La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica
Follow jungle trails and swim through epic river canyons on the La Leona Waterfall hike in Rincon de la Vieja
📍20 min from Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja
⏱ Duration: 2.5-3 Hours
🧒 Minimum Age: 4 +
✅ Family & Beginner Friendly
⭐ 5.0 Google Reviews
Watch the Real La Leona Waterfall Hike
Sara Hennessy · Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“There are days in your life you’ll always remember — and this was absolutely one of them. Our group of 12 (ages 14–50) booked a private tour to La Leona Waterfall, and it was without question one of the highlights of our entire Costa Rica vacation. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that combined stunning natural beauty, adventure, and unforgettable memories.”
Is La Leona Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Imagine swimming through a dramatic river canyon in bright turquoise waters until you reach the majestic La Leona Waterfall, rushing down volcanic cave walls into a crystal-clear pool.
La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica is not only one of the most scenic waterfalls in Guanacaste but also offers a unique adventure hike: walk along jungle trails, cross rivers, climb over volcanic rocks, and finally swim through a narrow canyon to the hidden waterfall.
Located only 20 minutes from Liberia, La Leona Waterfall is one of the most popular Rincon de la Vieja tours and, for many visitors, a highlight of their Costa Rica vacation.
See what awaits you on the La Leona Waterfall hike and secure your spot today!
✔️ Best Things to Do Near Liberia
Just 20 min from Liberia, 40 min from Guanacaste Airport (LIR), and close to the popular Guanacaste beaches.
✔️ Unique Nature Experience
Swim through volcanic river canyons, walk beneath huge trees through the jungle, and discover local wildlife.
✔️ Family & Beginner Friendly
No experience needed: Our expert guides will assist you every step of the way.
✔️ Easy to Combine
Combine La Leona Waterfall with other top-rated Rincon de la Vieja tours just next door.
La Leona Waterfall Tours – Booking Options
To visit La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica you can choose between private and group tours, self-drive trips as well as tours with transportation included.
💡 Looking for a full-day adventure? Combine La Leona Waterfall with river tubing, hot springs, zip lining or Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Explore Combo Tours ➡️
Private Tour
A dedicated guide just for your group
✔️ Minimum Age: 4 +
✔️ Best for families with young kids and travelers who prefer a more personalized experience.
ℹ️ There is one guide exclusively for your group, but there may be other visitors on the trail and at the waterfall.
Group Tour
Up to 20 participants
✔️ Minimum Age: 6 +
✔️ Perfect if you’d like to save money and meet other travelers.
ℹ️ Traveling solo? Just contact us and we’ll help you join a group tour.
Choose how you want to get there:
Meet at our tour office
⭐ Most convenient option
LA LEONA WATERFALL ENTRANCE FEE
ℹ️ Our tours operate every day year-round. During the rainy season (September & October), in some cases tours may be cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. Feel free to contact us to check current availability.
PRIVATE TOURS
Adult (13+) ………………………………… $ 45
Children (4-12) ………………………… $ 35
⏱️ Tour Times: 7:30am – 2:30pm every hour
GROUP TOURS
Adult (13+) ………………………………… $ 35
Children (6-12) ………………………… $ 30
⏱️ Tour Times: 8am – 2pm every hour
→ Payment Methods: Book your La Leona Waterfall tour online with Credit/Debit Card or PayPal
⚠️ No walk-ins. All tours have to be reserved in advance.
La Leona Waterfall Hike – What to Expect
Follow along as we show you the way through the jungle to La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja.
⏱️ DURATION
About 2.5-3 hours
Depending on group size and pace
🚶 DISTANCE
2km each way
(1.5 miles each way)
🪨 TERRAIN
Uneven terrain, small climbing & swimming sections
🥾 DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Basic level of fitness required
🏊♂️ SWIMMING
NO swimming skills required. Life jackets are mandatory.
4×4 Ride
Meet your guide and get ready with a life jacket and dry bag. A fun 4×4 ride will take you to the trailhead, you can choose to go in the car or ride in the back for the more adventurous version.
River Crossing
The hike begins with a 10-minute walk through light forest to reach Río Blanco. Here comes the first of five river crossings along the trail, with a rope to hold onto for balance.
Into the Jungle
On the other side the forest gets denser and you walk beneath huge trees along a rocky jungle trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife, you may spot monkeys and tropical birds!
Volcanic Rocks & Ladders
Further along the path, the hike gets more adventurous as you climb over volcanic rocks and ladders. Your guide will be by your side to help whenever needed.
First Swim
Time to get in the water! Enjoy a refreshing swim through the bright turquoise Río Blanco beneath an epic triangular rock formation to continue the trail on the other side.
River Canyon
You’ve almost reached La Leona Waterfall! Move hand by hand along a rope as you swim through a volcanic river canyon to the waterfall cave. Definitely a highlight of the hike!
La Leona Waterfall
Your guide will help you through the final part, where the current is strongest, until you finally enter the waterfall cave.
This is the moment you’ll understand why La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica.
The rushing waterfall flows into a crystal-clear natural pool, surrounded by impressive volcanic rock formations.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and refreshing water before making your way back through the jungle.
