La Leona Waterfall from Riu Guanacaste

La Leona Waterfall is located about 57 kilometers (37 miles) from Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic, making it an easy day trip option near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

From Riu Guanacaste, head on Route 911 through Artola toward Sardinal. Before reaching Sardinal, turn right at the T-junction onto Route 151 and continue through the village. Follow Route 151 straight until you reach a T-junction in Comunidad, then turn left toward Liberia. Upon reaching Liberia, turn left at the main intersection onto Highway 1. After about 5 km, look for the right turn onto the road leading to Curubandé (Rincon de la Vieja National Park). Passing straight through Curubandé you’ll find the La Leona Waterfall tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.

No, you don’t need a car to visit La Leona Waterfall from Riu Guanacaste. You can simply book a tour with transportation included for the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the tour starting point. Just be ready at your chosen pickup point and time, we will take care of everything to guarantee a smooth and stress-free experience.

Yes, you can book a tour with transportation included from Riu Guanacaste to La Leona Waterfall. Just let us know your pickup location during the reservation process, and we will take care of everything for a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free journey.

Yes, you can combine the La Leona Waterfall hike with other adventure tours and nature experiences in Rincon de la Vieja to make the most of your day trip. Popular combo options from Riu Guanacaste 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.

Yes, La Leona Waterfall makes a perfect day trip and is one of the best things to do from Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica. The tour starting point is easily accessible in about 1 hour, and La Leona Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a highlight you shouldn’t miss while visiting Guanacaste. Unlike many other waterfalls in Costa Rica, you are allowed to swim through the river and beneath the waterfall, a refreshing highlight of this unique adventure hike.

Yes, unlike many other waterfalls in Costa Rica, you can swim through the river and in the crystal-clear pool beneath the waterfall as an essential part of the experience.

Yes, the La Leona Waterfall hike is suitable for families with active kids from 4 years old in private tours and from 6 years old in group tours. The hike includes small climbing sections, river crossings, and swimming parts, which can be a great adventure for children if they feel comfortable in the water and with walking for 2–3 hours.

Your kids do not need to be strong swimmers, as life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants. They can simply float and move safely through the water using the ropes set up across the river.

Our experienced guides will stay with you throughout the entire tour and know exactly how to assist families with children so everyone feels safe and has fun.

The La Leona Waterfall hike itself takes about 2–3 hours. Including the drive to and from Riu Guanacaste Costa Rica, the entire day trip usually takes around 5 hours, depending on if you would like to make stops along the way or enjoy lunch afterward.

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.

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.

Besides relaxing at the beach and enjoying water activities, the popular Rincon de la Vieja region, located only about 1 hour away, offers plenty of exciting things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike in Curubandé, where you follow a rainforest trail, may spot monkeys and other wildlife, and swim through epic canyon walls to reach a hidden waterfall cave.

Close to La Leona Waterfall, you can also enjoy other memorable adventures and nature experiences such as river tubing, zip lining, hot springs, and horseback riding.

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.

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.

Private tours to La Leona Waterfall are available daily from 7am to 2pm, with departures every 30 minutes. Group tours run daily from 8am to 2pm, with departures every hour. For schedules and information about other adventure tours and combo experiences, please check our homepage.