La Leona Waterfall & River Tubing Guanacaste Costa Rica

Rope Climb to a Cave Pool Behind Costa Rica's La Leona Waterfall

You float down a canyon river in a tube with helmet and life jacket, take a 30-minute rest break in the water, then hike three hours through forest to La Leona Waterfall. At the base, you rope-climb into a cave behind the falls and swim in the pool. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to gear up, and plan for 4.5 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rincon de la Vieja hike and tubing

• Explore Rincon de la Vieja canyons
• Enjoy river tubing adventure
• Hike to La Leona Waterfall
• Cross streams and climb ladders
• Use rope to reach cave
• Swim and explore waterfall cave

The experience

There's something that pulls at you the moment you realize you're about to climb a rope into a cave behind a waterfall. Not fear exactly: more like the feeling of standing at the edge of something real. That's what draws people to the La Leona Waterfall hike in Guanacaste's Rincón de la Vieja region. You're not just walking to a viewpoint and turning around. You're actually going inside, swimming in the pool, feeling the spray on your face while the water crashes down in front of you.

The day splits into two parts, and they feel completely different. First comes the river tubing: about an hour and a half floating down crystal-clear water through the canyon, surrounded by rock walls and forest so thick you can barely see the sky. You wear a helmet and life jacket, which sounds like it might feel clunky, but honestly it lets you relax into the current instead of gripping the tube. There's a 30-minute break built in where you just float and breathe, which is the part people don't expect to love but always do. Then the waterfall hike takes over. It's three hours of actual walking: crossing streams, scrambling over rocks, climbing small ladders bolted into the canyon wall. Your guide leads you through the forest, and the sound of the waterfall gets louder and louder until you're standing at the base looking up at this massive drop of water and the cave entrance behind it. The rope climb is short but real. You pull yourself up hand over hand to reach the cave pool, where you can finally swim and just sit with what you've done.

You need to show up 15 to 20 minutes early to get fitted for your helmet and life jacket and go over safety. The whole experience (tubing, break, hike, and cave swim) runs about four and a half hours. It's not a casual stroll, and it's not extreme either. You're moving the whole time, but the pace is built for people who are reasonably fit and want to feel like they've actually done something, not just seen something.

What’s included

• Your day includes a helmet, life jacket, and paddle for the river tubing section.
• The guide leads both the tubing and the waterfall hike.
• A 30-minute rest break is built into the tubing portion where you float in the river.
• You'll need to arrive 15–20 minutes early to get fitted for your gear and receive safety instructions before the tour begins.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want both water and hiking in one outing without arranging transport or equipment. The gear is provided, and the split between floating and climbing means you get two different kinds of energy in one morning.

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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: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 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 long is the river tubing part?

About 1 hour 30 minutes, plus a 30-minute break floating in the river.

How long is the waterfall hike?

Approximately 3 hours from the start of the hike to the cave pool.

What's included in the tour?

Helmet, life jacket, and paddle for tubing. Guide is included. Lunch is not.

Do I need to be very fit?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike involves climbing ladders and scrambling over rocks.

Can I do this if I'm pregnant?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What time do I need to arrive?

Arrive 15–20 minutes before the start time to get fitted for gear and receive safety instructions.

Is there a break during the tour?

Yes, there's a 30-minute break during the river tubing where you float and rest in the water.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Yes, after the rope climb into the cave, you can swim in the pool behind La Leona Waterfall.