La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
Visitor Guide 2026
A Unique River Hike Through the Wild Landscapes of Rincon de la Vieja
📍 Curubandé, Rincon de la Vieja
🥾 Moderate Waterfall Hike
⏱️ 2.5–3 Hours
✅ Family & Beginner-friendly
⭐ 5.0 Rating (6k+ Reviews)
La Leona Waterfall: One of Costa Rica’s Best Waterfall Hikes
Watch the Real La Leona Waterfall Hiking Experience
Visiting La Leona Waterfall with Kids
Follow the Jungle Trail to La Leona Waterfall
Hidden inside an epic volcanic cave, La Leona Waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Costa Rica, rushing into a bright turquoise pool where you can take a refreshing swim. The adventure hike to get there is an essential part of the experience: you’ll follow jungle trails, climb over rocks and roots, cross the river, and finally swim through a canyon before the waterfall suddenly appears before you.
Located in the small village of Curubandé near Rincón de la Vieja National Park, just 20 minutes from Liberia, La Leona Waterfall makes a perfect day trip or an amazing stop in between destinations when traveling to the beaches of Guanacaste.
In this guide, we’ll take you along the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike and show you what the experience is really like, along with everything you need to know before visiting.
In this Guide
La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica at a Glance
La Leona Waterfall Hike – Quick Facts
📍 Location: Curubandé, Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste
🚶♂️➡️ Distance: 2km each way (1.5 miles each way)
🕥 Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate (uneven terrain, small climbing parts)
🌊 Swimming: Yes (life jackets provided)
🛡️ Guided Required: Yes (Included in the tour)
👦 Minimum Age: Group tours: 6 years, Private tours: 4 years
❌ Not suitable for: Guests with knee, ankle, or walking issues
The La Leona Waterfall Hiking Experience
The La Leona Waterfall tour is much more than just visiting the waterfall itself. Follow the trail step by step to see why this is one of the most unique waterfall hikes in Costa Rica.
1 – THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
After checking in at the reception of the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office, a short 4×4 ride takes you through the forest to the trailhead.
From there, an easy 10-minute walk leads to the Río Blanco. Here, you’ll have your first opportunity to enjoy the refreshing water with a jump from the rocks along the riverbank.
💡 All river jumps along the trail are optional and are not required to reach the waterfall.
2 – ACROSS THE RIVER INTO THE FOREST
As you follow the trail through light forest, you’ll soon reach the first river crossing. On the La Leona Waterfall hike, you’ll make your way through the Río Blanco five times, with the water reaching only knee to maximum waist height. Ropes across the river help you maintain your balance.
On the other side, the scenery changes as you step into more dense tropical forest. The path gets covered with rocks and roots, creating a more adventurous trail. Keep an eye on the trees and riverbanks, as you may spot local wildlife like monkeys, tropical birds, and colorful butterflies.
💡 Our guides are experienced in spotting animals, and it is likely that you will come across some wildlife during the hike. However, keep in mind that this is not a zoo, and we can’t guarantee that you will see wild animals in a natural setting.
ℹ️ Did You Know?
🌋 Natural Paint from the Volcano
Long ago, indigenous people in Costa Rica used a natural paint known as “Curiol” to decorate pottery. The reddish paste comes from oxidized iron in volcanic rocks, which can be found near the Río Blanco as rusty-looking stones.
On the La Leona Waterfall hike, you can try it for yourself: Rub one of these stones onto a hard surface with a little water, and it will create a natural red paint. We often use it for face painting along the trail, a fun way to feel like a true jungle explorer.
3 – BOULDERS AND LADDERS
Walking beneath huge trees along the jungle trail, you’ll come across a few uphill sections where the path leads over massive volcanic rock formations. Ropes and ladders help you climb the steeper parts of the trail and your guide will be there to assist whenever needed.
ℹ️ Nature Fact
🌿 Get to know the “Killer Tree”
The strangler fig, also known as the “killer tree,” is a fascinating plant you can find along the hike.
It starts as thin vines wrapping around another tree. Over time, the roots grow thicker and form a dense network that completely surrounds the trunk.
Eventually, the original tree dies due to a lack of light and resources, leaving behind a tree-like structure created entirely by the strangler fig.
Since they are hollow, some people even climb inside these massive root structures.
