La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica in 2024
Get ready to embark on an adventurous journey through the incredible jungle of Costa Rica to explore the one and only La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike.
In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will expertly navigate you through the entire process, guaranteeing you a memorable and secure experience while providing you with the latest and most crucial information for the year 2024.
Table of Contents
How to get to la leona waterfall.
La Leona Waterfall is located near the city of Liberia, in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. To get to this destination you must head north on highway #1 and make a right turn towards Rincón de la Vieja National Park (Curubandé Town)
Click here to open our location on Google Maps
Upon your arrival at our location, you’ll find a secure and private parking area at your disposal. Whether you’re in the midst of changing hotels or have all your belongings inside your vehicle, rest assured that our parking facility ensures the safety of your belongings.
Tour Summary
Duration: The duration of the La Leona Waterfall Hike typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, influenced by your pace and the number of stops you make during the journey.
Distance: The hike covers approximately 2km each way (1.5 miles each way), totaling around 3 miles from start to finish.
Level of Difficulty: The hike is categorized as moderate.
Who Can Do The Tour?:With a firm adherence to our golden rule: it is unsuitable for guests with knee, ankle, or mobility issues, as well as those who are not in reasonably good physical condition.
Participants with an average level of fitness and without mobility constraints can anticipate a manageable and satisfying experience throughout the tour.
Tour description
La Leona Waterfall Hike starts with a short 10min ride in a 4 wheel drive vehicle provided by our company, you can either ride in the back of the pick up or inside. This car will take us from the reception area to the start of the trail.
Once you get off the car we will walk around 10min on the trail to reach the first river crossing, at this river crossing the water will be up to your knees and our goal is to just get to the other side of the river to continue on the trail.
Ten minutes further along the trail, we’ll encounter the second river crossing. The water at this point is shallow, reaching only up to our knees.
On La Leona Waterfall excursion, you’ll encounter several river crossings. Exercise caution by watching for slippery or wet surfaces.
For your safety, strategically positioned ropes are available at these crossings to aid you. It is highly advisable to make use of these ropes; they are provided to prevent any slips or falls.
The crossings typically range from 1 to 2 feet in depth most of the time, but be vigilant for deeper sections.
As we progress through the lush greenery of the forest, the third and fourth river crossings come into view. These crossings mark our transition from the water trail back onto solid ground, guiding us closer to the spectacular La Leona Waterfall.
ladders and obstacles
As you trek towards La Leona Waterfall, there are some uphill climbs. To make these ascents more accessible and easier, we have thoughtfully installed ladders and ropes for your assistance on the trail.
The ladders you’ll encounter are generally around 4-5 feet tall, requiring just about 5 steps to ascend. These structures offer substantial support, particularly beneficial during the uphill sections of the trek.
Hiking inside a canyon
As we progress further into the forest during this stage of the hike, the distinct surroundings reveal the imposing rocks of a canyon that lead us towards the stunning La Leona Waterfall.
Triangle Rock Formation (First swimming spot)
As we continue on solid ground towards La Leona Waterfall, we’ll soon reach our initial swimming spot. It’s a remarkable triangular rock formation that divides into two large rocks, allowing the river to flow through the center.
To proceed to La Leona Waterfall, we must navigate this area, involving a brief swim of approximately 5 meters (20 feet) to reach the opposite side.
The Last Stretch to get to La Leona Waterfall
After successfully navigating the first triangular rock formation, we approach the final segment leading to La Leona Waterfall.
In this concluding part, we’ll briefly walk through the river, navigate a second triangular rock formation, and eventually arrive at the entrance of the canyon that leads us to La Leona Waterfall.
at La Leona Waterfall... Almost
Prior to encountering the breathtaking La Leona Waterfall, we have to embark on what many consider the most cherished segment of the journey.
Here, we venture through the canyon of the waterfall, hand in hand, gripping a rope for support throughout the entire passage.
At the end there’s a specific rock where we must stand upright to enter the cave, and our attentive tour guides are always on hand to assist, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for everyone.
Welcome to La Leona Waterfall
After traversing the canyon with the support of the rope, and as you rise within a cavern of grand dimensions, encircled by captivating rock formations, a stunning view unfolds.
Before you, the awe-inspiring La Leona Waterfall reveals itself, its flowing waters creating a captivating natural pool below, providing you with an exceptional environment to relish and enjoy
How to book La Leona Waterfall
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike company offers the following tour options:
1- La Leona Waterfall (Group Tour)
Costs:
Adults: $30 per person (Age +13)
Children: $25 per person (Age 8-12)
-Not suited for guests with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility issues.
-If you have kids younger than 7 years old you must book a private tour
-The minimum age for group tours is 8 years old
-When booking this tour keep in mind you’re booking a group tour with other people in it.
-There can be up to 20 people per tour group, everyone with different nationalities and cultures, please be respectful and friendly with everyone in the group.
2- La Leona Watefall (Private Tour)
Costs:
Adults: $45 per person (Age 13+)
Children: $35 per person (Age 4-12)
-Not suited for guests with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility limitations.
