La Leona Waterfall Routes: Which of Our 3 Trails Is Right for You?
Most people have seen a photo of La Leona Waterfall. What they may not know is that there is more than one way to reach it.
At Finca Curubanda, in Curubandé near Rincón de la Vieja, you can choose from three guided routes: Short, Regular and Extreme. Each leads to La Leona Waterfall, but the distance, pace and activities along the way are different. This guide will help you choose the experience you actually want.
Route | Round-trip distance | Approximate total time | Best for |
Short Route | 2 km | Up to 2 hours | Visitors who want the most direct walk to the waterfall |
Regular Route | 3 km | Around 3 hours | Visitors who want the classic river and canyon adventure |
Extreme Route | 2.5 km | Around 2–3 hours | Visitors looking for more physically demanding activities |
Times are estimates. Your group’s pace and the river conditions can affect the experience. Every route is guided, and reaching the waterfall involves moving through water at the end.
Short Route: Get to La Leona more directly
The Short Route is our most direct way to reach the waterfall. It covers approximately 2 km round trip, with the walk to La Leona taking about 25–30 minutes in typical conditions. Allow up to two hours for the complete experience, including preparation, time at the waterfall and the return.
This route is a good choice if you have limited time or would prefer a shorter walk. You still encounter natural terrain, stairs, sections near the river and the final water passage into the canyon. “Short” describes the distance; it does not mean the tour is a dry, flat walk.
Choose this route if reaching La Leona is your priority and you do not need the extra attractions found on the longer routes.
Regular Route: The classic La Leona adventure
The Regular Route covers approximately 3 km round trip and usually takes around three hours. It gives you more time along the Río Blanco, with forest trails, river crossings and canyon scenery on the way to the waterfall.
Depending on the route conditions and your guide’s instructions, the experience also includes attractions such as the natural waterslide and the smaller waterfall known as La Ducha. The journey is a significant part of the adventure, rather than simply the way to reach the final viewpoint.
Choose the Regular Route if you want the fuller, classic La Leona hike and feel comfortable walking over uneven ground and through water.
Extreme Route: More challenges along the way
The Extreme Route covers approximately 2.5 km round trip and takes about two to three hours. Although its distance is shorter than the Regular Route, it is the more demanding option because of the activities along the way.
This route includes additional challenges such as rock climbs, the natural waterslide and jump points. The guide assesses conditions and explains how to approach each section. Tell the team about your comfort level before booking so they can help you decide whether this is the right experience.
Choose the Extreme Route if the challenges along the journey are as exciting to you as the waterfall itself.
What happens at the end of all three routes?
To see La Leona Waterfall inside the canyon, visitors complete a final passage through the water. You wear a life jacket and use a fixed support rope while following your guide’s instructions. The water section is part of the experience even if you choose the Short Route.
If you are concerned about swimming, tell us before you reserve. We can explain what the final section involves and discuss which route best matches your group. River conditions are checked before tours, and the guide’s instructions on the day always take priority.
Which route should you choose?
Ask yourself what you most want from the day:
“I want to see the waterfall with less walking.” Choose the Short Route.
“I want the classic hike, river crossings and more time exploring.” Choose the Regular Route.
“I want climbing, jumps and a stronger physical challenge.” Ask about the Extreme Route.
If you are visiting with children, tell us their ages and experience walking through water. For families, the best choice depends on each child’s comfort and the conditions that day, not just the distance shown in a route description.
Start your adventure with Finca Curubanda
Your visit begins with the Finca Curubanda team in Curubandé. We help you choose a route, prepare your equipment and meet your guide before setting out. Parking, lockers and changing facilities are available for your visit.
La Leona is memorable in photographs, but choosing the right trail makes the whole journey yours. Explore the three routes with Finca Curubanda and choose the adventure you want to remember.
Frequently asked questions
Do all three routes reach La Leona Waterfall?
Yes. The Short, Regular and Extreme routes all lead to La Leona Waterfall. What changes is the distance and what you experience before reaching it.
Is the Short Route an easy walk?
It is the shortest and most direct option, but it still involves natural terrain, stairs, water and the final canyon passage. Ask our team about current conditions if anyone in your group has mobility or water concerns.
Do I need to swim to see La Leona Waterfall?
The final approach involves moving through the water with a life jacket and fixed support rope under your guide’s direction. Contact us before booking if you are unsure whether this section is suitable for you.
Is the Extreme Route the longest?
No. The Regular Route is approximately 3 km round trip, while the Extreme Route is approximately 2.5 km. The Extreme Route is more challenging because of its activities, not because it has the greatest distance.
Where is Finca Curubanda?
Our reception is in Curubandé, near Rincón de la Vieja in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Search for “Finca Curubanda La Leona” on Google Maps or Waze and look for our orange sign across from the local school.
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