What are the Best Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja?
When most people think of the Rincon de la Vieja area they think of the volcano and all of the volcanic activity but the Rincon de la Vieja area is also filled with several of amazing waterfalls. Some of these are easily accessible while other will require a bit of hiking and adventure to reach them. The best waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja are La Leona Waterfall, Oropendola Waterfall, La Cangreja Waterfall, Escondida Waterfall (aka the Hidden Waterfall) and the Seasonal Waterfall. These are the most well known and accessible waterfalls in the area.
| Waterfall | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guide Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Leona | 1.5 miles each way | 2-3 hours | Moderate | Group Tour: 6 years Private Tour: 4 years | Yes |
| Oropendola | .8 miles each way | 1 hour | Easy | All Ages | No |
| La Cangreja | 3.1 miles each way | 3-5 hours | Moderate / Difficult | Not recommended for children under 6 | No |
| Escondida / Hidden | 2.6 miles each way | 4-5 hours | Very Difficult | Not recommended for children under 10 | No |
| Seasonal Waterfall | 2.2 mile loop | 2-3 hours | Easy | All Ages | No |
Table of Contents
Best Waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja: La Leona Waterfall
At the top of the list for the best waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja is La Leona Waterfall. La Leona Waterfall is the most well known waterfall in the Rincon de la Vieja Area and is the main reason many people come to visit this area. It was only discovered a few years ago but has quickly become a top attraction in Costa Rica. In order to reach this waterfall it involves a 1.5 mile adventure hike that takes you through rivers, up ladders, over rocks and more. No everyone can do this hike but if you are up for an adventure La Leona Waterfall is a bucket list item for many visitors in Costa Rica.
The only way to get to La Leona Waterfall is through a guided tour and no one is allowed to enter the trail without a local tour guide. Due to this waterfall growing in popularity it is important to make reservations in advance to ensure your ticket to the waterfall.
How To Visit
Self Drive: For self drive tours that means that you will drive yourself to the office where the tour begins and meet your tour guide there. A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT necessary in order to book a self drive tour.
Tour with Transportation Included: For tours with transportation included that means you will be picked up where you are staying, driven to the tour location and then dropped back off after the tour concludes. This is an all inclusive experience where the whole day is planned out for you.
Hike Details
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 miles each way | 2-3 hours | Moderate | Group Tour: 6 years Private Tour: 4 years | Yes |
Photos
Best Waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja: Oropendola Waterfall
Number 2 for the best waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja is Oropendola Waterfall. This waterfall includes a 10 minute walk down to the waterfall, you will go down hanging bridges, and staircases to reach the waterfall. You will then get to a platform where you can view the waterfall. Also most days you can swim in the waterfall but it will depend on the water levels. when the levels are too high it is closed for swimming and you can only view the waterfall.
How To Visit
Self Drive: For self drive tours that means that you will drive yourself to the waterfall. A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT necessary in order to book a self drive tour.
Tour with Transportation Included: For tours with transportation included that means you will be picked up where you are staying, driven to the waterfall and then dropped back off after you are done visiting the waterfall. This is an all inclusive experience where the whole day is planned out for you.
Hike Details
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .8 miles each way | 1 hour | Easy | All Ages | No |
Photos
Best Waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja: La Cangreja Waterfall
Number 3 for the best waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja is La Cangreja Waterfall. Oropendola Waterfall. La Cangreja Waterfall is the tallest waterfalls in the area, once you arrive you will also find a small natural hot spring on the left side. The National Park does not recommend swimming in this waterfall but if you choose to swim you are doing so at your own risk. The hike to get here is not easy and should not be attempted unless you are ready for a long hike.
In order to visit this waterfall you must have tickets to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. You can either get guided or self guided tickets to the National Park. The guided tour to the National Park do not include a guide for the waterfall hike, only for the hike around the National Park
How To Visit
Self Drive: For self drive tours that means that you will drive yourself to park and either explore on your own or meet your tour guide there depending on how you book tickets. A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT necessary in order to book a self drive tour.
Tour with Transportation Included: For tours with transportation included that means you will be picked up where you are staying, driven to the national park and then dropped back off after the tour concludes. This is an all inclusive experience where the whole day is planned out for you.
Hike Details
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 miles each way | 3-5 hours | Moderate / Difficult | Not Recommended for children under 6 years old | No |
Photos
Best Waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja: Escondida Waterfall (The Hidden Waterfall)
Number 4 for the best waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja is Escondida Waterfall, AKA the Hidden Waterfall. Escondida Waterfall is the most difficult waterfall to reach and is also known at the hidden waterfall. Though the hike is not that long it is straight up and has a lot of elevation gain. Like La Cangreja Waterfall, the National Park does not recommend swimming is this waterfall and if you choose to do so it is at your own risk. This hike should not be attempted unless you are in good shape and have experience hiking.
In order to visit this waterfall you must have tickets to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. You can either get guided or self guided tickets to the National Park. The guided tour to the National Park do not include a guide for the waterfall hike, only for the hike around the National Park
How To Visit
Self Drive: For self drive tours that means that you will drive yourself to park and either explore on your own or meet your tour guide there depending on how you book tickets. A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT necessary in order to book a self drive tour.
Tour with Transportation Included: For tours with transportation included that means you will be picked up where you are staying, driven to the national park and then dropped back off after the tour concludes. This is an all inclusive experience where the whole day is planned out for you.
Hike Details
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 miles each way | 4-5 hours | Very difficult (very steep) | Not recommended for children under 10 years old | No |
Photos
Best Waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja: Seasonal Waterfall
Number 5 for the best waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja is the Seasonal Waterfall. The Seasonal Waterfall is located on the main trail of the National Park. This waterfall looks very different during different times of the year. During the rainy season it is very large but during the dry season, sometimes it is not flowing at all.
In order to visit this waterfall you must have tickets to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. You can either get guided or self guided tickets to the National Park. The guided tour to the National Park will also include a guide while visiting the Seasonal Waterfall.
How To Visit
Self Drive: For self drive tours that means that you will drive yourself to park and either explore on your own or meet your tour guide there depending on how you book tickets. A four wheel drive vehicle is NOT necessary in order to book a self drive tour.
Tour with Transportation Included: For tours with transportation included that means you will be picked up where you are staying, driven to the national park and then dropped back off after the tour concludes. This is an all inclusive experience where the whole day is planned out for you.
Hike Details
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 mile loop | 2-3 hours | Easy | All Ages | No |
Photos
