
TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas
Travel Time
About 2 hr
Distance
97 km (60 mi)
Hotel Pickup
Available
⭐ 5.0 Google Rating (6k+ Reviews)
⭐ 5.0 TripAdvisor (530+ Reviews)
Planning a Tour to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas?
Staying in Las Catalinas and looking for a jungle adventure after a relaxed morning by the ocean? La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica offers one of the best nature day trips near Rincon de La Vieja and a refreshing break from the beach.
Explore tropical scenery on a unique river hike with Costa Rica’s top-rated tour company. Choose between a variety of tour options from Las Catalinas, including private, group, and combo tours, as well as transportation-included experiences.
⚠️ Please note: All tours must be reserved in advance, as walk-ins are not available.
What Visitors Say (Google Reviews)
See real reviews from our customers on Google:

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 tubing!! 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
Visiting La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas
The La Leona Waterfall hike is one of the best waterfall experiences in Costa Rica, leading through the rainforest, across rivers, and along epic canyon walls to the volcanic rock cave where the waterfall is hidden.
Unlike many other waterfalls in Costa Rica, you can swim through the refreshing river and in the crystal-clear pool beneath the waterfall as an essential part of the experience.
When staying in Las Catalinas, La Leona Waterfall is the perfect option for a day trip, easily combined with other adventure tours and comfortably accessible by car or with transportation included.

La Leona Waterfall Hike and Our Signature Tours
La Leona Waterfall Hike
Climb over volcanic rocks, cross rivers and observe local wildlife on a scenic jungle hike to La Leona Waterfall. From Playa Las Catalinas, you can choose between group, private, and combo tours with other top-rated adventure activities in Rincon de la Vieja.
White Water River Tubing
Rush through fast rapids and float gently along calmer sections of the Colorado River, passing beneath tropical forest branches with the chance to spot monkeys in the trees. We offer guided and safe river tubing experiences in Rincon de la Vieja with group, private, and combo tour options.
Zip Lining in Rincon de la Vieja
Enjoy incredible views of Costa Rica’s river canyons and tropical forests from high above while flying along 8 exciting zip lines. Add this adventure tour to your La Leona Waterfall hike or choose our One Day Adventure Pass for a full day of unique nature experiences and adrenaline.
Tours to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas
To visit La Leona Waterfall from Playa Las Catalinas in Costa Rica, you can either arrive on your own by car or enjoy a more comfortable experience with hotel pickup and transportation included.
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
⚠️ Note that all tours must be reserved in advance, walk-ins are not available.
↪️ La Leona Waterfall with Transportation Included – Details
Don’t want to worry about driving and planning? Choose a tour with transportation included and simply be ready at your chosen pickup time and location while we take care of the rest.
Your driver will take you to the tour starting point, wait during the hike, and bring you back to your accommodation in Las Catalinas afterward, with optional stops along the way for food, drinks, or souvenirs.
As a local tour operator specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja region, we provide reliable transportation with experienced drivers and hotel pickup throughout Guanacaste for a comfortable and stress-free tour experience.
🚐 Flexible Transfer Shuttle Option
Add the La Leona Waterfall tour as a stop between two destinations. For example, if you are traveling between La Fortuna and Tamarindo, you can join the tour along the way.
Our driver will pick you up at your location, wait during the tour, and then continue to your next destination afterward.

Directions to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas
The La Leona Waterfall tour starting point is located in the village of Curubandé near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Driving to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas in Costa Rica takes about 2 hours, covering a distance of around 97 kilometers (60 miles).
You can use the Google Maps link to reach our tour office or follow the directions below.
🚐 Prefer not to drive? Transportation from Playa Las Catalinas to La Leona Waterfall is also available for the easiest and most comfortable way to join the tour.

Directions to La Leona Waterfall
1️⃣ From Las Catalinas, drive toward Brasilito and continue to Huacas.
2️⃣ In Huacas, turn left at the intersection onto Route 155.
3️⃣ Upon reaching the village Belén, turn left onto Route 21 toward Liberia.
4️⃣ In Liberia, turn left at the main intersection onto Highway 1 and continue for about 5 km.
5️⃣ Turn right when you see signs pointing toward Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
6️⃣ Reach Curubandé and continue straight until you see the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.

Ready to visit La Leona Waterfall?
⚠️ Tours can fill up quickly – reserve your spot in advance.
More Tours from Las Catalinas to Rincon de la Vieja
Want to discover more of this unique region in Costa Rica? We offer a variety of adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja, with convenient hotel pickup available across Guanacaste.

