A La Leona waterfall tour is one of the most adventurous day trips you can take from Tamarindo. Instead of viewing a waterfall from a platform, you reach it on foot: along a river, over rocks and into a narrow canyon that opens onto a hidden pool. This guide from Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey explains how the hike works, when you may need to swim, how hard it is, the best season and what our day trip includes.
Short answer: the La Leona Waterfall Tour costs $160 per person (minimum 4 people), departs Tamarindo at 7 am and returns at 3:30 pm. It includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, bottled water, beers, juices for kids and a Costa Rican lunch (casado). Expect to walk in the river and get wet.
What is La Leona waterfall?
La Leona is a waterfall in the foothills of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, in the Curubandé area near Liberia. The river that feeds it carries minerals from the volcanic mountains, which often gives the water a striking blue or turquoise color, especially on sunny days with calm water. The waterfall falls into a pool at the end of a canyon with tall rock walls, so the final view feels like a secret place.
How the La Leona waterfall tour works
The day is a mix of driving, hiking and time in the water. From Tamarindo, the drive inland crosses the plains of Guanacaste toward the volcano range. The hike itself has three parts:
- The approach. A trail through open land and forest toward the river. It is the easiest part, but it can be hot, so start with water and sunblock.
- The river. The trail follows the river and crosses it more than once. Here you walk on rocks and in shallow water, which is why water shoes are essential.
- The canyon. The last stretch enters a narrow canyon. Depending on how much water the river carries, you wade through it or swim a short distance in calm water to reach the waterfall and its pool.
After the waterfall, you return along the same route and sit down for a Costa Rican lunch before the drive back to Tamarindo.
Swimming at La Leona
The pool at the base of the waterfall is the reward of the day, and most visitors take time to swim and take photos there. The water is fresh and cooler than the ocean in Tamarindo. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in water that may be over your head for a short distance. If someone in your group does not swim, write to us before booking.
Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch or leave it in the vehicle, and wear your swimsuit under your clothes from the start.
Difficulty and fitness
We rate La Leona as moderate. The distance is manageable for most active travelers; what makes it demanding is the terrain:
- Several river crossings and slippery rocks.
- Uneven ground and a few short climbs.
- Heat on the open parts of the trail.
It suits teenagers and adults with basic fitness and good balance. It is not a good fit for people with limited mobility, knee problems or fear of water. In that case, the sloths and Llanos de Cortés waterfall day has easier access to the water, and the Rincón de la Vieja combo focuses on forest trails.
Best season for La Leona
The dry season, roughly December to April, is the best time for this tour. The river is usually lower and calmer, the water is clearer and the blue color shows best. It is also when demand is highest, so book a few days ahead.
In the green season, roughly May to November, the waterfall carries more water and the forest is very green, but heavy rain can make the river rise quickly. Mornings are usually drier than afternoons. If the river makes the canyon unsafe, we offer you another date or a refund. Our guide to tours in the rainy season explains how to plan around the weather.
What to bring
- Water shoes for the river and tennis shoes for the trail (the tour asks for both).
- Swimsuit, quick-dry clothes and a change of clothes for the ride back.
- Sunglasses, a hat, sunblock and repellent.
- A camera, ideally waterproof, and cash for the balance of the tour.
See what to wear on Tamarindo tours for more details.
Price, schedule and booking
- $160 per person, minimum 4 people. Children 3 and under do not pay.
- Deposit of $50 per person online; the balance is paid in cash, in US dollars or colones, on the day of the tour.
- Departure at 7 am, return at 3:30 pm.
- Pickup in Tamarindo is usually included; farther areas have an extra cost, paid to the driver.
- Cancel at least 24 hours in advance and we refund your deposit.
La Leona is the shortest of our three full-day trips, so you are back for the sunset. To compare it with the others, read our overview of day trips from Tamarindo or the guide to the sloth tour in Guanacaste.
Book the La Leona Waterfall Tour with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey. If you are unsure about the swim, the hike or the size of your group, write to us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose the right day trip.
Book these tours
La Leona Waterfall Tour$160 per personSee tour and book →
Sloths and Llanos de Cortés Waterfall$185 per personSee tour and book →
Rincón de la Vieja Combo Tour$180 per personSee tour and book →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to swim to visit La Leona waterfall?
Depending on the water level, the last stretch inside the canyon can involve wading or a short swim. If someone in your group does not swim, tell us before booking so we can advise you.
How difficult is the La Leona hike?
It is a moderate hike for people with basic fitness. The challenge is not the distance but the terrain: river crossings, wet rocks and uneven ground.
Is La Leona waterfall open in the rainy season?
Yes, but after heavy rain the river can rise and access to the canyon may be limited for safety. If conditions make the tour unsafe, we contact you to offer another date or a refund.
Can children go on the La Leona waterfall tour?
Children 3 and under do not pay. Because the hike crosses the river and wet rocks, write to us with the ages of your children before booking so we can tell you if it suits them.
What time does the La Leona tour return to Tamarindo?
The tour departs at 7 am and returns at 3:30 pm, so you are back in time to enjoy the sunset on the beach.
More Tamarindo guides
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