Ziplining in Tamarindo: Waterfall hike and canopy cables

Spot tropical wildlife with your guide, then soar above the jungle trails

A combined waterfall hike and ziplining activity near Tamarindo starts with private pickup and a 2.5-hour trek through jungle to La Leona, where you swim at the base before ziplining back through the canopy with a bilingual guide. The day includes a lunch break, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a moderate fitness level required for the river crossing and hike.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jungle hike and zipline adventure

• Private pickup early morning
• Hike 2.5 hours to waterfall
• Cross river during hike
• Swim at La Leona waterfall
• Return hike from waterfall
• Enjoy traditional local lunch
• Zipline through forest canopy

The experience

The hike to La Leona takes 2.5 hours through Costa Rican forest and includes a river crossing that demands moderate fitness. You'll reach the waterfall with time to swim at its base before the second half of the day. Private pickup means your schedule, not a group's: the operator recommends departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM so the hike and the cables both fit inside one outing.

Ziplining here is not a standalone cable park. It's the return route through the canopy after you've already hiked in. The lines pass over the same forest where you spotted birds and squirrels on the way down, so the ecosystem you moved through on foot becomes the view below as you move through it by cable. A bilingual guide handles the technical setup and safety briefing, so a first-timer and an experienced zipliner follow the same route.

Lunch happens mid-day at a restaurant the guide recommends. You cover the cost, but the operator provides a cooler to keep drinks cold throughout. Binoculars come with you for animal watching, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles transport to and from your hotel or pickup point. The full day runs 5 to 10 hours depending on pace and how long you spend at the waterfall.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• binoculars for wildlife spotting.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• cooler with ice to keep drinks cold.
• lunch-time restaurant recommendations (lunch cost is separate).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

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 due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Costa Rica Tropical

Is this one for you?This is a private, guided activity where you do the ziplining yourself after hiking in, so it suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants a full day combining two different ways of moving through the jungle rather than a cable park alone. The early start and 2.5-hour hike mean it's built for travelers ready to exert themselves in exchange for reaching a waterfall most visitors never see.

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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 (1 to 11 years).

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 hike to La Leona waterfall?

The hike to La Leona takes 2.5 hours through jungle and includes a river crossing. You'll have time to swim at the waterfall's base before ziplining back.

What animals might I see during the hike and ziplining?

Birds and squirrels are active in the canopy and forest throughout the day. Binoculars are provided so you can spot wildlife during both the hike and the zipline sections.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included, but the guide recommends a restaurant where you eat during the midday break. A cooler with ice is provided to keep your drinks fresh.

What time does the day start?

Private pickup is arranged for a departure between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, so the full hike and ziplining fit inside one day without rushing.

Do I need experience to zipline?

No prior ziplining experience is needed. The bilingual guide handles the safety briefing and technical setup for both first-timers and experienced zipliers on the same route.