La Leona Waterfall tour from Tamarindo: River crossings and lunch

The river crossings are part of the hike itself, not a detour around it.

A full-day waterfall hike from Tamarindo that crosses the river multiple times on the way to La Leona's cascade and pool. A bilingual local guide leads groups of up to twelve through rainforest trails, with hotel pickup, a typical Costa Rican lunch, and return transport included. The trek itself takes three hours. The rest of the day covers travel and the meal.

Step-by-step itinerary

La Leona Waterfall Hike Adventure

• Start hike through rainforest trails
• Cross river multiple times
• Observe vibrant flora and nature sounds
• Reach La Leona Waterfall viewpoint
• Admire waterfall and serene pool

The experience

You get picked up at your hotel in Tamarindo and driven to the trailhead. The hike starts in rainforest where the river crossing is not something you avoid. It is the route itself. You'll cross the water multiple times as you work deeper into the terrain, each crossing part of the natural path to the waterfall rather than an obstacle. The guide stays with the group throughout, pointing out the flora and explaining what you're moving through. A life vest is provided for safety.

The trail ends at La Leona Waterfall, where the cascade drops into a pool. You have time to take in the site and cool off in the water before heading back down. The whole trek is three hours. After you return to the meeting point, lunch is a typical Costa Rican casado (rice, beans, plantains, salad and protein), eaten before the drive back to Tamarindo. The guide speaks both English and Spanish, so if your group has mixed language comfort, the commentary reaches everyone.

The full outing runs six and a half hours from pickup to drop-off. Small groups mean you're not herding through the forest with thirty other people, and the bilingual guide adjusts the pace and stops to match what the group needs. Water is provided throughout.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Tamarindo.
• bilingual local guide.
• life vest.
• water throughout the hike.
• typical Costa Rican lunch.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 20

Live 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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discover Tamarindo

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so if you're traveling with people who speak different languages, everyone gets the same commentary and instructions. The three-hour trek suits families and small groups who want a real rainforest hike without a full day of technical climbing.

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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 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What exactly happens at the river crossings on the La Leona hike?

The river crossings are the actual trail route, not a side trip or an optional detour. You cross the water multiple times as you move through the rainforest toward the waterfall. A life vest is provided for safety during these crossings, and the guide leads the group through each one.

How long is the actual hiking part of this tour?

The trek itself takes three hours. The remaining time in the six-and-a-half-hour outing covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Tamarindo, the drive to and from the trailhead, and lunch after you return.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch is a typical Costa Rican casado, which includes rice, beans, plantains, salad and protein. It is served after the hike, before you return to your hotel.