TRAVEL GUIDE
La Leona Waterfall from Liberia, Guanacaste
How to Get There, What to Expect, and Why It’s One of the Best Waterfalls Near Liberia
📍 Curubandé, Guanacaste
🚗 20 min from Liberia
✈️ 40 min from Liberia Airport
🥾 Moderate Waterfall Hike
🕑 2.5–3 Hours
La Leona Waterfall from Liberia – One of the Best Day Trips
Many travelers visiting Costa Rica pass through the city of Liberia, as it is a connecting point to the famous beaches and resorts of Guanacaste. But Liberia is more than just a pass-through destination: staying a few nights here is absolutely worth it, as there are many popular attractions nearby in the Rincon de la Vieja region.
One of the best things to do from Liberia is joining the La Leona Waterfall hike in Curubandé to experience a one of a kind adventure trail through the jungle. To reach the hidden La Leona Waterfall cave, you will climb over volcanic rocks, cross rivers, swim through an epic river canyon with bright turquoise waters, and, with a little luck, observe local wildlife.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia, what the hike is really like, available tour options, and see a comparison of the best waterfalls near Liberia.
See what awaits at La Leona Waterfall
Watch the Real La Leona Waterfall Hiking Experience
Visiting La Leona Waterfall with Kids
What Is the La Leona Waterfall Hike Like?
What makes the La Leona Waterfall so special is the hike to reach it, where you’ll experience the local nature from a unique perspective by swimming through volcanic rock formations and hiking beneath huge trees in the rainforest.
Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will help you through the more challenging sections while sharing fascinating facts about nature and the Rincon de la Vieja region. With a knowledgeable guide by your side who can identify the local flora and fauna very well, you’ll also have a better chance of spotting wildlife.
💡However, please keep in mind that seeing animals cannot be guaranteed, as this is a natural environment.
QUICK FACTS
🚶♂️➡️ Distance:
2km each way (1.5 miles each way)
🕥 Duration:
2.5 – 3 hours
⛰️ Difficulty:
Moderate
🌊 Swimming:
Yes (Life jackets provided)
🛡️ Guided:
Yes (Guide included in the tour)
👦 Age:
Group tours: 6, Private tours: 4
❌ Not suitable for:
Guests with knee, ankle, mobility or walking issues
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE HIKE
4×4 Ride
The hike starts with a fun 4×4 ride of about 5 minutes to the trailhead.
River Crossings
After a 10-minute walk through light forest, you’ll cross the riverbed of Rio Blanco for the first time.
Jungle Trail
Step into dense tropical forest along unusually shaped trees and over rocks and roots.
Boulders & Ladders
It gets more adventurous: climb over short ladders and volcanic rocks with the help of your guide.
First Swim
Your first refreshing swim leads through triangular shaped rock formations in bright turquoise water.
River Canyon
A highlight of the hike: you will swim along a rope through a dramatic river canyon before the waterfall appears before you.
La Leona Waterfall
You’ve reached La Leona Waterfall! Cool down in the natural pool and take in the incredible scenery of volcanic cave walls around you.
How to Get to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia?
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 to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia: by car, by public bus, or by booking a tour with transportation included for the most stress-free experience.
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Location on Google Maps
Entrance to our tour base in Curubandé
LA LEONA WATERFALL DRIVING DIRECTIONS
💡 You don’t need a 4×4 vehicle, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
From Liberia, drive about 5 km north on Highway 1.
Turn right when you see signs pointing to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and continue for about 15 minutes.
Reach the village of Curubandé and continue straight, passing by the church.
After about 300m you will find the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.
🅿️ At La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike you will find free and monitored parking.
TRANSPORTATION TO
LA LEONA WATERFALL
If you don’t have a car available, you can book a La Leona Waterfall tour with transportation included. Hotel Pickup is available throughout Guanacaste.
You can even include the La Leona Waterfall hike as a stop between two destinations during your journey. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation, take you to the hike, and continue to your next destination afterward.
LA LEONA WATERFALL
BY BUS
Taking the bus to get to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia 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.
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
TRAVEL TIP
Visiting La Leona Waterfall from Guanacaste Airport (LIR)
If you’re short on time during your travels and staying near Guanacaste Airport (LIR), La Leona Waterfall makes the perfect half-day trip.
Transportation from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is also available, so you don’t have to worry about renting a car.
ℹ️ Good to Know:
✔️Approximately 40 minutes from Guanacaste Airport (LIR)
✔️ Plan around 4–4.5 hours in total for the whole trip
✔️ Monitored parking lot – your luggage stays safe during the hike. Lockers are also available for valuables.
✔️ On-site restaurant available to complete your trip
Tours to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia
Ready to experience the hike yourself? Choose from a variety of tour options, including private tours, group tours, tours with transportation included, and full-day combo experiences with other attractions near Rincon de la Vieja.
La Leona Waterfall PRIVATE TOUR
Perfect if you’re traveling with small children or just prefer a more personalized experience at your own pace.
La Leona Waterfall GROUP TOUR
The La Leona Waterfall group tour is a great option if you want to join a guided adventure with other travelers.
La Leona Waterfall & River Tubing
Ready for another adventure? Splash through fast rapids on a fun tubing tour down the Colorado River.
La Leona Waterfall & Zip Lining
Fly high above the treetops and across the river canyons of Rincon de la Vieja, an adrenaline rush guaranteed.
