Rincon de la Vieja: La Leona Waterfall Hike & Swim Adventure

Summary

Hiking through Curubande’s wild trails to swim at La Leona Waterfall

You’ll hike wild trails near Rincon de la Vieja with a local guide, cross caves and roots beneath your feet, then swim right up to La Leona Waterfall’s blue pool. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and sensory moments you’ll remember long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bumping along in the back of a 4WD, dust swirling up behind us, when I realized how far we’d left Liberia — those last little villages like Colorado and Curubande felt quieter than I expected. Our guide, Diego, kept grinning every time someone asked if we were “almost there.” He pointed out a couple of bright blue motmots in the trees (I’d never even heard of those before), then handed out life vests and dry bags with this matter-of-factness that made me think maybe we were about to get properly wet.

The trail itself isn’t long — just under 3km each way — but it’s not a walk in the park either. There’s red dust underfoot, roots grabbing at your shoes (definitely glad I wore sneakers instead of sandals), and this one part where you have to duck through a cave that smells faintly like earth after rain. My friend tried to joke about bats but honestly, it was too bright outside for any drama. We stopped once or twice so Diego could show us these tiny orchids growing out of nowhere on the rocks. It was humid enough that my shirt stuck to my back, but nobody seemed to mind much.

The last stretch is where you really feel it: you hear the waterfall before you see it — kind of muffled at first, then suddenly loud as you round the bend. The water is cold, but not freezing; more like a shock that wakes up every muscle. You have to swim the last bit (about 25 meters) with your shoes still on — which feels weird at first, but makes sense when you realize how slippery those rocks are. I remember looking up and seeing sunlight catch in the spray above us. Someone laughed because their hat floated away downstream. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — La Leona Waterfall Hike Experience

• Meet at office in Curubande
• Drive 1 km by 4WD to trail entrance
• Hike 2.7 km singletrack trail
• Climb elevation and cross caves
• Swim 25 meters to waterfall

Top questions

How do I get to La Leona Waterfall from Liberia?

You meet at an office in Curubande, about 20 minutes north of Liberia by car or arranged transport.

Is swimming required on this La Leona Waterfall hike?

Yes, there’s a 25-meter swim needed to reach the waterfall pool at the end of the trail.

What should I wear for the La Leona Waterfall hike?

Wear water shoes or tennis shoes (no sandals or flip flops). You’ll keep them on while swimming.

Are children allowed on this day trip from Liberia?

Children aged 8 and above can join if they’re fit enough for moderate hiking and swimming.

Is transportation included from Liberia hotels?

No, but local drivers can be arranged for an extra fee if you request it ahead of time.

How long is the hike to La Leona Waterfall?

The trail is about 2.7 kilometers each way (total 6 km including return).

Do I need to bring my own dry bag or life vest?

No—both dry bags and life vests are provided as part of your tour inclusions.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance fees for La Leona Waterfall, use of life vests and dry bags during your hike and swim adventure, plus safe private parking at the meeting point in Curubande before heading out with your guide.