Nature Trails Papagayo Peninsula
Experience the magic of La Leona Waterfall, a hidden gem in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with a thrilling jungle hike and stunning blue waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temps.
Nature Trails Papagayo Peninsula
Best Time
Avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of La Leona Waterfall, a hidden gem in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with a thrilling jungle hike and stunning blue waters.
"This was the highlight of our trip for me! The water was so beautiful! "
Go with a Guide!
Guides are mandatory and enhance the experience with local knowledge and safety.
Water Shoes are Key
Essential for navigating slippery rocks and river crossings. Quick-drying is best!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Leona Waterfall
Curubandé, Guanacaste
A majestic waterfall with stunning blue waters, reached by a scenic jungle hike.
Jungle Canyon Hike
Trail to La Leona Waterfall
Hike and swim through a lush canyon with unique rock formations and vibrant blue water.
Wildlife Spotting
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for monkeys, owls, bats, and diverse plant life during your adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
What to Wear & Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go with a Guide!
Guides are mandatory and enhance the experience with local knowledge and safety.
Water Shoes are Key
Essential for navigating slippery rocks and river crossings. Quick-drying is best!
Ask for the 'Hard' Way
If you're adventurous, ask your guide for the more challenging route – it's more exciting!
Capture the Memories
Guides are often excellent photographers and know the best spots for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go with a Guide!
Guides are mandatory and enhance the experience with local knowledge and safety.
Water Shoes are Key
Essential for navigating slippery rocks and river crossings. Quick-drying is best!
Ask for the 'Hard' Way
If you're adventurous, ask your guide for the more challenging route – it's more exciting!
Capture the Memories
Guides are often excellent photographers and know the best spots for photos.
Pack Light, But Smart
Bring essentials in a waterproof bag; a change of clothes is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise La Leona Waterfall as a highlight of their Costa Rica trip, citing the stunning natural beauty, the adventurous hike through jungle canyons, and the refreshing blue waters. Guides are frequently commended for their knowledge, safety, and photography skills, significantly enhancing the overall experience. While the hike can be challenging, the reward is an unforgettable adventure.
"We had an amazing day at La Leona waterfall and tubing down the Rio Colorado. We booked a private tour with Jonathan as our guide. He was incredibly kind, patient, informative, and most importantly, safe! There were other tour operators on the trial and La Leona Waterfall Adventure seemed to have the best guides and safest route. The hike and falls were beautiful.
After the hike, we did the Rio Colorado tubing with Jonathan, also joined by Jimenez and Yariel. It was very comforting knowing each of my kids had their own guide. With Jonathan as the lead, we all had a blast while feeling well looked after!
I cannot say enough good things about this experience and Jonathan! Highly recommend this trip with this company!"
G Michael
"Excellent hike and tubing experience with Luis. The hike to the waterfall is definitely not for the unsteady with river crossings, some ladder climbs, and even working your way across metal handholds in the rock to get into the waterfall area. But it is so incredibly beautiful! An absolute treat and well worth it. Highly recommend. Lunch was delicious too. Rice, beans, salad, plátanos, a meat of your choice, and dessert and juice. A bargain at $10. Highly recommend the whole experience. Tubing was so much fun too and they really treat you well!"
Stephanie Latour
"We were a family of 6 including my 75 year old mom and 2 young nephews (8 & 11), and it was the most AMAZING adventure! Our guides were Vladimir and Ivan and they were fantastic. Very informative about plant life and the environment, very helpful with the hikes and river crossings, and just great to talk with and practice my Spanish! The waterfall itself was spectacular and I will cherish these memories we made together forever! Thank you!!!"
Amy Cain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Leona Waterfall is located in Curubandé, about a 20-minute drive from Liberia, Guanacaste. Many tours offer pick-up from Liberia and surrounding areas. +1
While some visitors have expressed concerns about leaving luggage unattended, it's generally advised to use tours that provide secure transportation or to minimize valuables left in the car.
Yes, you can drive to the parking area of the tour operators or Finca Don Rafa's, which serves as the starting point for the hike.
From Liberia, head towards Curubandé. Look for signs directing you to the tour operators or Finca Don Rafa's, which is a common starting point.
Public transportation directly to the trailhead is limited. It's more convenient to book a tour that includes transportation from major towns like Liberia, Tamarindo, or even San José.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required, and a guide is mandatory for the hike. It's best to book a tour package that includes the entrance fee and guide. +1
La Leona Waterfall is typically open daily from 7 AM to 3 PM. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with your tour operator.
Tour prices can vary, but they generally range around $30 per person, often including the guide, entrance fee, and sometimes lunch.
No, a guide is mandatory for safety and to protect the natural environment. Guides also provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna.
You can book tours through various local operators, often found online via their websites or social media pages. Some hotels in the Guanacaste region also offer tour bookings. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered beginner to intermediate, with some steep rocks and slippery sections. It involves river crossings and can be challenging for those not accustomed to hiking. +1
The hike typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, making the total tour duration around 3 hours, not including travel time. +1
Expect to hike through a jungle canyon, cross rivers, and navigate rocky terrain. The trail is known for its beautiful blue water and unique rock formations. +1
Yes, swimming is a significant part of the experience. You'll swim through parts of the canyon and can often swim in the pools around the waterfall. +1
Some tour operators, like Finca Don Rafa's, offer parking, restaurants, restrooms, and showers. It's best to check what your chosen tour includes.
📸 📸 Photography
Your guide will likely know the best spots for photos. Consider a waterproof phone case or a GoPro for capturing shots while swimming or crossing rivers.
Absolutely! The waterfall is incredibly picturesque. Guides are often happy to help you get the perfect shot.
A waterproof camera or phone is highly recommended. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the canyon and waterfall.
Drone usage policies can vary and may be restricted in protected natural areas. It's best to check with your tour operator or local authorities before flying a drone.
Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more serene and unobstructed photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Choose a tour that offers a slightly less strenuous route if available, pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone has appropriate footwear. The experience of swimming in the blue waters and seeing the waterfall is often a highlight for children, making it a memorable family outing.
Adventure Seekers
Beyond the hike, consider tours that include activities like river tubing through rapids or rock jumping into the clear waters. The combination of the jungle trek, the stunning waterfall, and optional adventurous add-ons makes La Leona a must-do for thrill-seekers visiting Guanacaste.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The La Leona Waterfall Experience
Many travelers highlight the unique aspects of the trail, such as natural ladders, guide ropes, and the opportunity to see diverse flora and fauna. The hike can be physically demanding, with slippery rocks and river currents to contend with, but the reward is a breathtaking waterfall and the chance to swim in its refreshing pools. The entire excursion, including travel and the hike, typically lasts several hours, making it a substantial and memorable part of a Costa Rican itinerary.
Key elements of the La Leona experience include the vibrant blue water, the challenging yet rewarding hike, and the expert guidance provided by local tour operators. It's an activity that appeals to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, offering a chance to connect deeply with Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Choosing the Right Tour Operator
Some tours offer additional activities like tubing or a traditional Costa Rican lunch (Casado). Consider what you want from your day trip. For instance, Finca Don Rafa's is mentioned as having good facilities like parking, a restaurant, and showers.
Key considerations when choosing a tour include the guide's reputation, included meals and activities, and transportation options. Reading recent reviews and checking social media for testimonials can help you make an informed decision.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit