La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
Adventure Hike & Tours
Hidden inside a volcanic canyon, La Leona Waterfall is one of the most iconic attractions in Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica.
Reaching it is part of the adventure: you follow a jungle trail with small rock climbing sections and swim through a turquoise river to enter the waterfall cave.
Watch the Real Experience on Video
Discover one of the most unique river hikes in Costa Rica, just minutes from Rincon de la Vieja.
Ready to go? Check availability and choose the tour that fits your adventure best.
Plan Your Visit
Booking & Tour Information
- Booking Options
- Highlights
- Quick Facts
- What is La Leona Waterfall?
- The La Leona Waterfall Hike Experience
- La Leona Waterfall Opening Hours and Entrance fees
- Difficulty of the Hike
- Why Book with us
- What Visitors Say on Google Reviews
Practical Information
Good to know
Booking Options
Decide how you’d like to experience La Leona Waterfall: self-drive tours or tours with transportation included, group or private options. Looking for even more adventure in the Rincon de la Vieja area? Explore our combo tours.
Choose Your Transportation Option
Self-Drive Tour
Meet at Location
Best if you have your own or rental car or prefer to travel independently
Transportation included
Hotel Pickup Service
⭐ Most convenient option – we take care of everything
⚠️ Tours often sell out – reserve in advance
💡 Flexible Transfer Option:
Add the La Leona Waterfall tour as a stop between two destinations. For example, if you’re traveling between La Fortuna and Tamarindo, you can stop along the way to join the tour. Our driver will pick you up at your location, wait during the tour, and then continue to your next destination.
Choose Your Tour Type
Find the best tour for you: enjoy a more private experience with a guide dedicated exclusively for your group or join a group tour with other travellers.
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike → Private Tour
Perfect if you’re traveling with small children, want to move at your own pace, or just prefer a more comfortable and personalized experience.
Start times
7am to 2pm
every 30 min
Private guide
Just for your group
Minimum age
4 years
⚠️ All tours must be booked in advance.
ℹ️ There may still be other visitors and tour groups at the river and waterfall, as the area is shared.
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike → Group Tour
The La Leona Waterfall group tour is a great option if you want to join a guided adventure with other travelers.
Start times
Every hour from 8am to 2pm
Group Size
Up to 20 participants
Minimum age
6 years
💡 Don’t worry if you’re traveling solo – just reach out to us and we’ll help you join a guided group tour.
⚠️ All tours must be booked in advance.
ℹ️ The group moves at the same pace with a guide focused on the group as a whole rather than individual participants.
La Leona Waterfall Combo Tours in Rincon de la Vieja
Make the most of your day in the Rincon de la Vieja area by combining the La Leona Waterfall hike with additional adventures like zip-lining, river tubing, or relaxing in natural hot springs.
La Leona Waterfall
& River Tubing Adventure
Ready for another adventure after the waterfall hike? Rush down fast rapids on the Colorado River on a tubing experience.
La Leona Waterfall
& Zip Lining Experience
Take in stunning views of the Colorado River and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano during your zip-lining adventure.
La Leona Waterfall
& Rio Negro Hot Springs
Need to relax after the hike? Enjoy natural hot springs and a rejuvenating mud bath surrounded by nature.
Highlights
🌴 Explore the Jungle Trail
🪨 Climb over Volcanic Rocks
🌊 Swim Through the Canyon
⭐ Reach the
Hidden Waterfall
Quick facts
Location
Curubandé, Guanacaste
Distance
20 minutes from Liberia
Duration
2.5 -3 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Swimming
Yes
Guide
Yes
What is La Leona Waterfall?
The La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja offers one of the most unique waterfall hikes in Costa Rica. What makes it so special?
The waterfall is hidden inside a volcanic rock cave and can only be reached by swimming through a bright-blue river canyon. Also the rest of the hike is adventurous: you follow an uneven jungle trail, climb over ladders and rocks, pass through a bat cave and may even spot local wildlife on the way.
