Day Trips · Full Day · Hike & Swim
La Leona Waterfall Tour from Playas del Coco: Hidden Canyon Adventure
Hike through tropical forest, cross rivers and swim a narrow canyon to reach a glowing turquoise waterfall hidden inside an open-air cave near Rincón de la Vieja.
About This Trip
Not a Walk-In Waterfall
Experience one of the most breathtaking waterfall tours in Costa Rica, right from your hotel in Playas del Coco. This full-day adventure takes you into the volcanic jungle near Rincón de la Vieja, where a stunning hidden blue waterfall waits inside an ancient canyon carved by the Colorado River.
Getting there means hiking through tropical forest, crossing rivers, scrambling over volcanic rock and swimming through a narrow canyon with a guide rope, all to reach a turquoise waterfall tucked inside an open-air cave. It's one of the most jaw-dropping natural experiences in Guanacaste, with private round-trip transportation from Coco Beach included.
On the Trail
What You'll Experience
-
A Hidden Blue Waterfall
La Leona sits at the end of a volcanic canyon on the Colorado River, fed by mineral-rich water from Rincón de la Vieja Volcano: a glowing turquoise waterfall inside a cave-like canyon surrounded by towering rock walls.
-
Canyon Swim with a Guide Rope
The final approach means slipping into the cool turquoise water and swimming toward the falls, guided by a rope through the narrow gorge. Life jackets are provided for every guest.
-
River Crossings and Natural Obstacles
The 1.5-mile trail each way includes several river crossings, light rock climbing and natural terrain challenges. Moderate difficulty, no special skills or experience needed.
-
Authentic Costa Rican Lunch
Refuel afterward with a traditional casado (rice, beans, fresh vegetables and your choice of meat) at a local restaurant near La Leona.
-
Tropical Wildlife Along the Trail
The jungle around La Leona is alive with howler monkeys, toucans, frogs, iguanas and tropical birds, and your guide points out wildlife and plants along the way.
Trip Information
- Duration
- Full day, with 2 to 3 hours at the waterfall
- Pickup
- 8:00 AM pickup, back about 2:30 PM
- Minimum age
- 6 years
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Requirements
For active travelers comfortable with swimming, river crossings and uneven terrain. A basic level of fitness is recommended.
The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your hotel. Round-trip hotel pickup included from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, RIU Guanacaste, RIU Palace and Gulf of Papagayo resorts.
Prices
- 2 people (private tour) $350
- 3 people (private tour) $400
- 4 or more, per person $110
- Add river tubing or zipline, per person $160
Prices in US dollars. Groups of 6 or more: contact us for group discounts.
Trip Highlights
- Hidden blue waterfall inside a volcanic canyon
- Canyon swim, life jackets provided
- Jungle hike along the turquoise Colorado River
- Expert local bilingual guide
- Authentic Costa Rican lunch included
- Private round-trip transport from Playas del Coco
What's Included
- Private round-trip transportation from Playas del Coco and surrounding areas
- Professional certified local bilingual guide
- Park entrance and trail fees
- Life jacket for the canyon swim
- Dry bag for your belongings during the swim
- Authentic Costa Rican lunch
- Bottled water
What to Bring
- Closed-toe water shoes or closed-toe sandals with good grip (no open-toe sandals or flip-flops)
- Swimsuit and change of clothes
- Towel
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera or waterproof phone case
- Extra water
Frequently Asked Questions
Reserve through our website, or contact us by WhatsApp, email or phone and we'll secure your spot. Transportation from Playas del Coco and nearby areas is included, making it one of the easiest ways to visit La Leona.
The minimum age is 6, because the hike includes river crossings, uneven terrain, swimming sections and a narrow canyon. Children should be comfortable walking, swimming and doing moderate activity. If you're traveling with younger children, contact us before booking.
La Leona is near Curubandé, at the base of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your hotel.
Yes. Weather and river conditions permitting, you swim through the canyon to reach the falls and can swim in the turquoise pools around it. Life jackets are provided.
Unlike waterfalls you view from a platform, La Leona takes a guided hike through rivers, canyons, jungle trails and narrow rock formations to reach. That mix of hiking, swimming and adventure makes it one of Costa Rica's most unique waterfall experiences.
Wear closed-toe water shoes or closed-toe sandals with good grip; open-toe sandals and flip-flops aren't allowed. Bring a swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent and a waterproof phone case.
Absolutely. Its turquoise water, canyon scenery and hidden cave waterfall make it one of the most popular nature adventures for visitors staying in Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa and the Papagayo Peninsula.
Plan Your Day
Ask About a Day Trip
Tell us which trip, your date and how many people, and we'll confirm availability and pickup details.
"*" indicates required fields
Book Your La Leona Waterfall Tour
If you're looking for the best day trip from Playas del Coco, this is it. La Leona delivers everything Costa Rica is famous for, and it books out fast in high season.
Message Us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)