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⚠️ RESERVATIONS ONLY, NO WALK INS

visit la leona waterfall from playas del coco in costa rica

La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco

⭐ 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 Playas Del Coco, including private, group, and combo tours, as well as transportation included experiences for an easy and stress-free day trip.

⚠️ 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

Join us for an adventurous hike through the Costa Rican jungle, climbing over rocks and swimming through turquoise canyon waters to reach La Leona Waterfall, hidden inside a volcanic rock cave.

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, letting you experience tropical nature from within.

When staying in Playas Del Coco, La Leona Waterfall is the perfect option for a day trip, easily combined with other adventure tours and comfortably reachable in about one hour by car or with transportation included.

tour with hotel pickup to la leona waterfall from playas del coco
Visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja from Playas Del Coco.

La Leona Waterfall Hike

Unlike most waterfall experiences, this adventure tour lets you swim through refreshing canyon waters, climb over rocks, and hike through the jungle, creating a unique and unforgettable experience in nature. We offer group, private, and combo tours for every type of traveler.

visit la leona waterfall from playas del coco in costa rica

White Water River Tubing

Splash your way down the Colorado River and float through calmer sections, with the chance to spot monkeys in the trees along the way. Our guided river tubing adventure in Costa Rica is one of our most popular tours and is available from Playas Del Coco as a group, private or combo tour.

river tubing from playas del coco in rincon de la vieja

Zip Lining in Rincon de la Vieja 

This exciting zip lining course offers unique views of the river canyons of Rincon de la Vieja and guarantees an adrenaline rush as you fly high above the treetops. Add this adventure tour to your La Leona Waterfall hike or enjoy a full day combo tour with our One Day Adventure Pass.

la leona waterfall and zip lining tour from playas del coco

To visit La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco, you can either arrive on your own by car or public bus, 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.

Skip the driving and planning, just 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 Playas Del Coco 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.

transportation to la leona waterfall from playas del coco costa rica
Enjoy comfortable transportation to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco.

The tour starting point is located in the village of Curubandé near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Driving to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic, covering a distance of around 51 kilometers (32 miles).

You can use the Google Maps link to reach our tour office or follow the directions below.

💡 Prefer not to drive? Transportation from Playas Del Coco to La Leona Waterfall is also available for the easiest and most comfortable way to join the tour.

how to get from playas del coco to la leona waterfall
Overview of how to get to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco in Costa Rica.

Directions to La Leona Waterfall

1️⃣ Exit Playas Del Coco heading toward Liberia on Route 151, passing through Sardinal.

2️⃣ After about 20 minutes, you will reach an intersection. Turn left onto Route 21 to continue toward Liberia, passing by the airport.

3️⃣ Upon reaching Liberia, turn left at the main intersection onto Highway 1.

4️⃣ After about 5 km, 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.

Getting to La Leona Waterfall by Bus

Taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco.

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

2️⃣ Liberia → Curubandé

✔ 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

2️⃣ Liberia → Playas Del Coco

✔ Fits well after completing the morning hike

⚠️ Only bus available for the return trip

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 a variety of adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja, with convenient hotel pickup available across Guanacaste.

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Walk along bubbling mud pools, boiling hot springs, and steam vents to experience the powerful forces of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano up close.

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Enjoy some relaxing hours surrounded by tropical nature while treating your body with natural thermal waters and a volcanic mud bath.

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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 Playas Del Coco?

La Leona Waterfall is located about 51 kilometers (32 miles) from Playas Del Coco, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour depending on traffic, making it an easy day trip option near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Is transportation included to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco?

Yes, transportation from Playas Del Coco to La Leona Waterfall is available and can be included with your tour booking. Simply let us know your preferred pickup location and time during your reservation, and we will take care of everything to create a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Can I get to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco by bus?

Yes, you can get to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco by public transportation. Keep in mind that 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 tours, you must first travel from Playas Del Coco to Liberia and then take the 6:45am bus to Curubandé. The return bus from Curubandé to Liberia departs at approximately 1:15pm.

Can I combine La Leona Waterfall with other tours from Playas Del Coco?

Yes, you can combine the La Leona Waterfall hike with other top adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja to make the most of your day in Costa Rica. Popular combo options from Playas Del Coco 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.

Can I visit La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco without a rental car?

Yes, you can visit La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco 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 La Leona Waterfall a good day trip from Playas Del Coco?

Yes, La Leona Waterfall is a perfect day trip from Playas Del Coco in Costa Rica, as it is easy to reach and allows you to experience a unique river hike and one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. If you want to extend your adventure even further, you can also choose one of our combo tours to explore more of the region in just one day.

How do I drive to La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco?

Exit Playas Del Coco toward Liberia, passing by the airport. As you reach Liberia, turn left at the main crossroads to enter Highway 1. After about 5 km, you will see an intersection on your right 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 theLa Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour base on your left, clearly marked with large signs.

The drive from Playas Del Coco to La Leona Waterfall takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions, covering a distance of around 51 kilometers (32 miles).

Can you swim at La Leona Waterfall?

Yes, unlike many other waterfalls in Costa Rica, you can swim in the turquoise river and natural pool below La Leona Waterfall, and it is an essential part and highlight of the tour.

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 kids over 4 years old and for the whole family.(Please note that 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 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 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 this type of physical activity.

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 Playas Del Coco, 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.

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. A basic level of fitness is required, and the tour is not suitable for people with knee, walking, or mobility issues.

Our expert guides will assist you throughout the tour, especially during the climbing sections and while swimming through the waterfall canyon, 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.

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.

Do I need to book in advance to visit La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco?

Yes, booking in advance is required to visit La Leona Waterfall from Playas Del Coco 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.