La Leona Waterfall Hike in Tamarindo: Swim in Rio Blanco

Climb rocks and vines to a waterfall pool you can swim in for as long as you want.

This guided hiking tour from Tamarindo takes you on a moderate 2-mile round-trip trail to La Leona waterfall on Rio Blanco, where you swim in the water after the hike. The route crosses streams, climbs over rocks and roots, and passes through forest where you spot monkeys and birds. A typical Costa Rican lunch follows the swim, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to La Leona Waterfall and lunch

• Take truck ride to hiking trail
• Hike 1 hour on gravel path
• Climb stairs, rocks, and vines
• Spot wildlife like monkeys and birds
• Swim in waterfall's cool blue waters
• Enjoy typical Costa Rican lunch

The experience

The hike itself is about an hour on a gravel path that crosses streams and climbs stairs, rocks and vines to reach the waterfall. Once you arrive at Rio Blanco, you can swim in the cool blue water for as long as you like. There is no fixed time limit. The trail is intermediate and demands good physical fitness. Water shoes or sneakers are required, not flip-flops. A truck takes you about ten minutes from the trailhead to the start of the hike, and a life belt and waterproof bag are provided.

After swimming, the group heads back down the same trail and stops for a typical Costa Rican lunch before returning to your hotel. The whole day, including the truck ride, hike, swim and meal, runs five to six hours depending on where you are staying. Small groups keep the experience manageable on a trail that has many rocks and roots underfoot.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• truck ride to the trailhead.
• life belt and waterproof bag.
• bottled water.
• typical Costa Rican lunch.
• all fees and taxes.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 06:15, the last at 08:05

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (19 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (9 to 12 years) · Infant (5 to 8 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Guanacaste Adventure & Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that fits your comfort level. The trail demands intermediate fitness and good physical conditioning. This hike is built for travelers ready to climb rocks and vines, not for a casual walk.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (9 to 12 years); Infant (5 to 8 years). Children under 5 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.

How difficult is the hike to La Leona waterfall?

The trail is intermediate and requires good physical fitness. You'll climb stairs, rocks and vines over about an hour, crossing streams on the way to Rio Blanco. Water shoes or sneakers are essential: flip-flops won't work on this terrain.

Can I swim at the waterfall once I get there?

Yes. Once you reach Rio Blanco at La Leona, you can swim in the cool blue water for as long as you like. There's no set time limit for the swim.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the truck ride to the trailhead, a life belt and waterproof bag, bottled water, a typical Costa Rican lunch after the hike, and all fees and taxes. A live guide speaks English and Spanish.

What should I bring on this hike?

Bring water shoes or sneakers, a towel, comfortable clothes, a raincoat, insect repellent, sunblock and extra clothes. Cash for any extras is also useful. Flip-flops are not suitable for the rocky trail.

What wildlife might I see on the trail?

Monkeys and birds are commonly spotted along the gravel path as you make your way to the waterfall through the forest.