Las Pailas Trail Volcanic
Activity Hike
Walk along bubbling mud pools, boiling hot springs, and steam vents while observing local wildlife on an easy loop trail through Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Rio Negro
Hot Springs
Enjoy some relaxing hours surrounded by tropical nature while treating your body with natural thermal waters and a volcanic mud bath.
La Leona Waterfall Reviews (TripAdvisor)
Read what visitors say about La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike on TripAdvisor.

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

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

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 from Las Catalinas – FAQ
How long does it take to get to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas in Costa Rica?
It takes about 2 hours to get to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas, at a distance of approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles), making this hike a perfect day trip option near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Is transportation included to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas?
Transportation from Las Catalinas to La Leona Waterfall can be included with your tour booking. Simply choose a tour with transportation included, let us know your preferred pickup location in your reservation, and we will take care of everything to create a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Can I combine La Leona Waterfall with other tours from Las Catalinas?
Yes, you can combine the La Leona Waterfall hike with many other adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja to enjoy a full day in this beautiful region of Costa Rica. Popular combo options from Las Catalinas include the La Leona Waterfall hike with river tubing, zip lining, hot springs, or the volcanic activity hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Are private tours available from Las Catalinas in Costa Rica?
Yes, we offer a variety of private tours from Las Catalinas. With a private tour, you’ll have a dedicated guide exclusively for your group, allowing you to enjoy the activity at your own pace.
Private tours are perfect for families with small children or travelers looking for a more personalized and comfortable experience. While children must be at least 6 years old to join our group tours, kids can participate in the private tour from 4 years old.
Private tours from Las Catalinas are available for La Leona Waterfall, river tubing, and several combo experiences, including tours combined with Rio Negro Hot Springs.
How do I drive to La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas?
From Las Catalinas, drive toward Brasilito and continue to Huacas. Turn left at the intersection onto Route 155. Reaching a T-junction in the village Belén turn left onto Route 21 toward Liberia. Turn left at the main intersection onto Highway 1 and continue for about 5 km. Turn right when you see a sign pointing toward Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Reach Curubandé and continue straight until you see the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.
What areas do you cover with your transportation service?
We offer comfortable hotel pickup and flexible shuttle service throughout Guanacaste, including areas such as Tamarindo, Las Catalinas, Liberia, La Fortuna, and hotels like Four Seasons Costa Rica and Occidental Papagayo.
During the booking process, you can choose your pickup location from a list of popular destinations. If your location is not listed, you can add it in an extra field.
If you are unsure whether your accommodation in Costa Rica is within our transportation area, feel free to contact us before booking.
Do I need to book in advance to visit La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas?
Yes, booking in advance is required to visit La Leona Waterfall from Las Catalinas.
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.
Is La Leona Waterfall a good day trip from Las Catalinas in Costa Rica?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall makes a perfect day trip from Las Catalinas in Costa Rica and is definitely a highlight you shouldn’t miss while visiting Guanacaste. If you want to extend your adventure even further to make the most of your day in Rincon de la Vieja, we recommend choosing one of our combo tours, with zip lining, river tubing, hot springs and more.
What to bring to La Leona Waterfall?
To 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.
Included in the tour are certified guides, transportation from our office to the trailhead, life jackets, and dry bags to safely store valuable items during 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 active kids over 4 years old and for the whole family. (Please note: the minimum age for group tours is 6 years old, while private tours are available for children from 4 years old.)
Our expert guides will keep a close eye on your kids throughout the tour and assist them whenever needed. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants, so even children who are not strong swimmers can safely participate 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 long does the La Leona Waterfall hike take?
The La Leona Waterfall hike takes approximately 2.5–3 hours from start to finish. Including the drive to and from Las Catalinas, the entire tour usually takes around 7 hours, depending on traffic and if you would like to make stops or enjoy lunch at our on-site restaurant.
How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?
The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike in Costa Rica is considered moderate and includes small climbing sections, river crossings, and uneven terrain, which is why it is not suitable for people with knee, walking, or mobility issues. You don’t need previous hiking experience, but a basic level of fitness is required.
As life jackets are provided and ropes are set up across the river, you don’t need to know how to swim. You can simply float and use the ropes to move through the water.
Our expert guides will assist you throughout the tour, ensuring that you feel safe, comfortable, and well supported at all times.
Is lunch available 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 reserve a table for your group during the booking process and choose from our varied 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.
Is La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica worth visiting from Las Catalinas?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is definitely worth visiting. With its bright blue pools and exciting hiking experience, it’s one of the best day trips and things to do near Las Catalinas for travelers looking to combine beach relaxation with a tropical jungle adventure.



