La Leona Waterfall plus tubing is a smart Costa Rica combo. What I like most is the adventure mix: a guided hike that ends at the Lioness waterfall, then a river tubing run with the kind of moments that keep the day moving. I also like that you’re not doing it alone, since bilingual staff (Spanish and English) guide you through the hike and the wet stuff.

One consideration: this is rated for moderate physical fitness, and you’ll get wet. If you’re not comfortable walking over uneven rocks (and you don’t like cold water surprises), plan to take it slow and choose good footwear.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• A guided waterfall hike through rocky terrain, with pro help for tricky sections
• Waterfall fun at the end where you’ll reach La Leona (Lioness) and get showered by the falls
• Lifevest provided for tubing, so you can focus on enjoying the river
• Casado lunch included in Curubande, with a natural soft drink
• Private tour for your group, so you’re not packed into someone else’s day
• Two Liberia stops for bathrooms, quick snacks, and souvenirs without rushing

La Leona Waterfall: Why This Day Feels Like Real Costa Rica

This tour is built around one big idea: don’t just “see” a waterfall. You’ll work your way to it with a guide, watch for wildlife and scenery along the way, and end up in the spray at La Leona (also called the Lioness waterfall). Then you cool down with tubing, which is a nice change of pace after a hike that can feel more active than you expect.

For me, the best part is the pacing. You get structured stops (so you’re not guessing where to eat or when to use the bathroom), and then the main attraction stays the main attraction for a solid chunk of time. The guide experience also matters here. One standout example from the field was a guide named Noel, whose enthusiasm and hands-on help made boulder-y sections feel manageable for an entire family group.

If you’re the type who likes to mix “nature” with “hands-on,” this fits. You’ll be walking in shaded areas, climbing over and under rocks, and moving through a route with some caves and big rock formations before you hit the payoff.

Stop-by-Stop: Liberia, the Falls, Curubande, and Back

The day runs about 5 to 6 hours, and it’s organized into four clear phases.

Stop 1: Liberia for bathrooms, food, and quick supplies (about 30 minutes)

You’ll make a practical stop in Liberia where you can use the bathrooms, grab something small to eat fast, and handle basic needs like buying a snack, checking out a supermarket, or picking up souvenirs. Admission here is listed as free, and the point is simple: start the day fueled and prepared so the hike doesn’t turn into a scramble.

This stop is also where you can sanity-check your plans. If you know you’ll want a quick drink or something salty for later, this is the moment to do it.

Stop 2: Leona Waterfall (Rincón de la Vieja area) for the main event (about 3 hours)

This is the anchor of the experience. Local professional guides meet you and lead the walk to La Leona Waterfall. Along the way, you can expect animals in the area, large rock formations, and small caves on the route.

The guides are also there for safety and pace, especially if the path gets uneven. One review example highlighted sliding down a natural rock water slide and jumping from boulders into the river below during the overall water play. That’s not something you should assume you’ll do exactly the same way, but it does reflect the overall energy of the day: this isn’t a slow stroll where everyone just photographs from the same spot.

At the end, you reach the waterfall payoff, and you’ll be right up close to the falls. The experience description points to passing through the waterfall area where the shower effect happens, so yes, you should expect to get wet.

Stop 3: Curubande for casado-style lunch (about 1 hour)

After the hike, you head to Curubande for lunch. You’ll get a typical casado-style meal, plus a natural soft drink. The vibe here is described as organized and clean, which matters because you want a predictable meal stop after time on the trail.

This hour is a good recovery window. You’ll be able to eat, reset, and dry off a little before the tubing segment.

Stop 4: Back to Liberia for souvenirs and bathrooms (about 30 minutes)

On the way back, there’s a final return stop in Liberia for bathrooms and souvenir shopping. Admission here is also listed as free. It’s not meant to be a long shopping spree, but it gives you time to pick up Costa Rican gifts without cutting into the activities.

The Hike to La Leona: What to Expect on the Trail

This part of the tour is guided, and that makes a difference. The route goes through real terrain: large rocks, sections that can involve small caves, and areas that require you to navigate around fallen trees and uneven ground.

The experience is described as a little strenuous in feedback, but most people would likely place it in the moderate category. The key point for you is that it’s shaded, which helps in Costa Rica’s heat, but the shade doesn’t mean the footing is effortless.

A practical way to think about it:

• You’ll be walking on natural surfaces, not a maintained boardwalk.
• You’ll likely make at least some short “problem-solving” moves with your feet.
• Your guide helps you keep momentum and chooses a safe pace.

And yes, you’ll get wet. Even if you’re careful, the waterfall zone is a water zone. Plan for your clothes to take a hit, and treat this like you’re going to come home soggy in the best possible way.

Tubing After the Waterfall: A Different Kind of Adventure

The tubing segment is included and uses a lifevest. That’s a big value point. After three hours on the trail, tubing offers a shift from “walking effort” to “river ride effort.”

One review described tubing as starting like a relaxing float and then turning into fun surprises: unexpected rapids and sudden drops. That’s exactly the type of contrast that makes the full day feel worth it, because you’re not repeating the same sensation twice.

What I’d tell you to expect:

• You’ll cool off right after the hike.
• The river likely has quick-interest moments, not just calm water the whole time.
• You’ll want to keep your phone and camera secured.

Also, since lifevests are provided, you don’t have to chase your own rental gear. That reduces friction when you’re packing for Costa Rica.

Price and Value: Why $61 Can Make Sense Here

At $61 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled, not just the headline cost.

You get:

• Lunch included
• Lifevest included for tubing
• Bilingual staff (Spanish and English)
• A private tour setup where only your group participates

The “private” part matters. Even if the day is mostly outdoors, you don’t want to feel like you’re sharing a narrow trail, a waterfall zone, and a river ride with strangers moving at different speeds. Your guide can keep your group together better, and you’re more likely to get help if your footing feels less confident.

And then there’s the timing. The day is 5–6 hours, so it’s not a half-trip that burns half a day but delivers only a short activity. You spend about three hours on the waterfall portion, plus a lunch stop and then tubing.

If you’re planning from Playa Hermosa and want a full day that feels active and local, this is one of those “do it once, don’t overthink it” kinds of tours—especially if you’ll actually use the included meal and lifevest.

The Guide Factor: When Help Turns a Hike Into a Win

This is one of the strongest reasons this tour earns top scores. In feedback, a guide named Noel was called out for expertise, enthusiasm, and assistance that made challenging sections manageable for the whole group.

That matters because hiking to a waterfall isn’t just about bravery. It’s about route reading—where to step, when to slow down, and how to keep the group safe while still having fun. When the guide knows the terrain and matches the pace, the experience becomes less stressful.

If you can request a guide preference, this is a good one to ask about.

What to Pack So You Don’t Hate the Water Part

This tour is set up so you should expect water. With that in mind, pack like you’re going to play in it.

Bring:

• Waterproof bag or dry bag for phone and keys
• Quick-dry shirt and shorts (or swimwear you don’t mind wearing through the day)
• Footwear with grip for rocks
• A change of clothes for after tubing
• Sunscreen and bug spray, since the day includes outdoor time

The trail is shaded, which helps with sun, but you still spend hours outdoors. Also, tubing means your stuff needs to stay secured even if you’re careful.

If you’re picky about staying comfortable, plan to dress in “water-ready” layers. That one decision can turn the wet parts from annoying to fun.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Reconsider)

This tour is best for you if:

• You want a full day outdoors without planning every detail
• You’re okay with a moderate hike and getting wet at the waterfall
• You like guided experiences where locals handle the route and safety
• Your group values a private day instead of a shared tour

It’s less ideal if:

• You don’t handle uneven ground well
• You strongly dislike getting wet
• You’re looking for a mostly low-effort scenic outing

Booking Tip: Timing and Transfers

This is commonly booked around 28 days in advance, which tells me it’s not a last-minute-only kind of thing. If your dates are fixed, book earlier rather than hoping for availability.

For transportation, you’re starting from the Playa Hermosa area. Private transport can be arranged in some cases, and one example from a group who hired a private driver named Valeria noted extra effort like photos and videos during the day. If you care about that kind of memory, it’s worth asking what options are available with your pickup.

Should You Book La Leona Waterfall and Tubing?

I think you should book if you want a Costa Rica day that mixes a guided waterfall hike with included tubing and a real meal break. The value is strong because lunch and lifevest are part of the package, and the staff are bilingual.

Don’t book if you’re hoping for a gentle, dry, easy walk. This is active, and it’s a water day.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my quick checklist: you’re comfortable with moderate hiking, you’re fine with spray and cold water, and you want a structured day from start to finish. If yes, this is a very sensible choice.

FAQ

How long is the La Leona Waterfall and tubing tour?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, with the waterfall area tied to Leona Waterfall near Rincón de la Vieja.

What is the price per person?

The price is $61.00 per person.

What’s included in the tour?

Lunch is included, and a lifevest is provided. You also get bilingual staff (Spanish and English).

Do I need moderate fitness for this tour?

Yes. The tour is recommended for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Is the waterfall hike guided?

Yes. Local professional guides accompany you during the walk to La Leona Waterfall.

Is the tubing included?

Yes. The tour includes the tubing experience, and you receive a lifevest.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Does weather affect the tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.