Such an amazing crew on the tour. We made friends with all the crew and the guide, an easy 5 stars!
Liberia: La Leona Waterfall Hiking Tour

Short Description
Explore the hidden La Leona Waterfall near Rincón de la Vieja on this 3-hour guided hike from Liberia. Cross caves and canyons, swim through turquoise river canyons, and immerse yourself in the volcanic landscape — perfect for adventure seekers looking to connect with nature.
Description
? Overview
Embark on a thrilling 3-hour eco-adventure from Liberia through the foothills of Rincón de la Vieja. This guided hike takes you along forested trails, up steep hills, through caves, and across a river canyon — all on your way to the hidden gem of La Leona Waterfall, whose blue-turquoise waters sparkle between rocky canyon walls.
✨ Highlights
Take in the fresh, tropical air as you hike through the scenic terrain of Rincón de la Vieja.
Cross caves, climb over rocks, and navigate natural obstacles as you make your way uphill.
Swim around 25 meters through a narrow river canyon to approach the waterfall.
Admire the waterfall’s uniquely colored waters — intense blue and turquoise hues from natural sulfur.
Relax and bathe in the secluded pool beneath the waterfall, surrounded by rugged cliffs.
? Full Description
You’ll begin your journey by meeting your guide near the small villages of Colorado and Curubandé. From there, a 4×4 vehicle drives you to the trailhead. Once on foot, you’ll hike about 2 km (1.3 miles) along a varied trail with forest paths, rocky terrain, and cave passages. The trail climbs steeply in places, taking you through natural caves and over rocky ledges.
At a key moment, you’ll swim through a river canyon — about 25 meters (82 feet) — to reach the heart of the gorge. Finally, you arrive at La Leona Waterfall, tucked between two canyon walls. The water here glows in vivid shades of blue and turquoise thanks to sulfur minerals in the rock. Spend some time splashing in the pool, soaking in the surroundings, then retrace your path back along the trail to the starting point.
✅ What’s Included
Round-trip transportation from Curubandé / provider’s meeting point
Entrance fees to the trail / nature area
Bilingual (English) local guide
Life jacket for water crossing
Dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry
Water shoes
Drinking water
Towel
? What to Bring
Swimwear — for swimming in the canyon
Extra change of clothes — to get dry after
A towel — for drying off
Water bottle — stay hydrated during the hike
Water-grip shoes or closed-toe water shoes (rocky terrain; flip-flops not allowed)
? Important Considerations
Not suitable for pregnant travelers, or people with serious heart or respiratory problems.
The tour requires both hiking and swimming — so moderate physical fitness is needed.
Certain footwear (like flip-flops) are not allowed, for safety reasons.
Smoking, drones, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited on the tour.
Why Travelers Love It
Adventurous & Immersive: The hike offers a real sense of adventure – river crossings, caves, canyon swims – not just a walk to a viewpoint.
Hidden Beauty: Many guests highlight how magical the waterfall feels — tucked away, surrounded by canyon walls, with striking bluewater.
Expert Guides: Guides are praised for being knowledgeable, safe, and engaging — they point out details about geology, wildlife, and history.
Authentic Nature Experience: Unlike heavily touristed waterfalls, this feels remote and unspoiled, giving a genuine connection to Costa Rica’s wild side.
Highly Rated: Travelers consistently rate the experience very high, thanks to the mix of challenge, beauty, and exceptional service.
Important Note
After completing your reservation, our team will contact you one day before your tour to confirm your exact hotel / Airbnb pickup time or meeting point.
If you selected a meeting point during your booking, please note that your reservation is fully confirmed — simply arrive at the chosen location at the scheduled time.
Please ensure the WhatsApp number, phone number, or email you entered during booking is correct so we can reach you smoothly.
For any changes to your reservation, weather questions, or special requests, feel free to contact us:
- 📞 Barbara (WhatsApp): +1 829-318-9463
- 📞 Dary (WhatsApp): +1 829-754-6322
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you! 🌴✨
Choose what to book
Reviews
My favorite thing was how well the tour was paced! This tour offered great experiences, great sights and wonderful food.
The trip was excellent. Pedro was amazing!
With this awesome day trip we loved the local history. The team were great the tour fab and would come again cheers a lot.
This tour was the highlight of our vacation! It was well-planned, and the guide was excellent.
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