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⚠️ RESERVATIONS ONLY, NO WALK INS

enjoy comfortable transportation to la leona waterfall from occidental papagayo

La Leona Waterfall from Occidental Papagayo

⭐ 5.0 Google Rating (6k+ Reviews)

⭐ 5.0 TripAdvisor (530+ Reviews)

Explore the breathtaking La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja and join Costa Rica’s top-rated tour company for an unforgettable adventure!

We offer a variety of tour options from Occidental Papagayo, including group and private tours, transportation included tours, and combo experiences in Costa Rica.

⚠️ Please note: All tours must be reserved in advance, as walk-ins are not available.

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

La Leona Waterfall offers one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica and is a must-visit highlight near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

What makes this hike so special is the adventurous jungle trail leading to the hidden waterfall cave, where you cross rivers, climb over rocks, and swim through a canyon in bright blue water while our expert guides ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.

If you are staying at Occidental Papagayo in Costa Rica, La Leona Waterfall is easy to reach in about one hour by car or with transportation included for the most comfortable way to enjoy the tour.

tour with transportation to la leona waterfall from occidental papagayo
Visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja from Occidental Papagayo.

La Leona Waterfall Hike

The La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica provides the perfect combination of adventure and nature. This hike will keep you on your toes as you climb over rocks and swim through a volcanic canyon along a jungle trail. We offer group and private tours to fit the specific needs of you and your group.

best waterfall hike in costa rica

White Water River Tubing

Splash through fast rapids on an exciting tubing expedition down the refreshing Colorado River, located right next to the La Leona Waterfall Hike in Costa Rica. You will be assisted by expert tour guides along the entire route. We offer group, private, and combo tour options.

join our la leona waterfall and river tubing tour in rincon de la vieja

Zip Lining in Rincon de la Vieja 

If you want to add even more adventure to your day at La Leona Waterfall, zip lining is a must-do experience. Fly high above the treetops and river canyons of Rincon de la Vieja while enjoying a unique perspective of Costa Rica’s incredible scenery.

la leona waterfall and zip lining tour rincon de la vieja

Choose how to get to La Leona Waterfall from Occidental Papagayo in Costa Rica: self-drive or with 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.

Don’t worry about driving or planning, just be ready at your chosen pickup time and location, and we will take care of the rest.

Your driver will take you to the tour starting point, wait for you during the hike, and bring you back afterward, with the possibility to stop along the way for food or souvenirs.

As a local tour operator specialized in the Rincon de la Vieja region, we offer reliable transportation with experienced drivers and hotel pickup throughout Guanacaste to make your visit as easy and convenient as possible.

🚐 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.

transportation to la leona waterfall from occidental papagayo in costa rica
Hotel pickup for the La Leona Waterfall tour at Occidental Papagayo.

La Leona Waterfall is located in the small village of Curubandé in Guanacaste, close to Liberia. The approximate driving time from Occidental Papagayo to La Leona Waterfall is about 1 hour, at a distance of approximately 59 kilometers.

Use the Google Maps link to get to our tour office or follow the directions below. Prefer not to drive? Transportation from Occidental Papagayo is also available.

how to get to la leona waterfall from occidental papagayo in costa rica
Overview of how to get to La Leona Waterfall from Occidental Papagayo.

Directions to La Leona Waterfall

1️⃣ Head southeast from Occidental Papagayo and join Route 253.

2️⃣ Continue on Route 253 until you reach the intersection with Route 21.

3️⃣ Take a left turn onto Route 21 and continue southeast towards Liberia.

4️⃣ Look for the right turn onto the road leading to Curubandé (Rincon de la Vieja National Park).

5️⃣ Passing straight through Curubandé you’ll find the La Leona Waterfall tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.

la leona waterfall adventure hike office in curubande
Entrance to our tour office in Curubandé.

Ready to visit La Leona Waterfall?

⚠️ Tours can fill up quickly – reserve your spot in advance.

Want to discover more of this unique region in Costa Rica? We offer many other adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja, with hotel pickup available.

volcanic mud bath in rio negro hot springs near rincon de la vieja

Prefer a more relaxed experience? Enjoy natural thermal pools, a rejuvenating volcanic mud bath, and calm your mind surrounded by tropical forest.

