La Leona Waterfall Cost Rica is one of Rincon de la Vieja’s hidden gems, located just 20 minutes away from Liberia Downtown. This stunning waterfall hike leads you through rivers, caves and canyons, surrounded by the forest and breathtaking landscapes. With its unique turquoise blue waters, La Leona Waterfall is the perfect spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. You can take a refreshing dip in the pool located right beneath the La Leona Waterfall.
How to Get to La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
Getting to the La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica is simple! Located near the city of Liberia, you can reach the La Leona Waterfall by car or booking a visit with transportation included. Head 5km north from downtown Liberia on highway #1, and make a right turn towards Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Curubandé town. From there, keep driving straight for 10 minutes until you reach the town of Curubandé. La Leona Waterfall check in reception is located 300m east from the central park and church of Curubandé
With us you can book a self drive visit or a package that includes transportation, making your visit hassle-free.
What to Expect During Your Visit at La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike Facilities
- Free and private parking is available on-site.
- The parking lot is monitored during all operating hours, so you can securely leave your belongings and luggage in your car if needed.
- Bathrooms
- Changing Rooms
- Showers
Hours of Operation
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike offers it’s first private tour starting at 7am, and the first group tour at 8am. The last time to start a tour is at 2:30pm.
Who Can Visit La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica?
La Leona Waterfall is suitable for children aged 4 and up. Please note that the minimum age for private tours is 4 years old, and for group tours is 6 years old. Younger kids need to go at a slower pace and customized attention, care and service from our staff. La Leona Waterfal is not recommended for individuals with knee, walking, mobility issues or who get tired quickly.
La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica Summary
- Distance: 2km each way (1.5 miles each way)
- Duration: From 2 to 3hrs total from start to finish (Depends on your pace and group size)
- Difficulty: Moderate Level (Not suited for individuals with knee, walking, mobility issues or who get tired quickly)
What’s Provided and What to Bring?
What’s Provided
- Dry Bags: To take small belongings to the tour
- Life jackets are provided and mandatory for everybody (no exceptions)
- Tour Guides
- 4×4 Transportation
What to Bring
- Closed toe shoes, water shoes or sandals with straps (no flip flops)
- Keens or Chacos are okay to wear
- Shoes with a good grip
- Extra clothes to change
- Extra shoes to change
- Towels
- Small bottle of water
- Bug’s spray and sunscreen
Hiking to La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
The hike to La Leona Waterfall is an exciting adventure through beautiful forest trails. As you walk, you’ll see various plants,trees, listen to the sounds of nature, and if you are lucky you may see some wildlife along the hike.
River Crossings to La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
During your hike, you will need to cross the river about 4 times with the water up to your knees max. These crossings are fun and give you a chance to cool off your feet in the refreshing water. Just be careful, as some rocks may be slippery, and the terrain uneven but it’s all part of the adventure! We have ropes set up to give you more balance and our staff will always have an extra hand to help.
First Swim – Triangular Rock Formation at La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
When you are getting closer to the waterfall, you’ll notice a unique triangular rock formation. This is our first swimming spot, we will need to get to the other side by doing a very tiny and short swim. This is a great spot to take a dip in the cool, clear water. Swimming here is refreshing and perfect for taking some memorable photos with the stunning triangular rock formations in the background.
Hand by Hand with the Rope – The Canyon that leads to La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
As you approach the waterfall, you will navigate through a canyon. There is a rope where you will have to go hand by hand to help you hold on as you make your way against a small current. This adds a little thrill to the hike and allows you to feel the excitement of getting closer to the beautiful La Leona Waterfall.
Reaching La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
Finally, after your hike and canyon adventure, you’ll reach La Leona Waterfall! The sight of the waterfall inside a massive cave and the refreshing turquoise pool will take your breath away. Take your time to enjoy the view, relax, swim and celebrate your accomplishment in reaching La Leona Waterfall.
Important Information
- Not suited for guests with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility limitations
- Not suited for individuals who are pregnant
- Life jackets are provided, and mandatory to wear for everyone
- Minimum age for a group tour: 6 years old
- Minimum age for a private tour: 4 years old (This hike is not suitable for children younger than this)
- No baby carriers allowed
Booking Options La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
Self Drive Options
Transportation Included
With transportation included, our driver will pick you up at your location, take you to the tour start, wait for you, and bring you back to your accommodation. We can also make a stop along the way for souvenirs or food during the ride.
La Leona Waterfall Group Tour vs Private Tour
Group Tour
When booking a tour to La Leona Waterfall you can either book a group tour or a private tour. For a group tour there can be from 15 to 20 people per tour group in the peak season, everyone with different nationalities and cultures, so please be respectful and friendly with everyone in the group.
If you are a solo traveler you can reach out directly and we can help you join a group tour.
Private Tour
Private tours are a great way to ensure a personalized experience while on the hike. If you have small children or think you may need extra assistance while on the hike we recommend a private tour because then you can go at any pace you many need and will have a staff specifically assigned to your family or friends to provide you assistance the entire time.
It’s important to keep in mind that the private tour guarantees no one else will be in your group tour and with the same tour guide at the time you pick. However, there will be other people in the river and in the waterfall because rivers in Costa Rica can not be private. The private tour means that you will have a guide assisting your group only at all times and that you won’t be part of a big tour group while doing the tour
Photo Gallery