La Leona Waterfall & Hot Springs
Relax in 10 natural thermal pools, enjoy a volcanic mud bath, and spend some peaceful hours surrounded by tropical nature.
La Leona Waterfall & Las Pailas Trail
Want to see real volcanic activity? Walk past steam vents, active fumaroles and boiling hot springs in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why choose La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike?
We are proud to be one of the highest-rated tour companies in Rincon de la Vieja, with more than 6700 Google reviews and a 5.0 rating, 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.
We are the only tour company in Curubandé offering modern visitor facilities, including a monitored parking lot, bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, lockers, and an on-site restaurant for the most comfortable tour experience.
Best Waterfalls Near Liberia, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its impressive tropical landscapes, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and mystical waterfalls. If you’re staying in Liberia, you’re already close to five of the most popular waterfalls in Guanacaste: La Leona Waterfall, Oropendola Waterfall, La Cangreja Waterfall, Llanos de Cortez Waterfall and Río Celeste Waterfall.
All of them are absolutely worth visiting, but depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, some may be a better choice than others.
Waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja
LA LEONA WATERFALL
🚗 20 min from Liberia
🚶♂️ Adventurous 2.5-3 hr jungle hike
✅ A unique nature experience where you swim through an epic volcanic canyon in turquoise waters to reach a hidden waterfall cave
❌ Not ideal if you just want to relax
OROPENDOLA WATERFALL
📍 Next to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
🚗 40 min from Liberia
🚶♂️ Easy 15 minutes walk
✅ The short walk includes two hanging bridges with amazing views and you can cool off in the crystal-clear waterfall pool
❌ Relatively short experience for the entrance fee, not as adventurous as La Leona Waterfall
LA CANGREJA WATERFALL
📍 Rincon de la Vieja National Park
🚗 40 min from Liberia
🚶♂️ 10 km hike in the national park
✅ Scenic trail through the diverse landscapes near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the waterfall is located in a beautiful forest setting
❌ Not the best choice if you’re not into hiking, you should be in a good shape
More Waterfalls near Liberia
LLANOS DE CORTEZ
🚗 20 min from Liberia
🚶♂️ 10 minutes walk with stairs
✅ Most budget-friendly option and easiest to reach, spacious natural pool and river bank to relax
❌ Doesn’t have turquoise waters
RIO CELESTE
📍 Tenorio Volcano National Park
🚗 1 hr 30 min from Liberia
🚶♂️ 30-40 min hike with stairs
✅ Rainforest hike with beautiful views of the stunning blue river, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica
❌ Swimming is not allowed
La Leona Waterfall from Liberia – FAQ
How far is La Leona Waterfall from Liberia?
It takes only about 20 minutes to get to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia, covering a distance of approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles), making it a great day trip option.
How far is La Leona Waterfall from Guanacaste Airport (LIR)?
It takes about 40 minutes to get to La Leona Waterfall from Guanacaste Airport (LIR) at a distance of around 27 kilometers (18 miles). We offer shuttle services included in your La Leona Waterfall tour to join the hike easily even if you’re short on time while traveling.
Can I visit La Leona Waterfall as a day trip from Liberia?
Yes, as La Leona Waterfall is located only 20 minutes from Liberia, it makes a perfect half-day trip or a full day tour combined with other nearby activites like river tubing, zip lining or hot springs.
Do I need a guide to visit La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, visiting La Leona Waterfall is only permitted as part of a guided tour with an official tour company. The trail and waterfall are not part of a national park, they are located on private property, where access is only possible with a guide. The hike also includes sections that can be dangerous without professional guidance.
An experienced guide is included in all of our tours, leading you safely to La Leona Waterfall, sharing interesting facts along the way, and helping you take beautiful photos.
Is transportation available to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia and Guanacaste Airport (LIR)?
Yes, you can include transportation to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia and Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in your tour booking. Simply let us know your pickup location during the reservation process, and we will take care of the rest.
We offer reliable shuttle services and flexible transfers throughout Guanacaste, with the option to include La Leona Waterfall as a day trip or as a stop between two destinations.
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.
Can I visit La Leona Waterfall from Liberia without a rental car?
Yes, you can visit La Leona Waterfall from Liberia without a rental car, taking the public bus or choosing a tour with transportation included for the most comfortable option.
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.
Can beginners or children do the hike?
Yes, the La Leona Waterfall hike is rated as moderate and is suitable for beginners and children over 4 years old. Your guide will help you whenever needed, and ropes are set up in the more challenging sections for extra support. As life jackets are provided and mandatory for everyone, you don’t need to know how to swim.
Please note that the hike is not suitable for visitors with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility issues, and that a basic level of fitness is required.
What is the best waterfall near Liberia, Costa Rica?
Located near the popular Rincon de la Vieja region, Liberia is surrounded by many scenic waterfalls that are definitely worth a visit.
If you want to combine a unique nature experience with an adventurous river hike, La Leona Waterfall is the best option for you. If you prefer a more relaxing day trip, Oropendola Waterfall is a great choice, while Llanos de Cortez is the most budget-friendly option.
One of Costa Rica’s most famous waterfalls, Rio Celeste Waterfall, is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away. There, you’ll hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park with beautiful views of the stunning blue river and waterfall, but swimming is not allowed.