
TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach
Travel Time
~ 1 hr 10 min
Distance
55 km (34 mi)
Hotel Pickup
Available
⭐ 5.0 Google Rating (6k+ Reviews)
⭐ 5.0 TripAdvisor (530+ Reviews)
Planning a Tour to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach?
Experience tropical nature from within on the La Leona Waterfall hike in Rincon de la Vieja and join Costa Rica’s top-rated tour company for an unforgettable adventure.
Choose from a variety of tour options from Ocotal Beach, including private, group, and combo tours, as well as transportation-included experiences for an easy and stress-free day trip to La Leona Waterfall.
⚠️ 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 Ocotal Beach
Experience one of the best waterfall hikes in Costa Rica from Ocotal Beach: La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja, hidden inside a volcanic rock cave.
This adventurous waterfall hike takes you through the jungle, across rivers, over volcanic rocks, and even swimming through a turquoise river inside a narrow canyon. Along the way, you may spot monkeys, tropical birds, large iguanas, and bats.
From Ocotal Beach, La Leona Waterfall can be reached in about 1 hour by car or with transportation included, and can easily be combined with other adventure tours in the region, making it the perfect option for a day trip.

La Leona Waterfall Hike and Our Signature Tours
La Leona Waterfall Hike
Explore the jungle and river canyons of Costa Rica on this unique guided adventure hike. La Leona Waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls and a must-visit highlight of Rincon de la Vieja when staying in Ocotal Beach. Choose between group, private, and combo tours.
White Water River Tubing
Fast and fun rapids, scenic floating sections, tropical nature, refreshing river waters, and wildlife observation – all this awaits you on our guided river tubing tour in Rincon de la Vieja. This adventure expedition can be booked as a group or private tour, or in a full-day combo tour.
Zip Lining in Rincon de la Vieja
Discover Costa Rica from a unique perspective as you fly high above the trees and across river canyons, with an adrenaline rush guaranteed. This zip lining course is the perfect add-on to the La Leona Waterfall hike or together with other top-rated activities in our One Day Adventure Pass.
Choose How to Get to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach
To visit La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach in Costa Rica, you can either arrive on your own by car or public bus, or enjoy a more comfortable experience with transportation included in your tour.
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 Ocotal Beach 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.

Getting to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach by
Car & Public Transport
The tour starting point is located in the village of Curubandé near Liberia and Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Driving to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, covering a distance of around 55 kilometers (34 miles).
You can use the Google Maps link to reach our tour office or follow the directions below.
💡 Prefer not to drive? Transportation from Ocotal Beach 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 Ocotal Beach, drive towards Playas Del Coco.
2️⃣ Enter Route 151, and head toward Liberia, passing through Sardinal.
3️⃣ After about 20 minutes, you will reach an intersection. Turn left onto Route 21 to continue toward Liberia, passing by the airport.
4️⃣ Upon reaching Liberia, turn left at the main intersection onto Highway 1.
5️⃣ After about 5 km, look for the right turn onto the road leading to Curubandé (Rincon de la Vieja National Park).
6️⃣ Passing straight through Curubandé you’ll find the La Leona Waterfall tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.

Getting to La Leona Waterfall by Bus
Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach. Since buses do not depart directly from Ocotal Beach, you first need to get to the nearby Playas Del Coco by taxi or Uber, which takes about 10 minutes.
💡 Keep in mind that bus schedules are limited and travel times are significantly longer compared to driving or booking transportation included with a tour.
Getting to La Leona Waterfall by Bus
1️⃣ Playas Del Coco → Liberia
- Departure from: Near the center of Playas Del Coco
- Bus time: About every hour
2️⃣ 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 from La Leona Waterfall by Bus
1️⃣ Curubandé → Liberia
- Departure from: Bus station close to the church
- Bus time: 1:15pm
2️⃣ Liberia → Playas Del Coco
- Departure from: Parada Municipal (Liberia)
- Bus time: About every hour
✔ Fits well after completing the morning hike
⚠️ Only bus available for the return trip
Ready to visit this epic waterfall tour from Ocotal Beach?
⚠️ Tours can fill up quickly – reserve your spot in advance.
More Tours from Ocotal Beach to Rincon de la Vieja
Explore more of our adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja, with convenient hotel pickup available across Guanacaste.

