La Leona Waterfall is a hidden gem in the Rincon de la Vieja area. This area is known for its natural beauty and amazing landscape. Along the way you will swim through turquoise water and hike through the forest until you finally reach La Leona Waterfall. This hike will be the highlight of your experience in Costa Rica and you don’t want to miss out on it.
This is everything you need to know about the La Leona Waterfall Adventure hike, how to book, tour options available and more!
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 miles each direction (4km round trip) | 2-3 hours total | moderate hike | Group Tour: 6 years old Private Tour: 4 years old | Not suitable for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues |
How to Arrive at La Leona Waterfall
Self Drive Tour
If you have your own transportation you can book a self-drive tour. This means that you will drive yourself to our office where the tour begins. Private parking is available on site. A 4X4 vehicle is not necessary in order to arrive at our location from all of the surrounding areas. All of the roads are paved and easy to drive on.
The best way to arrive at our location is to follow a Google Maps link directly to our location. This will take you straight to our office in the most efficient way. In your confirmation email after booking you will receive a Google Maps link as well as photos of our office to ensure you have a seamless experience arriving here. Please exclusively follow this link because there are different companies also with the name of the waterfall which could lead to you ending up at the wrong place.
Tour with Transportation Included
If you don’t have your own vehicle or just want an all inclusive experience you can book a tour with transportation included. This means that you will be picked up where you are staying (hotel, hostel, Airbnb, etc.) and then driven to the tour location. After the tour concludes you will be dropped back off where you are staying. Also on the way back your driver will be happy to take you to stop for lunch or dinner and provide recommendations in the area!
This provides a seamless experience where your full day is planned out for you.
Group Tour vs Private Tour to La Leona Waterfall
Group Tour
Group tours mean that you will be going on the hike with other people and have 1-3 tour guides (varies depending on how many people) assigned to your group to assist you along the way. The minimum age for the group tour is 6 years old. For this option please keep in mind that there can be up to 20 people in the group with you. They’re perfect for solo travelers or those looking for a social experience.
Private Tour
If your looking for a personalized experience or may need a bit more assistance on the trail a private tour is perfect for you! In a private tour you will have a tour guide or guides assigned specifically to your group to assist you along the way. In this option you can go at any pace you would like and will be able to spend extra time learning about Costa Rica, exploring the trail and swimming. The minimum age for this option is 4 years old. This ensures that small children get the 1 on 1 attention required and can go slower through the trail if needed.
Combo Tours with La Leona Waterfall
There are a varitety of combo tours available that you can add onto La Leona Waterfall. This provides the perfect full day adventure! If you arent seeing the combo tour you are looking for or want to do more than just 2 activites, reach out via the live chat and we can create a custom combo tour just for you!
La Leona Waterfall + River Tubing
White Water River tubing is an exhilarating experience that takes you through 4km (2.5 miles) of exciting Class I, II and III rapids. You will travel into action-packed waters, with highly trained tour guides to accompany you the entire way.
The tour guides prioritize your safety while ensuring you have a one-of-a-kind experience.
La Leona Waterfall + Ziplining
Are you ready to soar over canyons and rivers, offering stunning views of Costa Rica. This course includes 8 unique likes over treetops of the Rincon de la Vieja Area. You will fee the rush of adrenaline while you take on this unforgettable adventure with some of the best scenery this country has to offer.
La Leona Waterfall + Rincon de la Vieja National Park
This trail consists of volcanic activity while you learn the legend of the volcano different species of plants, trees and see volcanic activity such as
- Volcanic bubbling mud
- Volcanic lakes
- Small craters
- Volcanic fumes
- Seasonal waterfall
- and more!
Around this trail surrounded by forest and dense vegetation, you might have the opportunity to sport wildlife during the hike. Keep in mind that wildlife is unpredictable and we can never guarantee to see wildlife.
La Leona Waterfall + Lunch + Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Bath
Enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch and then experience the soothing Rio Negro Hot Springs and volcanic mud bath, where thermal waters warmed by Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcano offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forest, with ten mineral-rich pools accessible via hanging bridges.
