La Leona Waterfall Private Canyon Adventure
Into the canyon. Behind the falls. A private canyon hike through five river pools to a hidden waterfall, from Papagayo. Seasonal, November to April.
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Why Explore Privately?
Your Own Vehicle
Travel comfortably without sharing transportation with other groups.
Direct Hotel Pickup
Start and end the experience directly at your resort. No shared buses, no unnecessary hotel stops.
Personal Attention
Enjoy more interaction with your certified local guide.
A Better Pace
Spend your day experiencing Costa Rica instead of waiting on a large group.
Local Support
Your Wild Papagayo concierge helps coordinate every detail before your tour.
Hike, Swim & Discover La Leona Waterfall
Venture deep into one of Guanacaste's best-kept secrets on an exciting adventure that combines hiking, river crossings, swimming, and spectacular canyon scenery. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for an active day surrounded by Costa Rica's incredible natural beauty.
Guided Canyon Hike
Follow your experienced guide through forest trails, rocky riverbeds, and natural canyon formations while discovering one of Costa Rica's most scenic hidden locations.
Natural River Pools
Swim through five crystal-clear river pools carved into the canyon as you make your way toward the spectacular La Leona Waterfall.
La Leona Waterfall
Reach the hidden waterfall deep inside the canyon, where powerful turquoise waters create one of Guanacaste's most breathtaking natural settings.
Choose Your Adventure
Select the Classic option with an exciting zip line experience above the forest canopy, or upgrade to the PLUS option and enjoy an unforgettable river tubing adventure through refreshing Class I–II rapids.
What to Expect
Private Hotel Pickup
Your private guide meets you directly at your hotel or resort in Guanacaste.
Canyon Hike Begins
Follow forest trails and rocky riverbeds into the stone canyon.
Five River Pools
Swim through five crystal-clear pools carved into the canyon.
La Leona Waterfall
Reach the hidden waterfall deep inside the canyon.
Zip Line or Tubing
Classic finishes with a zip line above the canopy. Plus finishes with a river tubing descent.
Lunch & Private Return
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before your private return to the resort.
- Wear swimwear under quick-dry shorts or leggings, you will be wet for most of the hike.
- Bring water shoes or secure-strap sandals, open flip-flops will not stay on in the river pools.
- Bring a dry change of clothing and a small towel for after the experience.
- Waterproof cases for phones and cameras are strongly recommended.
- Please inform us of any dietary restrictions for lunch and swimming ability at booking.
We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy for tours and day experiences: cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 48 hours and 6 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled experience are not eligible for a refund, although exceptional situations may be reviewed individually.
Experiences affected by extreme weather events or unsafe river levels will be rescheduled whenever possible. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be issued. Normal rainfall does not constitute an unsafe condition.
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Bug spray
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Swimsuit
✓ Extra set of clothes
✓ Towel
✓ Water shoes / sandals
✓ Comfortable walking shoes
✓ Cash for personal expenses (gratuities)
Travel Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your Wild Papagayo experience is reserved exclusively for your group, private vehicle and private guide, no shared buses or other travelers added to your group.
Yes. Private pickup and return are included from Papagayo, Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. Pickup from other Guanacaste areas is available, exact pricing depends on your hotel location.
No, La Leona is only available from November to April, depending on river and canyon conditions.
Classic finishes the adventure with a zip line above the canopy. Plus finishes with a river tubing descent through the rapids.
Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is included.
The recommended minimum age is 8, and guests should be comfortable swimming, since most of the hike takes place in and around river pools.
Swimwear under quick-dry shorts or leggings, water shoes or secure-strap sandals, and a dry change of clothes for after.
Yes. Cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date receive a full refund, and cancellations made 48 hours to 6 days before receive a 50% refund. See our full reservation policy below.
La Leona Waterfall — Zip Line & Tubing
Private La Leona Waterfall experience, a 3-hour hike through 5 river pools in a stone canyon. The Classic option adds zip line, The Plus option adds tubing. Available November to April only.
Private Guide Only
Travel in your own vehicle and meet your certified private guide en route to La Leona. Transportation is not included. Lunch is not included in this option.
Everything Included
✓ Private air-conditioned transportation
✓ Complimentary bottled water
✓ Snacks and refreshments
✓ Experienced certified bilingual local guide
✓ 3-hour guided hike through 5 natural canyon river pools
✓ Swim at La Leona Waterfall
✓ Classic option: Zip line descent over canopy
✓ Plus option: Tubing descent through river rapids
✓ Traditional Costa Rican lunch
⚡ This tour runs seasonally from November to April. Private availability is limited within the season, early reservations are recommended.