The waterfall is located in Curubandé, Guanacaste, just 20 minutes from Liberia. It is fed by the bright turquoise Río Blanco, which originates in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
La Leona Waterfall Hike Experience
The hike to La Leona Waterfall is an essential part of the adventure itself. Follow along as we guide you through one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica.
👉Quick Overview of the trail:
| Trail Difficulty | Duration | Distance | Terrain |
| Moderate | 2.5 – 3 hours from start to finish (depends on pace and group size) | 2km each way (1.5 miles each way) | Rocky and uneven terrain, ladders, swim areas |
The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Step-by-Step
Jump to a section:
4×4 Ride | River Crossing | Climbing & Caves | Swim through a Cave | Canyon Swim | La Leona Waterfall
Step 1: The Adventure Begins
Meet your guide at the reception and receive your life jacket and a dry bag. A 4×4 pickup then takes you to the trailhead, a short 5-minute ride and a fun start to the tour.
You’ll begin with a 5-minute walk to the river, where you’ll have your first chance to jump into the water from the rocks (optional).
Watch the 4×4 ride and the first trail section
Step 2: River Crossings
As you continue along the forest trail, you’ll reach the first of five river crossings through Río Blanco. Each crossing is no more than knee-deep, and ropes are set up across the river to help you keep your balance as you make your way through.
Along the way, you may notice stones with a rusty-looking surface: this is oxidized iron. When rubbed on a rock with a little water, it creates a red paste that was traditionally used in Costa Rica to paint pottery, known as “Curiol.”
During the tour, it’s used to give you an adventurous face painting, so you’re fully ready for the hike 😉.
Step 3: Rock Climbing, Ladders & The Bat Cave
As you follow the jungle trail, the adventure becomes even more exciting. You’ll climb over rocks and make your way up four ladders, always supported by a rope you can hold onto for extra stability.
Your guide will be there to assist you whenever needed.
See the rock climbing section on the trail
One of the highlights of this section is a narrow cave that is home to bats. You can carefully enter the cave and, if you’re lucky, spot them resting on the ceiling.
Step 4: Swimming Through Rock Formations
Further down the trail, you’ll swim through an impressive triangular-shaped rock formation. The river below shimmers in mysterious turquoise tones, thanks to volcanic sediments that give it its special color.
On the other side, you’ll find another great spot for a small optional cliff jump into the river.
Watch this unique swimming section
Step 5: Through the Canyon to La Leona Waterfall
A bit further on, you’ll reach the most adventurous part of the hike: swimming through the canyon to reach the cave where La Leona Waterfall is hidden.
Make your way through the flowing water, using a rope that spans from the riverbank to the entrance of the waterfall. Your guide will assist you through the final section, where the current is very strong.
See how to get to the Waterfall swimming through the canyon
Step 6: Reaching La Leona Waterfall
You’ve made it to La Leona Waterfall! Take a moment to enjoy the impressive volcanic rock surroundings, the sound of the rushing waterfall, and the refreshing turquoise river.
After visiting the waterfall, your adventure isn’t over yet: You’ll make your way back through the volcanic canyon and along the jungle trail, cross the river again, and return to the reception by 4×4.
From adventurous river crossings to hidden caves and the final canyon swim, the La Leona Waterfall hike is full of unforgettable moments and one of the most exciting waterfall hikes in Costa Rica.
Ready to experience this in real life?
⚠️ Tours often sell out – reserve your spot
La Leona Waterfall Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
La Leona Waterfall can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The trail crosses private property and includes sections with climbing and swimming through the canyon, which require an experienced guide.
🕓 Tour Start Times:
Private Tours
7am – 2pm (departures every 30 minutes)
Group Tours
8am – 2pm (departures every hour)
⚠️ Tours must be reserved in advance.
If you arrive without a reservation, you may have to wait several hours or may not be able to join a tour that day. Especially during high season, tours fill up quickly.
Tours run daily throughout the year. Schedules may vary depending on weather and river conditions, especially during the rainy season (September–October).
👉 For current availability, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, live chat or email.
