Hidden in a narrow canyon near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, La Leona Waterfall is one of the most spectacular adventures in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Instead of just looking at a waterfall from a viewpoint, here you hike through the rainforest, wade and swim up a glowing turquoise river, climb over volcanic rock, and pull yourself through a canyon on a rope until you reach the falls themselves.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: where the waterfall is, how to get there from Liberia, the tour options and prices, how hard the hike really is, the best time of year to go, and what to pack.
Where is La Leona Waterfall?
La Leona Waterfall is located in the small village of Curubandé, about 20 minutes (roughly 18 km) north of Liberia in the province of Guanacaste, on the way toward Rincón de la Vieja National Park. It sits on private land along the Río Blanco, a river fed by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.
The river’s striking blue-turquoise color comes from volcanic minerals dissolved in the water, which is exactly what makes the swimming holes here so photogenic.
How the waterfall got its name
“La Leona” means “the lioness” in Spanish. According to local families in Curubandé, farm animals once disappeared overnight near the river, and some people swore they had seen a large, lion-shaped cat prowling the forest. There are no lions in Costa Rica, of course. What they most likely saw was a puma or a jaguar. But the story stuck, and the waterfall has been called La Leona ever since.
How to get to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia
Getting to La Leona from Liberia is quick and straightforward:
- From downtown Liberia, head north on Route 1 for about 5–7 km.
- Turn right at the intersection marked for Curubandé / Rincón de la Vieja.
- Continue about 10 minutes until you reach the village of Curubandé.
- Follow the signs to the tour reception, where your guided hike begins.
You do not need a 4×4 to reach the reception area, though some stretches of road can be bumpy, so drive carefully. If you’d rather not drive, we offer round-trip transportation from hotels in Liberia and surrounding areas.
- From Liberia Airport (LIR): about 40 minutes
- From Liberia town: about 20 minutes
- From Tamarindo / Playa Flamingo / Conchal: roughly 1.5–2 hours
Do you need a guide to visit La Leona Waterfall?
Yes. La Leona Waterfall can only be visited on a guided tour, and there’s a good reason for it. Reaching the falls means crossing the river several times, climbing over rock formations, passing through caves, and swimming through a canyon using ropes. A certified local guide sets up the ropes, points out wildlife, and keeps the group safe the whole way.
Walk-ins aren’t accepted, so you’ll need to book your tour in advance to guarantee a guide is ready when you arrive.
La Leona Waterfall tours and prices
We offer several ways to experience the waterfall, so you can choose the adventure that fits your group:
- Regular (group) waterfall tour — from $35 per person. Join a small group for the guided hike to the falls, with time to swim in the turquoise pools. Group departures start in the morning.
- Private waterfall tour — from $45 per person. The same adventure with a private guide, so you can go at your own pace and pick a quieter time slot.
- Combo tour: waterfall + river tubing + lunch — from $85 per person. Hike to La Leona, then float and splash down the Río Colorado on a tube, and finish with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
- Rainforest full-day tour — from $235 per person. A complete day in nature combining the waterfall with more of the Rincón de la Vieja area.
Every tour includes a bilingual guide, a life jacket, a waterproof dry bag for your phone, drinking water, first aid, and access to bathrooms, showers, and safe on-site parking. (Prices shown do not include tax.)
How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?
The hike is rated moderate. It’s about 2.5 km each way (around 3 hours round trip), and while most reasonably active people can do it, this is an adventure hike, not a flat nature walk. Expect:
- Several river crossings (you will get wet)
- Short climbing sections over volcanic rock, with ropes and ladders to help
- Swimming stretches through the canyon using a guide rope
Do you need to know how to swim? Not necessarily. Life jackets are provided and required, and guides position ropes so you can pull yourself across the deeper sections. That said, you should feel comfortable in the water.
The tour is not recommended for anyone with knee, ankle, or mobility issues. Children can join, though age minimums vary between private and group tours, so contact us in advance if you’re traveling with kids.
Best time to visit La Leona Waterfall
The dry season, roughly December through April, is the most reliable time to visit. The river runs clear, the water shows off its brightest turquoise color, and trail conditions are at their best, which is perfect for photos and swimming.
During the peak of the rainy season (especially September and October), heavy rainfall can raise river levels quickly and create unsafe conditions. For safety, tours may be paused after major rain. If you’re planning a visit during those months, contact us beforehand to check current river conditions and availability.
To beat both the heat and the crowds, book the earliest morning slot you can.
La Leona Waterfall vs. Río Celeste
Both are famous for their vivid blue water, but they’re very different experiences. Río Celeste is easier to reach and more of a scenic walk, but swimming isn’t allowed. La Leona is the more adventurous choice: you hike, climb, swim, and actually get to cool off directly beneath the waterfall in its turquoise pool. If you want an active, hands-on adventure rather than a viewpoint, La Leona is the one to pick.
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip that can get wet (hiking sandals with straps, water shoes, or old sneakers; no flip-flops)
- A swimsuit worn under light, quick-dry clothing
- A change of clothes and shoes for afterward
- A towel
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle
- Your phone or camera (we provide a dry bag to protect it)
Plan your La Leona Waterfall adventure
La Leona Waterfall is one of those rare places that still feels like a hidden gem, and it consistently ranks among the best adventure hikes in all of Costa Rica. Whether you want a quick morning group tour or a full day combining the waterfall with tubing and lunch, we’ll take care of the guides, gear, and safety so you can just enjoy it.