Las Pailas Trail Volcanic
Activity Hike
Observe real volcanic activity, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents up close while hiking through the impressive scenery surrounding the volcano.

Rio Negro
Hot Springs
Just want to enjoy a relaxing day? Visit the closest hot springs to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and treat your body with thermal waters and a volcanic mud bath.
La Leona Waterfall Reviews (TripAdvisor)
Read what visitors say about La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike on TripAdvisor.

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

Christina Lopez
March 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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 Ocotal Beach – FAQ
How long does it take to get to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach?
It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach, at a distance of approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles), making this hike an easy day trip option near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Can I book a tour with transportation included to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach?
Yes, transportation from Ocotal Beach to La Leona Waterfall is available and can be included in your tour reservation. Simply let us know your preferred pickup location and time, and we will take care of everything to create a comfortable and relaxed journey.
How do I get to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach by car?
Head toward Playas del Coco to enter Route 151 and continue driving toward Liberia. Turn left at the main crossroads to enter Highway 1. After about 5 km, turn right at an intersection pointing toward Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Continue to the village of Curubandé, pass by the church on the right side, and you will find the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour base on your left, clearly marked with large signs.
The drive from Ocotal Beach to La Leona Waterfall takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes at a distance of approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles).
Can I reach La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach by bus?
Yes, you can get to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach by public transportation, but it is a significantly slower and more limited option compared to arriving by car or with transportation included in your tour.
To arrive in time for the morning hike, you must first travel to Playas Del Coco, then to Liberia and from there take the 6:45am bus to Curubandé. The only return bus from Curubandé to Liberia departs at 1:15pm.
What other tours can I combine with La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach?
Popular La Leona Waterfall combo tours from Ocotal Beach include river tubing, zip lining, hot springs, and the volcanic activity hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. When booking a full day adventure tour, many visitors also choose to add a traditional Costa Rican lunch at our on-site restaurant to recharge between or after the activities.
Do I need a car to visit La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach?
No, you can get to La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach without a car by taking the bus or booking transportation included with your tour. While public transportation schedules are more limited, the hotel pickup option offers the easiest and most comfortable experience.
Is visiting La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach worth it?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is definitely worth visiting and makes a perfect day trip from Ocotal Beach, as it is easy to reach and includes a unique river hike leading to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja. You can also choose one of our combo tours if you would like to explore more attractions in this beautiful region of Costa Rica in just one day.
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 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 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 Ocotal Beach by car or with transportation, the entire tour usually takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and if you would like to make stops or enjoy lunch at our on-site restaurant.
Is La Leona Waterfall family and beginner friendly?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is suitable for beginners and families with children over 4 years old. The hike is rated as moderate and includes small climbing sections and swimming parts, but you do not need to be an experienced hiker to complete the trail, as our expert guides will assist you throughout the experience.
Don’t worry if you are not a strong swimmer, life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants so you can simply float through the water sections. However, participants should have a basic level of fitness and should not have walking, knee, or mobility limitations.
Is the La Leona Waterfall hike difficult?
The La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike in Costa Rica is considered moderate and includes small climbing sections, river crossings, uneven terrain, and swimming parts.
No previous hiking experience is required, but participants should have a basic level of fitness. The hike is not suitable for guests with walking, knee, ankle, or mobility limitations. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants, so you do not need to be a strong swimmer to join the tour. Our experienced guides will assist you whenever needed and make sure you can safely enjoy the experience.
Should I reserve my La Leona Waterfall tour in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is required to visit La Leona Waterfall from Ocotal Beach in Costa Rica.
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.
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.
Can I visit La Leona Waterfall without a tour?
No, it is not possible to visit La Leona Waterfall without a tour. The trail and access road are located on private property, and guided tours are required to enter the area.
Parts of the hike include small rock climbing sections, river crossings, and swimming areas with strong currents, which require a professional guide to help guarantee your safety.