La Leona Waterfall Tour Prices
| Visit Option | Cost adult (13+) | Cost Children (4-12) |
| Group Tour | $35 | $30 |
| Private Tour | $45 | $35 |
Difficulty of the Hike
The La Leona Waterfall hike 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!
You can still join the tour.
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.
Why Book With Us?
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 experienced guides.
Certified and Experienced Guides
All guides are certified, trained in first aid, and fully prepared for any situation.
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.
Join thousands of happy guests and experience one of the top-rated Rincon de la Vieja tours.
Check availability and secure your spot.
What Visitors Say (Google Reviews)
See real reviews from our customers on Google:
Rebecca G
April 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jonathan was an amazing tour guide ! He kept us safe and we had so much fun ! Highly recommend! A must visit in Costa Rica !
Source: Google Reviews
Elizabeth Wieber
April 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had such a fantastic time on our hike at La Leona! Our guide, Justin, was terrific, very knowledgeable and fun! Would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants a fun, rigorous, and beautiful experience!
Source: Google Reviews
Diego Dmolina
April 22, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike was amazing! Absolutely worth the stop. Our tour guide Justin went above and beyond, he was so great with our kids and very helpful and attentive to our tour. This was so much fun, very highly recommend!!!
Source: Google Reviews
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 6k+ reviews
How to Get to La Leona Waterfall
The tour starts at the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike reception in Curubandé, about 20 minutes from Liberia.
You can arrive by bus, 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
How to Get to La Leona Waterfall by Bus
Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach La Leona Waterfall. However, it requires some planning, as there are very limited options to get to and from the tour.
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
After the river hike, you can relax and enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal at our La Leona Restaurant while waiting for the bus.
👉 Keep in mind that buses in Costa Rica don’t always run exactly on time, so don’t worry if yours arrives a little late.
(March 2026)
How to get to La Leona Waterfall by Car
Follow the directions and visual route guide below to reach the starting point. A 4×4 vehicle is not required, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
Directions to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia
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.
Visual Route Guide
Tour with Transportation Included
The easiest and most convenient way to reach La Leona Waterfall is by booking a tour with transportation included. Enjoy a stress-free visit with hotel pickup and experienced drivers, without worrying about schedules or directions.
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
As we specialize in this tour and operate this route daily, you don’t have to worry about anything, just be ready at your chosen pickup point at the scheduled time, we will take care of the rest.
👉 Perfect option to visit La Leona Waterfall if you don’t have a car or want to enjoy a fully relaxed experience.
Convenient shuttle service throughout Guanacaste.
What to Bring to the La Leona Waterfall Hike
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
- 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
Facilities
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 typical Costa Rican meal after your tour
Best Time to Visit La Leona Waterfall
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, the water is usually clear and turquoise, and conditions are ideal and safe for the hike.
Rainy season in Rincon de la Vieja (Important to know)
In the rainy season, especially in September and October, water levels can rise significantly, increasing the risk of sudden and very dangerous 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.
Local Tips for Visiting La Leona Waterfall
Here are some local tips you should know when visiting La Leona Waterfall.
🕖 Visit Early in the morning
Best time to visit to avoid crowds: 7am-8:30am or after 12pm
Busiest time: from 9am-12pm
🐒 Stay attentive to spot wildlife
It is likely to see tropical birds, butterflies, lizards or even monkeys in the trees. Your guide will help you spot them as they can sometimes be hard to see!
🌞 Be prepared for the heat
The sun in Rincon de la Vieja is very strong, especially during the dry season. Make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen and stay hydrated.
🌊 Avoid sudden temperature changes
If you already feel very hot, it’s best to enter the cool water gradually, rather than jumping in right away. Sudden temperature differences can cause dizziness and general discomfort.
💡Did you know?
La Leona Waterfall got its name a long time ago from the people living in Curubandé and the nearby farms. Sometimes, farmers noticed that animals left outside during the night disappeared or were later found dead, as if they had been attacked by a large and powerful animal.
