La Leona Waterfall hike near Rincon de la Vieja: 3-hour trek

A hidden waterfall reached only by hiking through the volcano's forest and crossing rivers.

La Leona Waterfall tour is a 3-hour guided hike into Rincon de la Vieja Volcano's dry tropical forest on the Pacific side, combining a 4-kilometer trek with river crossings to reach the waterfall. The tour includes an expert guide in English, Spanish or French who shares the volcano's history. Lunch and air-conditioned vehicle pickup are provided. Moderate fitness is needed for the terrain and water crossings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to La Leona Waterfall

• Begin 4-kilometer scenic hike
• Cross rivers along the trail
• Explore dry tropical forest
• Learn volcano history from guide
• Arrive at La Leona Waterfall

The experience

If you have a free afternoon near Playa Flamingo, this tour gets you to a waterfall most visitors never find. The hike starts with pickup from your hotel and a drive to the trailhead, then you spend three hours on foot crossing rivers and moving through the dry tropical forest that clings to the Pacific side of the volcano. The guide explains how Rincon de la Vieja earned its name and points out the landscape as you go, but the waterfall itself is the draw. It sits deep enough in the forest that the only way to reach it is on foot and through water.

River crossings are part of the route, not a detour. You'll wade through sections where the water moves, so expect to get wet and plan for footwear that can handle it. The 4-kilometer distance is moderate, but the terrain is uneven and the crossings add effort. The operator notes this suits travelers with at least moderate fitness. The whole outing takes six hours from pickup to return, with the three-hour hike as the core.

Lunch is included after the hike, and you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle both ways. The guide speaks your choice of English, Spanish or French. Children from age one can join if an adult carries them through the water sections.

What’s included

• Three-hour guided hike to La Leona Waterfall with an expert guide in English, Spanish or French.
• lunch after the trek.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your hotel and return transport.
• access to the dry tropical forest on the Pacific side of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 24

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Costour

Is this one for you?The hike involves river crossings and uneven forest terrain over three hours, so it suits travelers comfortable getting wet and walking at a moderate pace. If you prefer a shorter outing or want to avoid water, a different tour of the volcano may fit better.

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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: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

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 4-kilometer trek takes three hours over uneven terrain with river crossings, so it suits travelers with moderate fitness. The water crossings mean you'll get wet, and footing can be slippery in places.

What should I bring for the river crossings?

Wear footwear that grips wet rock and can handle water: sandals that stay on your feet work better than loose flip-flops. Bring a change of clothes or a dry bag for your phone and valuables, since wading through rivers is unavoidable.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch is included after the hike. The tour runs six hours total, with the three-hour trek as the main event and the meal afterward before you return to your hotel.

What is La Leona Waterfall like when you reach it?

La Leona is a hidden waterfall deep in the dry tropical forest at the heart of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, accessible only by the hike and river crossings. The remoteness is what makes it special: few tourists reach it.