like to visit La Leona Waterfall as a stop between two destinations, we also offer flexible transfer options that allow you to continue your journey anywhere in Guanacaste after the hike.
Is La Leona Waterfall a good day trip from La Fortuna?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall makes a perfect day trip from La Fortuna, offering a unique river hike that is likely one of the best waterfall experiences in Costa Rica. Hidden inside a spectacular volcanic rock cave, the waterfall can only be reached by following an adventurous jungle trail, crossing rivers, and swimming through an impressive canyon with turquoise waters.
Keep in mind that if you travel by public bus, it is very difficult to visit La Leona Waterfall from La Fortuna and return on the same day, because of the long travel times and limited bus schedules. In this case, we recommend spending at least one night near Liberia or to continue to a closer destination after the hike.
Is the La Leona Waterfall hike suitable for families with kids?
Yes, the La Leona Waterfall hike in Costa Rica is a great adventure for kids over 4 years old and for the whole family. (Note that kids can join private tours from 4 years old and group tours from 6 years old.)
Our expert 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 participate in the experience. To fully enjoy this hike with small rock climbing and swimming sections, your children should feel comfortable in the water and with walking for 2-3 hours.
How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?
The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike in Costa Rica is considered moderate and includes uneven terrain, river crossings, swimming, and small climbing sections. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but a basic level of fitness is required. Please note that the tour is not suitable for visitors with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility issues.
As life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants, it is not necessary to be a strong swimmer.
Our certified guides assist you throughout the entire experience to ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and well supported at all times.
How long does the La Leona Waterfall hike take?
The La Leona Waterfall hike takes approximately 2.5–3 hours from start to finish, depending on the group size and pace.
Is there a restaurant at La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, our on-site La Leona restaurant is located just across from the reception area where the tour starts and ends. You can add a traditional Costa Rican lunch for $15 during the booking process or choose from our varied à la carte menu including gourmet burgers, premium cuts of beef and fresh fish on the day of the hike. For more information about our restaurant, click here.
What should I bring for the La Leona Waterfall hike?
For the La Leona Waterfall hike you should bring closed-toe shoes or water shoes with good grip (no flip-flops!), clothes that can get wet, a change of clothes and shoes for after the tour as well as a towel. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.
What are the best things to do from La Fortuna?
Besides visiting La Fortuna’s most iconic attractions, such as La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park, there are also some great activities you can enjoy without paying any entrance fees.
One of the most popular is El Salto, a giant rope swing that lets you drop into a refreshing river. It’s located within walking distance of downtown La Fortuna and is a fun spot to spend an afternoon. Another great option is the free natural hot springs river near the famous Tabacon Resort, where you can relax in warm thermal waters without paying any entrance fees.
If you’d like to explore more of Costa Rica from La Fortuna, La Leona Waterfall in the Rincon de la Vieja region is a great choice, offering one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica.
Is La Leona Waterfall Worth Visiting from La Fortuna?
If you’re traveling from La Fortuna to Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, or other destinations in Guanacaste, La Leona Waterfall is one of the best stops you can make along the way. The waterfall is located only about 20 minutes from Liberia, which you pass through on your way to Guanacaste’s beaches, and offers a very different experience from the attractions around La Fortuna, making it a great addition to any road trip through Costa Rica.