4 – FIRST SWIM THROUGH ROCK FORMATIONS
After the climbing sections, you’ll arrive at an almost magical-looking place: a triangular-shaped rock formation with the turquoise river gently flowing beneath it, while the surrounding jungle creates a spectacular setting.
To continue along the trail, you’ll swim through the rocks to the other side, one of the highlights of the hike and a unique opportunity to experience the beautiful nature of Rincon de la Vieja up close.
ℹ️ Nature Fact
🌊 Why Is the Water So Blue?
Many visitors wonder why the Río Blanco has such an eye-catching turquoise color.
Flowing down from Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the river is rich in volcanic minerals that contribute to its characteristic turquoise tones. You can observe the brightest colors when sunlight shines directly into the water.
The volcanic minerals also influence the river’s pH levels, which is one reason why there is little to no aquatic wildlife in the water. As a result, you can enjoy swimming in the river without worrying about large fish or other animals.
⚠️ Note that the colors can vary from bright turquoise to darker blue tones, as this is a natural phenomenon depending on various conditions. We can’t guarantee the turquoise color on the day of your hike.
5 – THROUGH THE CANYON TO THE WATERFALL CAVE
You’ve almost reached La Leona Waterfall! Now comes the most adventurous part of the hike. To enter the waterfall cave, you’ll swim through the narrow canyon against the current and climb over the last few rocks before reaching the waterfall.
Don’t worry – this section can be completed by everyone. A rope is spanned to the cave entrance to help you move through the water, and your guide will be there to assist you through the final, more challenging part.
6 – LA LEONA WATERFALL
After climbing over the last rocks at the entrance, a breathtaking view opens up before you. The waterfall rushes down the cave wall into a turquoise pool, surrounded by impressive rock formations shaped over thousands of years by the river and volcanic forces.
Take a moment to enjoy the view, listen to the sound of the majestic waterfall, and enjoy a swim in the natural pool before making your way back along the trail.
Ready to experience La Leona Waterfall yourself?
Is La Leona Waterfall Hike Right for You?
Wondering if La Leona Waterfall hike is right for you? While this adventure is suitable for most visitors and families with children, there are a few things you should know before joining the tour.
🚶♂️ How Difficult Is the Hike?
The La Leona Waterfall hike is rated as moderate and includes uneven terrain, river crossings, swimming, and a few small climbing sections over rocks and ladders. While the distance is only 2 km (1.5 miles) each way, the hike takes around 2.5–3 hours because of these more challenging parts and because most visitors like to take photos along the way.
🏊♀️ What If I Can’t Swim?
If you can’t swim, don’t worry! You can still join the hike. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all visitors, so you can simply float and move along the ropes spanned across the river. Just tell your guide if you feel unsure about swimming and he will give you some extra support.
❌ Who Is the Hike Not Suitable For?
The La Leona Waterfall hike is not recommended for visitors with knee, ankle, mobility, or walking issues, as well as during pregnancy. Baby carriers and kids under the age of 4 are not allowed on the hike. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to join the adventure, but a basic level of fitness is required.
🧒 Is the Hike Suitable for Children?
Yes, the La Leona Waterfall hike can be a great adventure for active kids aged 4 and above who are comfortable with water and walking outdoors for 2–3 hours. Our experienced guides know exactly how to support younger kids during the hike, ensuring they stay safe while just having fun.
How to Get to La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
La Leona Waterfall is located in the small village of Curubandé, near Rincon de la Vieja National Park and just 20 minutes from Liberia in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. There are three ways to get there: by your own or rental car, by public bus, or with transportation included in your tour for the most comfortable option.
You don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to drive to La Leona Waterfall, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Location on Google Maps
HOW TO GET TO LA LEONA WATERFALL BY CAR
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” (Curubandé).
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 Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs along the road.
💡 Free parking is available at our tour base in Curubandé. As the parking area is monitored and visible from the reception, you can safely park your vehicle and leave your belongings in the car during the hike.
TRANSPORTATION TO LA LEONA WATERFALL
If you don’t have a car and prefer not to worry about driving or directions, you can book a La Leona Waterfall tour with transportation included. Pickups are available throughout Guanacaste, simply let us know your location during booking, and we’ll take care of everything.
💡 With our flexible transfer option, you can even include the La Leona Waterfall hike as a stop between two destinations. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation, take you to the hike, and continue to your next destination afterward.