Some locals even claimed they had seen it: a large feline, shaped like a lioness. From that point on, rumors spread that a lioness was living in the forests around Curubandé, hiding in a cave near the waterfall, which eventually gave the place its name, “La Leona Waterfall.”
Of course, there are no lions in Costa Rica. The farmers most likely saw a puma or a jaguar and confused it with a lioness, as they have a similar shape. Back then, people were not familiar with the different feline species in Costa Rica, so they called any large cat they saw in the wild a lion.
So don’t worry when visiting La Leona Waterfall – there are no lions, and pumas or jaguars are very shy animals that avoid humans and won’t cross your path during the hike 😉
Where to Stay Near La Leona Waterfall
If you’re planning to stay overnight in the Rincon de la Vieja area, there are many comfortable accommodation options to choose from. Here are some of our recommendations:
Located directly across the road from the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour center in Curubandé, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a beautiful patio with a garden seating area.
This hotel is located near Rincon de la Vieja National Park and is an excellent starting point for exploring the area. It offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a relaxing spa area with hot springs, a sauna, and volcanic mud baths.
Cañón de la Vieja Lodge next to the Colorado River offers plenty of activities and on-site tours, such as horseback riding, zip-lining, and climbing. Afterwards, you can relax in spacious accommodations or in the spa area.
What Visitors Say on TripAdvisor
Read what visitors say about La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike on TripAdvisor.
Kristin W
April 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scenic with right amount of adventure
Fun excursion for our entire family. Highly recommend Victor as a personal guide.
Source: TripAdvisor Reviews
Christina Lopez
March 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
JUST DO IT!
we had a blast! Our guides name was Diego ! He was so sweet and kind ! Would do it again 10/10
Source: TripAdvisor Reviews
Michelle W.
March 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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
La Leona Waterfall Photo Gallery
Discover the wild and beautiful nature of the Rincon de la Vieja area on the La Leona Waterfall hike.
Ready to experience the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike yourself?
FAQ
Is the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike suitable for kids?
Yes, the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike is suitable for kids over 4 years old. The hike includes climbing over rocks, caves, and swimming parts, making it an exciting experience for adventurous kids, as long as they 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.
Can I visit La Leona Waterfall without a guide?
No, you cannot visit the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike without a guide.
The trail and access road are located on private property, and guided tours are required to enter the area.
In addition, parts of the hike involve rock climbing, river crossings, and swimming through canyon sections with strong currents, which can be dangerous without proper guidance. The path can also be difficult to follow on your own.
A certified guide is included in every tour, ensuring your safety while also helping you navigate the trail and learn more about the local nature.
Do I need to book in advance to visit La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, booking in advance is required to visit La Leona Waterfall.
Tours often fill up quickly, especially during high season in Rincon de la Vieja. If you arrive without a reservation, you may have to wait several hours or may not be able to join a tour that day.
How to get to La Leona Waterfall?
You can reach the starting point of the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike by car, bus, or with transportation included.
The tour is located in the village of Curubandé in the Rincon de la Vieja region, about 20 minutes from Liberia and 40 minutes from Liberia Airport.
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 the Río Blanco – 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.
Can I leave my belongings in the car during the hike?
Yes, 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.
How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?
The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike is considered moderate in difficulty.
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.
La Leona Waterfall or Río Celeste – which is better?
The main difference is that you can swim at La Leona Waterfall, while swimming is not allowed in Río Celeste.
Both are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, with bright turquoise water, but they offer very different experiences. While Río Celeste is easier to reach, the La Leona Waterfall Hike is a more adventurous experience, including swimming, climbing over rocks, and even small cliff jumps along the way.
If you’re looking for a more active and exciting adventure, La Leona Waterfall is the better choice.
Who owns La Leona Waterfall?
La Leona Waterfall is located on two private properties and is not part of a national park. The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike company owns one of the main entrances to the area and has developed an official tour with certified staff, proper safety measures, and a strong focus on preserving the natural environment.
For the most complete and reliable experience, we recommend booking directly with us.