Costa Rica is famous for its waterfalls, with the tropical forests punctuated by turquoise rivers and dreamy plunge pools that are perfect for cooling down after a hot hike. Yet many waterfalls are very well known, so it’s unlikely you’ll get them to yourselves, especially during peak season. However, if you’re seeking an adventure away from the crowds, that takes you down deep canyons that carve through steamy jungles, then you should put La Leona Waterfall on your list.
The La Leona Waterfall hike is a bit of an insider secret, transporting you far from the beaten tourist trail to a hidden forest paradise in the beautiful Guanacaste region. It’s an effort to get there so you’ll need to bring along a sense of adventure, but as soon as you lay eyes on the stunning cascade tumbling into the dramatic ravine, you’ll know your exertions have been more than worth it.
Where is La Leona Waterfall
You’ll find La Leona Waterfall in Curubandé, 20 minutes from Liberia in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. If you’re visiting the beaches of Guanacaste or hiking in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, then a stop at the nearby La Leona Waterfall is a no-brainer. You can easily access the area from Guanacaste Airport if you’re flying in – it’s just a 40-minute drive to Curubandé.
How to visit the waterfall
Due to it’s remote and inaccessible location, Catarata La Leona can only be visited with a local guide – you can’t go independently for safety reasons. You’ll be hiking in the jungle, scrambling through canyons and caves, as well as swimming across rivers, so having a knowledgeable local guide to show you the ropes and keep you safe is key.
What you’ll experience during the hike
The round-trip hike lasts around 3 hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy the forest, river and waterfall. The route involves hiking through the jungle, and wading across the river several times, using strategically placed ropes to haul yourself along. Some rock scrambling is required, with wooden ladders helping you to get around the bigger boulders.
You’ll then swim into the canyon before pulling yourself into a cave using a handy rope, and then you’ll have arrived at the waterfall. The icing on the cake is being able to swim beneath the waterfall in the turquoise pool – a fitting and refreshing reward for all your hard work.
Best time to experience La Leona Waterfall
The dry season between January and April is the ultimate time to do La Leona Waterfall hike. This is when the forest paths are dry (so less mud to slide around on) and the river is lower and calmer, making it safer to cross.
During the wetter months from July to November the trip may not be possible due to high water levels making the river too dangerous to cross. It’s best to check with your guide to find out when the tours are running.
What to wear for the hike
Comfortable closed-toe hiking shoes are a must as you’ll be traversing rough terrain and will need decent grip underfoot. You will also be entering the water, so wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Slap on the sunscreen and insect repellent before you depart, and take a bottle of water to keep hydrated during the hike.
Remember to pack a change of clothes for after your adventure as you’ll be rather wet from all those river crossings!
How fit do you need to be for the hike?
You have to climb along canyons, hike through the forest, and swim across rivers so you’ll need a decent level of fitness to be able to tackle this trip. If you have dodgy knees or other mobility issues, it’s best to visit some of the more accessible waterfalls in the region. No specialist skills are required, just a sense of fun and thirst for adventure.