After the La Leona Waterfall Hike
Back at the tour base, you’ll find all the facilities you need after the river hike: showers, changing rooms, bathrooms, and shoe-washing stations.
Got hungry? Finish your adventure with a delicious meal from our varied menu or relax with a freshly mixed cocktail at our on-site La Leona Restaurant.
➡️ Check out our new Visitor Facilities
🍽️ See Food & Drinks at La Leona Restaurant
⬆️ Click to open overview
Ready for the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
⚠️ Tours fill up quickly, reserve your spot now!
La Leona Waterfall Reviews
See why our guests recommend visiting La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica in Rincon de la Vieja.
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Mark Hinton · Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had a fantastic time on the waterfall hike and river tubing with Wil. It was a good amount of adventure for our family with teenagers. The waterfall was more impressive than how it looks in the photos. Wil was a lot of fun, and taught us about the trees in the forest. In the river tubing, guides help you stay on course and free you when you get stuck. They also carry the tubes to and from the water for you!”
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Stacey Rowe · Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had the most amazing visit today! We can’t say enough about our tour guide, Victor, and the rest of your staff. We loved both the tubing and the waterfall tour. It was the perfect challenge for our party of 10, and we enjoyed every beautiful moment. We can’t wait to visit again!“
How Difficult Is the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
The La Leona Waterfall hike is rated as moderate. Along the way, you’ll cross rivers, walk on uneven terrain, climb over small ladders and boulders, and swim through sections of the river. No prior experience is needed, but a basic level of fitness is required.
Who is this tour NOT suitable for?
❌ Not suitable for people with knee, ankle, walking or mobility limitations
❌ Children under 4 are not allowed
❌ Not suitable during pregnancy
🏊 Don’t know how to swim? No problem!
You can just float with your life jacket and move through the swimming sections using the safety ropes set up across the river.
🛡️ Safety on the La Leona Waterfall Hike
✔️ Life jackets are mandatory
✔️ Certified & Experienced guides
✔️ Personal assistance throughout the hike
✔️ All guides carry emergency equipment & radios
✔️ River conditions are monitored closely and tours only operate when water levels are safe
La Leona Waterfall with Kids
Wondering how we keep your kids safe on the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
Our experienced guides know exactly how to assist your little ones along the way. If your group includes several young children, a second guide will join the tour for extra safety and support.
➡️ Follow along as five young kids between 4 and 8 years hike to La Leona Waterfall and discover the fascinating nature along the way.
La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica – Practical Information
How to Get to La Leona Waterfall
The La Leona Waterfall tour starts in the small Village of Curubandé, just 20 minutes from Liberia and close to Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste.
You can get to our tour office with your own or a rental car, by public bus or choose a tour with transportation included.
La Leona Waterfall Tour Starting Point
La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica Directions
💡 You don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to get to La Leona Waterfall, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
1️⃣ From Liberia, drive about 5 km north on Highway 1.
2️⃣ Turn right when you see signs pointing to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and continue for about 15 minutes.
3️⃣ Reach the village of Curubandé and continue straight, passing by the church.
4️⃣ After about 300m you will find our tour office on your left, clearly marked with large signs.
🅿️ At our tour office you will find free and monitored parking.
Entrance to Rincon de la Vieja Tours and Transportation.
Transportation to La Leona Waterfall
If you don’t have a car available or just prefer the most comfortable option, you can book a La Leona Waterfall tour with transportation included.
🚐 Why choose transportation included?
✔️ Hotel Pickup throughout Guanacaste
✔️ Flexible transfers: include the tour as a stop between two destinations
✔️ Get the best price by booking transportation together with your tour
La Leona Waterfall by Bus
Taking the bus to get to La Leona Waterfall is the most budget-friendly option, but it is also less flexible, as there is only one bus connection available for both the journey to Curubandé and the return trip.
💡 Keep in mind that each bus ride must be paid for in cash directly to the driver.
It’s best to bring small bills with you, as drivers may not always have change for larger notes.
Getting there (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 (Curubandé → Liberia)
- Departure from: Bus station close to the church
- Bus time: 1:15pm
✔ Fits after completing the morning hike
⚠️ Only bus available to get back
What to Bring & What’s Included
We recommend bringing the following items for a safe and comfortable La Leona Waterfall tour.
What to Bring
✔️ Closed-toe shoes, water shoes or sandals with straps (NO flip-flops !!)
✔️ Light sports clothes that can get wet
✔️ Change of clothes and shoes for after the tour & a towel
✔️ Water bottle
✔️ Sunscreen & bug spray
What’s Included
✔️ Life jackets
✔️ Dry bags
✔️ Transportation from the reception to the trailhead
✔️ Certified tour guides
Explore More La Leona Waterfall Tours
Want to experience more of Rincon de la Vieja in one day? Combine your La Leona Waterfall hike with river tubing, hot springs, zip lining, or the volcanic activity trail in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
La Leona Waterfall & River Tubing
Drift down the Colorado River through Class I–III rapids and impressive volcanic river canyons on an exciting river tubing expedition.