👉 Click here for more information and booking options.
HOW TO GET TO LA LEONA WATERFALL BY BUS
Taking the bus to La Leona Waterfall is the most budget-friendly option, but it is also less flexible, as there is only one bus connection available for both the journey to Curubandé and the return trip that fits with our tour schedule.
Getting there (Liberia → Curubandé)
- Departure from: Parada Municipal (Liberia)
- Bus time: 6:45am
✔ Allows you to join the tour at 8am or 9am
❌ Does NOT run on weekends
Returning (Curubandé → Liberia)
- Departure from: Bus station close to the church
- Bus time: 1:15pm
✔ Fits after completing the morning hike
⚠️ Only bus available to get back
💵 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.
La Leona Waterfall Tour Options
We offer a variety of ways to experience La Leona Waterfall, including group tours, private options, tours with transportation included, and full-day combo adventures with other exciting activities in Rincon de la Vieja.
View our most popular options below and find the experience that fits your journey best.
CHOOSE YOUR LA LEONA WATERFALL TOUR
La Leona Waterfall Private Tour
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
ℹ️ There may still be other visitors and tour groups at the river and waterfall, as the area is shared.
La Leona Waterfall Group Tour
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
💡 Don’t worry if you’re traveling solo – just reach out to us and we’ll help you join a guided group tour.
LA LEONA WATERFALL COMBO TOURS
La Leona Waterfall
& River Tubing Adventure
Ready for another adventure after the waterfall hike? Rush down fast rapids down the Colorado River on a thrilling river tubing expedition.
La Leona Waterfall
& Zip Lining Experience
Take in stunning views of the Colorado River Canyon and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano during an exciting zip-lining course.
La Leona Waterfall
& Rio Negro Hot Springs
Looking to relax after the hike? Enjoy some peaceful hours in natural hot spring pools and try a rejuvenating mud bath, surrounded by nature.
➡️ Check out our La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike website to see more tour options in Rincon de la Vieja.
What to Bring & What’s Included
Here’s everything you need to know about what to bring for the La Leona Waterfall hike and what’s included in your tour.
What to Bring
🥾 Shoes that can get wet
- Closed-toe shoes, water shoes or sandals with straps
- No flip flops!
- Change of shoes for after the hike
👕 Swimwear or sportswear
- Change of clothes for after the hike
- Towel
☀️ Sunscreen
🦟 Insect repellent
💧 Water bottle
What’s Included
✅ Guides on all tours
✅ 4×4 ride to the waterfall trail
✅ Life jacket
✅ Dry bag for valuables
✅ Free & safe parking
✅ Facilities (Changing rooms, showers and bathrooms)
✅ On-site restaurant to enjoy lunch and drinks after the tour
Best Time to Visit La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
La Leona Waterfall can be visited year-round, but there are some things you should know about the dry season and rainy season in Rincon de la Vieja.
☀️ Dry Season – late November to late August
During the dry season, the weather near Rincon de la Vieja National Park is usually sunny and hot, with little to no rainfall, creating optimal conditions to visit La Leona Waterfall. River levels are stable, and the water shows its typical bright turquoise color, while the vegetation is a bit lighter than during the rainy season.
🌦️ Rainy Season – September and October
In September and October, it almost rains every day for a few hours, mostly in the afternoon, while the sun often comes out in the morning. With less sunlight, the river’s color can change to darker blue tones, and the rainforest around becomes more dense and greener.
⚠️ After heavy rainfall, river levels can rise significantly and the risk of flash floods increases. During this time, we carefully monitor conditions every day. If it is not safe, tours will not be offered that day.
We usually post updates on our social media channels after heavy rainfall to keep you informed about river conditions. You can also contact us directly for the latest information and if tours can operate.
Check our latest updates on:
About La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike is a local tour operator based in Curubandé and specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja region. We are proud to be one of the highest-rated tour companies in the area, with more than 6700 Google reviews, known for our high safety standards, experienced guides, and local expertise.
Many of our guides were born in the region or have lived here for many years. They know the surrounding nature inside out and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with visitors from all over the world. All guides speak fluent English, are trained in first aid, carry medical kits and radios, and know exactly how to support visitors during the hike to ensure a safe and fun experience.
We are also the only tour company in Curubandé offering modern facilities, including changing rooms, showers, and an on-site restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a high-quality lunch after your adventure hike.
➡️ See why visitors rate us 5 stars on Google Reviews:
Courtney Studard
June 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The waterfall was beautiful, but our guide Allan made the trip for us! He was great with our kids and made the trip much more exciting. I highly recommend this waterfall tour. Ask for Allan if you get the chance to go.
Source: Google Reviews
Delia Del Hierro
June 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jonathan and Felix were phenomenal tour guides! They were funny, joked around with the family, and knew the area very well! Would definitely do it again!
Source: Google Reviews
Lindy Merkley
June 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic tour. Well worth the money and the drive. Jonathan was the best guide. Highly recommend booking this for your next trip!
Source: Google Reviews
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 6k+ reviews
Got curious and want to visit La Leona Waterfall yourself?
La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica – FAQ
Can you visit La Leona Waterfall without a guide?
No, visiting La Leona Waterfall is only permitted with a certified guide. The waterfall, trail, and access road are located on private property and can only be accessed within an official tour.
In addition, hiking with an experienced guide is highly recommended for safety reasons. The trail includes some challenging parts which can be dangerous without professional guidance.
All of our La Leona Waterfall tours include an experienced local guide to ensure a safe and fun adventure.
How long is the hike to La Leona Waterfall?
While the distance is only 2 km (1.5 miles) each way, the hike takes around 2.5–3 hours because of the swimming, climbing and river crossing parts and because most visitors like to take photos along the way.
Is swimming required for the La Leona Waterfall hike?
There are swimming sections along the hike, but you don’t need to know how to swim. As life jackets are provided and mandatory for everyone, you can simply float through the deeper parts of the river and move along the ropes that are set up across the water.
Can I bring my phone or camera on the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
Yes, you can bring your phone and camera on the hike. We recommend using a waterproof case or storing your devices in the dry bags provided, especially during the swimming sections, to keep them safe and dry throughout the adventure. Your guide will also be happy to take photos of you in sections where it may be difficult to use your camera or phone yourself, ensuring you have plenty of memories from your La Leona Waterfall hike.
Are there showers and changing rooms available?
Yes, our La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike base offers all essential facilities for a comfortable tour experience, including showers, changing rooms, and bathrooms.
Is the La Leona Waterfall hike suitable for kids?
Yes, the La Leona Waterfall hike in Costa Rica is a great adventure for active kids over 4 years old. (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.
Are there crocodiles, snakes, or dangerous animals?
No, there are no crocodiles in the river, nor any other large aquatic animals apart from a few small fish, due to the volcanic minerals in the water.
The chances of being bitten by a venomous snake are also very low. Our experienced guides know the local flora and fauna extremely well and would immediately warn you if there were any potentially dangerous animals nearby.
Your guides also will help you spot the animals you actually want to see, such as monkeys, sloths, coatis, tropical birds, colorful butterflies, and bats. Most of the typical wildlife of Rincon de la Vieja that you may see during the hike is harmless and animals generally prefer to avoid people.
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.
Can I visit La Leona Waterfall during the rainy season?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is open year-round, also during the rainy season in September and October. However, after heavy rainfall, river levels can rise significantly, making conditions unsafe for the hike. In these situations, tours will not operate for safety reasons.
If you plan to visit during September or October, feel free to contact us for the latest information on river conditions and tour availability.
Is La Leona Waterfall worth visiting?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is absolutely worth visiting and is one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica. The hike to the waterfall cave is a unique nature experience, leading along jungle trails, across volcanic rock formations, and through an epic river canyon. Along the trail, you’ll likely spot wildlife such as monkeys, bats, tropical birds, and colorful butterflies while exploring some of the most impressive landscapes in the Rincon de la Vieja region.
How tall is La Leona Waterfall?
La Leona Waterfall is about 10 meters (32 feet) high. While it’s not the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica, it is one of the most scenic, located inside a volcanic cave and surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
How far is La Leona Waterfall from Liberia?
La Leona Waterfall is located about 20 minutes from Liberia at a distance of approximately 15 km (9 miles), making it an easy day trip or stop between your travels to the beaches of Guanacaste.
Do I need a reservation for La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, booking your tour in advance is required, as tours often fill up quickly. Without a reservation, you may not be able to do the tour on the same day, especially during the high season.