Hike Rincon de la Vieja Volcano & La Leona Waterfall Tour

Boiling mud springs and a blue-water waterfall inside a cave

A full-day hike through Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, led by a naturalist guide who points out wildlife and volcanic features, ending at La Leona Waterfall. The tour includes pickup from your hotel, visits to the park's most active volcanic zone with mud pods and steam vents, and time at the waterfall. Children from age 4 are welcome, and guides speak English, Spanish or French.

The experience

The hike starts at the foot of Costa Rica's most active volcano, where the trail runs past boiling hot mud springs and sulfur vents. A naturalist guide leads you through lush forest for about four hours, stopping at Las Pilas where fumaroles, openings in the earth's crust, release steam and volcanic gas. Along the way you'll spot white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, butterflies and raccoons moving through the canopy and understory. The volcano itself is visible from the trail, and the Guanacaste peninsula spreads out below.

After the volcano section, the tour moves to La Leona Waterfall, one of the country's most striking water features: a cascade that flows into a cave with brilliant blue water. This is where the day shifts from hiking and wildlife watching to swimming and exploring the waterfall's geology. The full outing runs eight hours from pickup to return, so plan the rest of your day around that window.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel.
• naturalist guide.
• entry to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
• access to Las Pilas volcanic zone with mud springs and fumaroles.
• visit to La Leona Waterfall.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE

Is this one for you?Eight hours is the full commitment, so plan the rest of your day around an early start and afternoon return. The length leaves room for a relaxed lunch elsewhere in Tamarindo or Guanacaste, but rules out combining this with another major activity the same day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (4 to 5 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the hike through Rincon de la Vieja?

White-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, butterflies and raccoons are common along the trail. The naturalist guide points out animals and plants as you move through the forest.

What are the mud pods and fumaroles I'll see at Las Pilas?

Las Pilas is the most active volcanic zone in the park. Mud pods are boiling hot springs where mineral-rich mud bubbles at the surface, and fumaroles are openings in the earth's crust that release steam and sulfur gas. Both are signs of ongoing volcanic activity beneath the park.

Can I swim at La Leona Waterfall?

Yes. La Leona Waterfall flows into a cave with blue water where you can swim and cool off after the hike. Bring a change of clothes and a towel.

How long is the hike, and what's the fitness level required?

The hike through the volcano zone takes about four hours, and you'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The full tour, including La Leona Waterfall, runs eight hours total with pickup and return.