La Leona Waterfall & Hot Springs
Relax in natural hot spring pools surrounded by tropical forest and try a volcanic mud bath, known for its cleansing and rejuvenating properties.
La Leona Waterfall & Zip Lining
Enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanic canyons and tropical forest from high above on a thrilling zip lining course.
La Leona Waterfall & Las Pailas Trail
Walk past bubbling mud pots and fumaroles while exploring the beautiful landscapes near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
About Rincon de la Vieja Tours and Transportation
At Rincon de la Vieja Tours and Transportation, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable, eco-friendly experiences while showcasing the natural beauty of Costa Rica to visitors from around the world. Our experienced local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and providing safe, fun, and unique adventure tours every day.
Hundreds of travelers have recommended our tours and left 5-star ratings on Google Reviews. Read about our guests’ experiences and follow us on social media for more photos, videos, and tour updates.
See what awaits on our tours
and real visitor experiences
Ready to experience La Leona Waterfall?
⚠️ Tours fill up quickly – Advance reservations are required
La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica – FAQ
Can you hike La Leona Waterfall without a guide?
No, you cannot hike La Leona Waterfall without a guide. La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja can only be visited with a certified guide as part of an official tour because the waterfall, hiking trail, and access road are located on private property. The hike also includes more challenging sections where professional guidance is necessary for safety reasons.
Is La Leona Waterfall safe?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica is safe to visit on an official guided tour. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides throughout the hike, and life jackets are mandatory. The hike is rated moderate and includes uneven terrain, river crossings and some small climbing sections. You don’t need prior hiking experience but a basic level of fitness is required.
Especially during the rainy season, we check river conditions multiple times a day to make sure it’s safe to do the La Leona Waterfall hike.
When is the best time to visit La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica?
La Leona Waterfall can be visited year-round. During the dry season in Rincon de la Vieja, from late November to late August, you can expect sunny weather almost every day, and river conditions are usually stable. During the rainy season in September and October, heavy rainfall creates greener, denser vegetation but also causes water levels to rise and can increase the risk of flash floods.
Our team checks river conditions multiple times a day to make sure it is safe to do the La Leona Waterfall hike. In case of unsafe river or weather conditions, tours may be cancelled.
How long is the hike to La Leona Waterfall?
The La Leona Waterfall hike takes approximately 2.5–3 hours from start to finish, depending on your pace and group size.
Can you swim at La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, you can swim at La Leona Waterfall, and it’s one of the highlights of the adventure hike. To reach the hidden waterfall cave, you’ll first swim through an arch-like rock formation and later through a narrow river canyon before reaching the crystal-clear waterfall pool.
Do you have to swim to reach La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica?
Yes, you have to swim through short sections of the river to reach La Leona Waterfall, but you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. You’ll wear a life jacket, and ropes are set up to help you move through the water. Your guide will assist you throughout the tour, and if you feel unsure about swimming, you can hold an additional safety rope and float in your life jacket while your guide gently pulls you through the river.
Is La Leona Waterfall kid friendly?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja is a great adventure for active kids. Children ages 6 and up can join a group tour, while children ages 4 and 5 can participate in a private tour, because they typically need more personalized assistance.
Kids usually have a lot of fun climbing over rocks and ladders, crossing the river, and swimming into the waterfall cave, as it feels like exploring a hidden place in the jungle. Our experienced guides closely assist children throughout the entire adventure.
How much does La Leona Waterfall cost?
The La Leona Waterfall entrance fee is $45 per adult (13+) and $35 per child (4-12) for a private tour. The price for a group tour is $35 per adult and $30 per child. Both options include a guided La Leona Waterfall hike.
Is there parking at La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica?
Yes, free and safe parking is available for all La Leona Waterfall tour and restaurant guests. The private parking lot is monitored 24/7, so you can also leave your luggage and belongings in your car while enjoying the hike.
Do I need to book a La Leona Waterfall tour in advance?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall tours must be booked in advance. Tours can fill up quickly, especially during high season, and if you arrive without a reservation, you probably can’t join a tour that day.
What is La Leona Waterfall known for?
La Leona Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja is famous for its unique location inside a volcanic rock cave, only reachable by an adventurous jungle hike. Along the rainforest trail, you’ll cross rivers, climb over volcanic rocks and ladders, and swim through an epic river canyon before reaching the hidden La Leona Waterfall.
If you’re staying in Guanacaste, a La Leona Waterfall tour is one of the best things to do in Rincon de la Vieja.
What activities are available at La Leona Waterfall Costa Rica?
Besides the famous La Leona Waterfall hike, there are plenty of things to do in Rincon de la Vieja. You can combine the waterfall with an exciting river tubing tour through the canyons of the Colorado River or go zip lining high above the beautiful landscapes near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
For a more relaxing experience, visit the Rio Negro Hot Springs and enjoy a volcanic mud bath surrounded by tropical nature. If you prefer hiking, explore the Las Pailas Trail, where you can see signs of the geothermal activity of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
If you want to experience multiple activities in one day, popular full-day options are the One Day Adventure Pass and Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour.