Curubande: 3 Waterfalls Adventure & River Tubing Day Trip

Summary

Turquoise river tubing cliff jumps wild trails local lunch

You’ll float down Curubande’s blue Rio Blanco on a tube, hike muddy trails to hidden waterfalls (with some real cliff jumps if you’re brave), eat casado at a local place, and swim beneath Llanos de Cortés’ thundering cascade—all with a guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color—this unreal turquoise slicing through Curubande’s green. We slid into our tubes and just let the Rio Blanco carry us, slow and cold at first. Our guide, Luis, kept grinning and pointing out birds I’d never spot alone. The water smelled sharp and fresh, like wet rocks after rain. I lost track of time until we rounded a bend and suddenly there was this small waterfall pouring over black lava shapes. It was loud but kind of peaceful too—like white noise with a heartbeat.

After that came the part I didn’t expect to love: climbing along muddy trails, ducking under branches, shoes caked in red dirt. We hiked maybe half an hour (felt longer because I stopped every five minutes) until Luis stopped by a rope tied across the river. “La Leona,” he said, like it was an old friend. Swimming against the current with that rope—I’m not going to lie, my arms burned. But then you get inside this cave and see the waterfall crashing down in a shaft of light. My heart was pounding so hard I could barely hear anything else.

Lunch happened at this little spot where everyone seemed to know each other—rice, beans, fried plantain, some kind of beef stew called casado that tasted way better than it looked (sorry). There was laughter from another table and someone’s phone playing reggaeton quietly in the corner. After eating way too much we set off again for Llanos de Cortés Waterfall—the big one you always see on postcards but somehow feels more secret when you come in with a local guide through the forest instead of the main gate.

The last stretch was just five minutes through dry forest—parched leaves crunching underfoot—and then suddenly there’s this 90-foot wall of water roaring down into a blue pool. Some people went up to the top for photos; I just floated at the bottom staring up into all that spray and sun. Even now if I close my eyes I can still feel how cool it was on my skin after all that heat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore rivers, waterfalls, and local lunch

• Tube down Rio Blanco river
• See two waterfalls in lava canyon
• Cliff jump from 45ft canyon
• Hike 25 minutes through caves and cliffs
• Swim with rope against current
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Hike 20 minutes to Llanos del Cortés waterfall
• Swim and cliff jump in water bowl
• Hike to waterfall viewpoint
• Swim at base of waterfall

Top questions

How long does the Curubande 3 Waterfalls tour last?

This is a full-day experience including travel between sites, activities at three waterfalls, lunch, and return transport.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included in your booking.

What should I wear for the waterfalls adventure?

You must wear closed-toe shoes (not sandals or Chacos), as trails are muddy and rocky.

Are meals or drinks provided during the tour?

A traditional Costa Rican lunch (casado), bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are included.

How difficult is the hiking part of this tour?

The hikes involve uneven terrain, mud, ladders, caves; travelers need moderate physical fitness.

Can I bring children or pets on this tour?

Service animals are allowed; however, due to physical demands it's best for adults or older teens.

Is swimming required during any part of the trip?

Yes—especially at La Leona waterfall where you swim against current using a rope inside a cave.

Will there be opportunities for cliff jumping?

Yes—at several spots along Rio Blanco and Llanos de Cortés for those who want to try different heights.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off around Curubande, all entry fees to waterfalls via local routes with your guide Luis (or someone just as friendly), bottled water plus snacks along the way, video footage if you want it (I still haven’t watched mine), alcoholic drinks after swimming stops—not before—and a hearty Costa Rican lunch at a small restaurant before heading back tired but happy.