View Tour  →

volcanic activity hike in costa rica

Experience real volcanic activity and observe local wildlife while walking through the impressive landscapes around the Rincon de la Vieja volcano.

View Tour  →

join the most complete combo tour in rincon de la vieja

Experience a little bit of everything Costa Rica is known for, including zip lining, horseback riding, a cultural tour, a huge waterslide, hot springs, and more.

View Tour  →

Read what visitors say about La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike on TripAdvisor.

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Pam H

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

trip advisor logo

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

trip advisor logo

Michelle W.

March 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So much fun

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

How far is La Leona Waterfall from Occidental Papagayo?

The drive from Occidental Papagayo to La Leona Waterfall in Curubandé takes about 1 hour at a distance of approximately 59 kilometers, making it an easy-to-reach highlight near Rincon de la Vieja in Costa Rica.

Is transportation included from Occidental Papagayo to La Leona Waterfall?

You can book transportation together with your tour for the best value and the most comfortable way to get to the tour starting point and back to your hotel. Simply share your pickup location during the booking process and we will arrange everything for you.

We offer tours with transportation included and transfer shuttles throughout Guanacaste with experienced drivers who know the routes inside out. Enjoy an easy and stress-free way to reach our adventure tours in Costa Rica without worrying about driving or directions.

Can I make stops along the way during transportation from Occidental Papagayo to La Leona Waterfall?

Yes, you can ask your driver for brief stops along the way for food, facilities, or souvenirs, and they will be happy to fit your requests into the schedule whenever possible. If you are planning a longer stop during your journey, simply contact us in advance so we can help arrange it.

Can I combine transportation with other Rincon de la Vieja tours?

Yes, many visitors choose to combine the La Leona Waterfall hike with other adventure tours in Rincon de la Vieja for a full-day experience in Costa Rica. Our driver will take you to each activity, wait during the tours, and take you back to your accomodation at the end of the day.

Popular combo options 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.

What areas do you cover with your transportation service?

We offer comfortable hotel pickup and flexible shuttle transportation throughout Guanacaste, including areas such as Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, Liberia, Playa Flamingo, and hotels like Four Seasons 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.

For how many people can I book transportation to La Leona Waterfall?

We provide transportation for both small and large groups traveling to La Leona Waterfall from destinations throughout Guanacaste. Our fleet includes mini vans, mini buses, and large buses with capacity for up to 50 and more guests, making our service ideal for private groups, families and travel groups.

Can I book transportation to La Leona Waterfall from Occidental Papagayo as a solo traveler?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome to book transportation to La Leona Waterfall. Depending on availability and your pickup location, we can arrange shared transportation from many destinations throughout Guanacaste. Just reach out to us via live chat, WhatsApp, email, or phone, and we will be happy to assist you.

How do I drive to La Leona Waterfall from Occidental Papagayo?

The La Leona Waterfall tour starting point is located in the village of Curubandé in the Rincon de la Vieja region, close to Liberia and about 40 minutes from Liberia Airport. The drive from Occidental Papagayo to La Leona Waterfall takes approximately 1 hour at a distance of about 59 kilometers.

For detailed directions, please see the driving guide above.

Can you swim at La Leona Waterfall?

Yes, swimming is an essential part and highlight of the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike. During the tour, you will enter the bright blue river several times and swim along epic volcanic rock formations, offering a welcoming cool down and a unique way to experience nature up close.

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.

How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?

The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike in Costa Rica is considered moderate.

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. As life jackets are mandatory for everyone and ropes are set up across the river, it is not necessary to be an expert swimmer.

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 Occidental Papagayo, the entire tour usually takes around 5 hours, depending on traffic and if you would like to make stops or enjoy lunch at our on-site restaurant.

Can I visit La Leona Waterfall without a tour?

No, you cannot visit the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike without a tour and a certified 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 small rock climbing sections, river crossings, and swimming parts with strong currents, which can be dangerous without professional guidance. The path can also be difficult to follow on your own.

A certified guide is included in every tour, ensuring your safety and sharing interesting facts about Costa Rica and 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 and for all of our adventure tours.

Tours often fill up quickly, especially during high season in Costa Rica. If you arrive without a reservation, you may have to wait several hours or may not be able to join a tour that day.