HIDDEN WATERFALL · GUANACASTE
La Leona Waterfall Canyon Adventure
La Leona hides in a canyon outside Curubandé, where water born on the slopes of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano runs an unreal turquoise. Getting there is half the adventure: a moderate hike that becomes a scramble through caves and canyons — each opening onto what feels like another world — past river pools blue enough that you'll want to jump in before you've reached the falls. Along the way your guide threads in the legend of Curubandé that gives this corner its name, said to still be heard in the wind that howls through the canyons at night. The finale is the part no photo prepares you for: you swim into a cave, pulling yourself along a rope through the canyon, and there, hidden in the dark, the waterfall appears. This is real adventure, not a walk in the park — you'll need to swim and be in reasonable shape, so we don't recommend it for anyone with heart conditions, knee or mobility problems, or no hiking fitness (min age 8). We also steer you to the dry season and away from the heavy rains of June through November, when a sudden surge of water — a "cabeza de agua" — can make the canyon genuinely dangerous. For anyone who'd rather skip the climb there's an easier trail straight to the cave and calm pools by the entrance, and the day closes with changing rooms, life jackets if needed, and a typical Costa Rican lunch.
Duration
4 hours
Group
100% Private
Guide
Certified Local
Level
Intermediate
What You'll Experience
- A shaded trail through Guanacaste's tropical dry forest near Rincón de la Vieja
- A narrow stone canyon with caves and small cascades
- Turquoise blue-water pools you can swim in
- A short guided swim to the hidden La Leona waterfall (life jackets provided)
- Rope-assisted scrambles and river crossings — the real adventure
Good to Know
- Difficulty: intermediate — expect rocks, roots, river crossings and short rope-assisted sections
- The final stretch to the waterfall is a swim; life jackets are provided
- Round-trip transport, lunch and bottled water are included
- La Leona is on private property — the access fee and reservation are handled for us
- Wear closed-toe water shoes; bring a swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
- A dry bag is provided for your phone and valuables
- Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a small towel
- Strong swimming isn't required, but you should be comfortable in water — ask us about young kids or mobility concerns
Photos from the Canyon
EXPERIENCE PREVIEW
Watch This Experience
VIDEO PROVIDED BY GUANADREAMS CR LOCAL GUIDES
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s an intermediate adventure — a shaded forest trail with rocks, roots, river crossings and a few rope-assisted scrambles, finishing with a short swim to the falls. Your private guide sets the pace and helps at every tricky spot.
The final stretch to the waterfall is a short swim and life jackets are provided, so you don’t need to be a strong swimmer — but you should be comfortable in water. Tell us your group’s comfort level and we’ll plan around it.
Closed-toe water shoes, a swimsuit, and a dry change of clothes. Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a small towel. We provide a dry bag for your phone and valuables.
Yes — it’s fully private, just your group and your guide, so you set the pace and stop for photos whenever you like.
It’s a great adventure for active kids, teens and adults. For very young children or anyone with mobility concerns, contact us first and we’ll help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Our private La Leona Waterfall experience starts at $800 per private group of up to 4 guests, taxes included. The day includes a private naturalist guide, private transportation, lunch, entrance fees and bottled water. Hotel pickup is included from Tamarindo, Las Catalinas, Reserva Conchal, the Riu Palace and Riu Guanacaste resorts at Playa Matapalo, the Waldorf Astoria, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panamá, the Papagayo Peninsula and Liberia. Every experience is fully customized, so we will confirm your exact quote on WhatsApp based on your group size and pickup location.
Ready for your La Leona adventure?
Tell us your group’s pace and we’ll build the private day around it.
Part of our Adventure Experiences