Located on the outskirts of Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, La Leona Waterfall (also known locally as Catarata La Leona) offers one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Guanacaste Province.
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The hidden waterfall flows into a deep canyon, forming the perfect blue swimming hole at the bottom.
The waterfall is located on private grounds and can only be visited on a La Leona Waterfall Tour. Tour operators take you through lush rainforests following the Rio Blanco, which is fed by nearby volcanoes in the national park. You’ll cross rivers, climb small ladders, and swim using a rope to fight the current until you finally reach inside the canyon, where the gorgeous waterfall awaits.
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How to Get to La Leona Waterfall
By Car
Guided tours to the waterfall leave from the small town of Curubandé, which is just a 20-minute or 15 km drive north of Liberia or a two-hour drive from Tamarindo. If you have your own vehicle, you can simply meet your group or tour guide at the designated time and meeting point.
By Bus/Shuttle
There are no public transport links to Curubandé, but you can book tours that include transport to/from the waterfall, either from Liberia or the Guanacaste coast. This means you can still take part in the tour even if you don’t have your own transport.
There’s the option of booking either a group tour or a private tour.
Parking at La Leona Waterfall
If you’re driving your own car to La Leona Waterfall in Curubandé, you’ll find a free private parking area on site. Once you arrive at the meeting point, your tour operator will bring you down a dirt road in a 4×4 to the start of the hike.
Facilities at La Leona Waterfall
All around Curubandé, you’ll find restaurants and cafes as well as supermarkets for picking up snacks, water, or grabbing a meal before or after your hike. For even more facilities, Liberia offers more variety about a 20-minute drive away.
Tips for Visiting La Leona Waterfall
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting La Leona Waterfall and some tips for taking a tour, including what to wear.
Expect an Adventure to Reach the Waterfall
It’s definitely a fun adventure to visit La Leona Waterfall. Be prepared for multiple river crossings on foot, swimming through the blue water by rope, and clambering through caves and canyons.
It’s best for those who are sturdy on their feet and are able to walk on uneven ground confidently.
Pick the Right Season
While you can technically visit La Leona Waterfall at any time of the year, it’s most ideal to visit during the dry season. The peak months run from January to April, which means the trail will be less muddy, and the river won’t have as strong of a current.
If you go during the rainy season, you should be prepared for a slightly more challenging feat, although ropes in the river sections help.
Go Early in the Morning to Avoid Crowds
Unfortunately, La Leona Waterfall is not a hidden gem like it once was and it does get quite busy during the dry season. The best way to avoid the crowds at this tourist attraction is to organize a private tour and leave early in the morning around 7am.
Take a Waterproof Bag
Most tour companies offer dry bags for the tour so you can bring a camera, sunscreen, and other necessities like clothes to put on over your bathing suit when you’re not in the water. They also usually offer a locker to store your valuables while you’re out on the hike.
We recommend bringing along a waterproof camera like a GoPro or a waterproof case for your phone, as this will be the best way to capture your adventure without worrying about ruining your camera.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
It’s recommended not to wear flip-flops as this can be dangerous when crossing the Blanco River. Try to wear closed toe shoes like tennis shoes, sandals with straps or water shoes with a thick sole.
FAQs:
Can you Swim at La Leona Waterfall?
To reach the beautiful waterfall, you’ll definitely get wet. There are numerous river crossings and a chance to swim at the bottom of La Leona Waterfall is often the highlight for most people.
It’s ideal if you’re comfortable swimming, but if you’re not confident, you can request a life jacket from your guide for the tour.
Is La Leona Waterfall Safe for Families?
Yes, La Leona Waterfall is a safe tour for families and a fun way to explore the incredible rock formations and gorgeous blue river with kids. However, it’s probably better to book a private tour if you have young kids, as this will allow extra attention from your guide. The tours to the waterfall are not recommended for children under 4.
How Long is the La Leona Waterfall Hike?
The La Leona Waterfall hike should take around three hours in total. This is the average for the total tour time from start to finish. The distance from the beginning to reach the waterfall at the end is about 2 km (1.5 miles) one way.
Do You Need a Guide for La Leona Waterfall?
You can only visit La Leona Waterfall with a guide due to the remote location and safety around the caves, rocks, and water. This is why we recommend joining a guided tour, as it’s the best way to reach one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Where to Stay near La Leona Waterfall
Budget Hotel: Tiquisia Lodge
As close as you can get to the tour operators’ offices, Tiquisia Lodge offers basic but comfortable rooms in Curubandé. They also have a large garden and include a delicious breakfast each morning.
Mid-Range Hotel: Casa Rural Aroma de Campo
An affordable option hidden amongst the forest just outside of Curubandé, Casa Rural Aroma de Campo offers private rooms and cabins with natural hot springs, an onsite Costa Rican restaurant, and large gardens where you can meet other travellers.
Luxury Hotel: Hacienda Guachipelin
Located just 5 km further up the road towards the national park, Hacienda Guachipelin is a 4-star resort that offers the closest luxury accommodation. It features large spacious rooms surrounded by a beautiful garden with an outdoor pool and a relaxing volcanic mud pool. They can easily arrange day trips or private tours, including horse riding, zip lining, canoeing and river tubing.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near La Leona Waterfall
There are several restaurants in Curubandé where you can get a meal before or after your walking tour to La Leona Waterfall.
Rancho don Luis
This local restaurant in the middle of town serves up delicious plates of food at reasonable prices. Some of the highlights include red snapper, grilled chicken, and pasta. They also serve up local fruit juices that offer a refreshing end to your walk.
Soda Curubanda
One of the most popular restaurants in Curubandé, this place offers indoor and outdoor seating along with their all-day menu from breakfast through to dinner. Serving portions are large, making it a good feed after clambering through canyons to the waterfall.
El Mirador
Located just 10 km away from Curubandé, El Mirador offers a unique dining experience in the area. Located on a hill, the family-run restaurant has an outstanding view over the landscape of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. It’s particularly popular at sunset time, where you can grab a dinner of pork ribs, grilled chicken, or a hamburger at reasonable prices.
The Bottom Line
Costa Rica is known for its incredible landscapes and beautiful nature, and there’s no better way to experience this than trekking to a hidden waterfall in the middle of a canyon outside of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. A half-day tour to reach this waterfall is one of the most unforgettable adventures in Guanacaste province and a must for anyone who loves swimming in natural pools.
