La Leona Waterfall Hike: Swim Cave & Cliff Jump near Liberia

Swim into a cave where turquoise water meets a waterfall pouring from volcanic rock.

A jungle hike near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano leads to La Leona Waterfall, where you cross the river multiple times, rope through a narrow canyon, and swim into a cave fed by turquoise water. The trail runs about 2 kilometers each way with uneven terrain and water crossings. Life jackets and a bilingual guide keep you safe. Lunch and hotel pickup are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to La Leona Waterfall and Souvenir Visit

• Hike 2 km through jungle trail
• Cross river and canyon with rope
• Swim into cave under waterfall
• Enjoy traditional Costa Rican lunch
• Visit local artisan souvenir shop

The experience

La Leona sits hidden in the forest just outside Curubandé, roughly 20 minutes from Liberia. The hike covers about 2 kilometers each way, and the real work starts when you reach the river. You'll cross it several times, then use a rope to pull yourself through a narrow canyon: the guide stays with you and helps through the tighter sections. The payoff is a short swim into a cave where the waterfall pours directly into water so turquoise it looks unreal. The color comes from volcanic minerals in the area. Even non-swimmers join because life jackets are provided and the water is calm inside the cave.

Along the way, your guide points out wildlife and shows you natural water slides carved into the rock. Cliff jumps are optional. You decide whether to take them. The whole adventure takes between four and six hours from pickup to return. Afterward, you'll eat a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back to your hotel. Groups stay small, capped at twelve travelers, so the pace stays manageable and the guide can watch everyone.

Wear water shoes or strap sandals (flip-flops won't work on the wet rocks), and bring swimwear, a towel and dry clothes. The hike is rated moderate, but the rope work and canyon swimming are the physical core of it, not a casual stroll. Your guide speaks both English and Spanish, so commentary flows in whichever language suits your group.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a bilingual guide who goes at your pace.
• life jacket and dry bag for your electronics.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a traditional Costa Rican lunch after the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 7 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by PURE NATURE PRIVATE TOURS

Is this one for you?The bilingual guide speaks English and Spanish, so your group follows the commentary comfortably in whichever language works for you. Moderate fitness is needed for the rope work and canyon swimming, but life jackets and guide support mean non-swimmers and less experienced hikers can join safely.

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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 (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 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 far is La Leona Waterfall from Liberia, and how long does the hike take to reach it?

La Leona sits about 20 minutes from Liberia by vehicle. Once you start hiking, the trail is roughly 2 kilometers each way, and the estimated time to reach the waterfall is 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Can I swim in the cave if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. Life jackets are provided and the water inside the cave is calm, so even non-swimmers can enter safely and feel secure the whole way.

What happens at the waterfall itself? Is there really a cliff jump?

The waterfall pours into a turquoise pool inside a cave where you swim. Natural rock formations and water slides are part of the route, and cliff jumps are optional. You choose whether to take them.

What should I wear and bring for this hike?

Wear water shoes or strap sandals. Flip-flops don't grip the wet rocks. Bring swimwear, a towel and dry clothes. The guide provides a life jacket and a dry bag to protect your phone and valuables.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return, a bilingual guide, life jacket, dry bag, bottled water, lunch, and all fees and taxes. Gratuities are optional.