La Leona Waterfall Tour Summary
Transportation to the Trail Head
If you book a self drive tour or a tour with transportation you will begin the tour by being taken in our 4 wheel drive vehicle from our office to the start of the trail. This drive takes about 5 minutes.
Terrain
Along the trail you will cross different terrain. Some of the terrains are uneven and you will be walking across different rocks so this hike is not suitable for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues.
River Crossings
There are several river crossings you will make along the way, each at varying heights. The river crossings have ropes positioned to hold onto to assist you along the way.
Ladders and Obstacles
As you hike to the waterfall you will come across different ladders and obstacles. These ladders are there to assist you over the different rock. Your tour guide will also be there to assist you on the ladders and obstacles as well to ensure you can get through them safely.
The Canyon
The first deep swim you will make is through the canyon. This spot is the perfect photo opportunity and also you can jump off the rocks into the turquoise pools below. This is most peoples favorite part of the hike. If you don’t know how to swim, no need to worry, you will be in a life jacket and your tour guide will have a rope that you can hold onto and they will help pull you across this section.
The Final Swim
To view La Leona Waterfall, you need to make one final swim. Here you will go hand by hand down the rope to enter the cave where La Leona Waterfall is hidden. To get through here you must go against a current. For small children the tour guides will carry them into the canyon to make sure they make it safely and seamlessly.
La Leona Waterfall
You have finally make it to La Leona Waterfall! This is a one of a kind waterfall in Costa Rica, known for its blue water, adventure hike and being fully enclosed in a cave.
Tour Guides
Guides play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. All of our guides are local with extensive training in first aid and about Costa Rica. Our guides are bilingual (English and Spanish) and will ensure you have a safe, fun and educational experience. Our guides will make this your best tour in Costa Rica.
What to Bring on the La Leona Waterfall Hike
- Clothes you can wear in the water
- Bathing suit
- Shoes you can wear in the water (tennis shoes, water shoes or sandals with straps) NO FLIP FLOPS
- Clothes to change into after the tour
- Shoes to change into after the tour
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
What’s Provided for the La Leona Waterfall Hike
- Tour guide
- Life jacket
- Drybag
- Transportation to the trailhead
La Leona Waterfall Parking and Facilities
We have brand new facilities here at Rincon de la Vieja Tubing.
Private Parking
Onsite we have safe, free and private parking available for all visitors. The parking lot is monitored during all operating hours and has security cameras as well making it very safe to leave your belongings in the car.
Bathrooms, Changing Rooms, Showers and Shoe Washing Stations
There are bathrooms, changing rooms, showers and shoe washing stations available onsite to use before and after the tour. These facilities are cleaned multiple times a day and well maintained.
Lockers
If you want extra security for your belongings we have free lockers available for use. Just stop by reception and grab a lock.
Mini Supermarket
- Drinks
- Water
- Sports Drinks
- Beer / Seltzers
- Energy Drinks
- Soda
- Snacks
- American and Costa Rican typical snacks and treats available!
- Other Items
- Water Shoes – Size 35-45 (US size 4-12)
- Waterproof Backpacks
- Waterproof Phone Pouches
- La Leona Waterfall Hats
FAQs
Is La Leona Waterfall Safe for kids?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is very safe for kids CLICK HERE to read more about how we ensure La Leona Waterfall is safe for kids.
Can I leave my belongings in the car during the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
Yes, our parking lot is very safe. CLICK HERE to read more about our parking and facilities.
Do I need to be able to swim to visit La Leona Waterfall?
No you do not need to be able to swim. You will wear a life jacket the entire time and there are ropes positioned across the swimming sections so you can just float and pull yourself across.
Do I need a guide to visit La Leona Waterfall?
Yes, a guide is required to visit La Leona Waterfall.
How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
La Leona Waterfall is a moderate to difficult hike. This hike is not suitable for individuals with