The minimum age for this tour is 4 years old (not suited for kids younger than that)
Important
- 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of Class I , II and III rapids along this narrow, turbulent river of crystal clear waters.
- Duration: 1hr 30min.
4- La Leona Waterfall + Zip Lining
Summary of the Activities
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike:
- 2km each way (1.5 miles each way)
- Duration: 3hrs from start to finish
- Dificulty: Moderate Level (Not suited for guests with knee, walking or mobility issues)
Zip Lining Tour
- 8 different lines
- Duration: 1 Hour total
5- Fully Private River Tubing + Private La Leona Waterfall
Costs:
Adults: $90 per person (Age 13+)
Children: $75 per person (Age 6-12)
Important
Not suited for guests with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility limitations.
Join us for a thrilling river tubing adventure on a narrow, turbulent river with 4km (2.5 miles) of Class I, II and III rapids! Bounce and splash your way through endless fun and excitement with our specially-designed individual rafts that include handles and protective bottoms.
With our expert guides, you can rest assured that safety and enjoyment are guaranteed throughout the entire experience.
Tours With transportation included
If you opted not to rent a car during your vacation and require pick-up services at your resort, hotel, Airbnb, or wherever you are staying, we’ve got you covered. Our company offers transportation services, and we can seamlessly integrate transportation with any of your favorite tours with us.
To book any of our tours with transportation included please go to: https://leonawaterfall.com/transportation-to-la-leona-waterfall/
What's provided on the tours?
- Life jackets
- Dry bags
- Professional guides
- 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle
- Facilities (Changing rooms and bathrooms)
- Free and Safer parking area
what should you bring?
For this hike, we supply the majority of your needs, but we recommend bringing along some of the following personal belongings.
- Waterproof everything: Including shoes, swimwear, camera, phone case or holder.
- Bugspray and suncreen: As we venture into the jungle be proactive and apply sunscreen and bug’s spray before we embark, as the Costa Rican sun can be deceptive.
- Hat and sunglasses: If you do bring a hat or sunglasses make sure it has straps, so it doesn’t get blown away or swept away in the rivers.
- A small water bottle: We recommend bringing a small water bottle, there won’t be water fountains so come prepared. If you don’t want to bring your own, we also have some for sale at the shop.
- Appropriate shoes: Keep in mind, we’ll be crossing rivers, swimming, and navigating diverse terrains that involve climbing over rocks. Ensure you bring suitable footwear that can get wet and provides secure footing. Flip flops are not allowed.
- Change of clothes: We recommend bringing a change of clothes so this way when we are done with the tour and you are back at our reception you can change into dry clothes.
important details
This tour is conducted by the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Company, established here in Costa Rica and run by locals. We guarantee an amazing experience with the most informed guides to enhance your journey.
Our Staff
Our tour guides, exceptionally skilled and fluent in English, are dedicated to ensuring your safety and maximizing your enjoyment throughout this adventure with us.
Equipped with extensive medical training, our guides are prepared to respond promptly in case of any injuries.
We carry comprehensive medical kits, and our team is well-versed in CPR, maintaining a high level of vigilance to address any unforeseen situations.
Your well-being is our top priority as you embark on this unforgettable journey with our team.
FAQ's
The La Leona Waterfall trail is classified as an intermediate hike and may not be suitable for individuals with knee, ankle, or mobility concerns. However, those with an average level of fitness should find the tour manageable and enjoyable.
Access to La Leona Waterfall is not free, as it involves traversing private property. Due to the trail’s complexity, the sole option for visiting is through a tour. Prices begin at $30 for a group tour, while a private tour is available at $45.
La Leona Waterfall is located 20 minutes away from downtown Liberia, covering a distance of around 15 km. The road is fully paved all the way to our reception.
La Leona Waterfall is about 10 meters (32 feet) high, situated in a stunning cave with amazing rock formations all around.
The La Leona Waterfall trail is classified as an intermediate hike and may not be suitable for individuals with knee, ankle, or mobility concerns. However, those with an average level of fitness should find the tour manageable and enjoyable.
To visit La Leona Waterfall, all tours will consistently feature one or more guides, depending on your group’s size and their fitness levels. Our guides play a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s safety throughout the entire tour.
You can not do La Leona Waterfall without a guide
The options for visiting La Leona Waterfall are:
1-Group Tour: Starts at $30 per person
2-Private Tour: Starts at $45 per person
3-La Leona Waterfall + River Tubing: $75 per person
4- La Leona Waterfall + Zip Lining: $75 per person
5- Fully Private River Tubing + Private La Leona Waterfall: $90 per person
The minimum age for visiting La Leona Waterfall is 8 years old for group tours and 4 years old for private tour.
Baby carriers are not permitted during the La Leona Waterfall Tour. This policy is in place for the safety of both the child and the parent, as a slip or fall could lead to an accident.
For La Leona Waterfall you should wear either: Closed toe shoes, Water Shoes with a thick sole, or Sandals With Straps. Flip Flops are not allowed
A prior reservation is mandatory for visiting La Leona Waterfall. Without a reservation, and in the absence of available staff to conduct the tour upon your arrival, access to the falls will not be possible. Booking in advance allows us to efficiently plan and schedule for everyone in advance.