Wet rocks, big laughs, and a waterfall roar. I love the La Leona Waterfall hike because it feels like a real guided adventure through big rocks, small caves, and animal-filled trails, then you end up right at the waterfall for that shower moment. I also love the way the day flips into tubing afterward, with enough action to make cooling off feel fun instead of sleepy. The one drawback: the hike is moderate and you should expect to get wet and deal with slick footing.

This is built as a full 5 to 6 hour outing, and it stays practical: bathroom time, quick stops for food or souvenirs, and a proper lunch included. You’ll be with local, professional, bilingual staff (Spanish and English), plus a lifevest for the tubing portion. If you want a calm, dry walk and float, this probably isn’t your day.

Quick note on guides: a guide named Noel impressed one group with his mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and hands-on help. If you’re the type who likes clear directions and someone watching the safety stuff, that kind of guiding matters here.

Key reasons this hike + tubing works

• Leona Waterfall on a guided route with rocks, small caves, and wildlife spotting along the way
• You get “waterfall shower” time instead of just a view-and-go photo stop
• Tubing with real rapids energy, not just a gentle drift
• Lunch included at Curubande with a typical casado-style plate and natural soft drink
• Lifevest + bilingual support so you spend your energy on the day, not logistics
• Private tour setup so your group stays together

Playa Hermosa to Liberia: the practical rhythm of the day

Even though you start around Playa Hermosa, the tour is paced like a Costa Rica road trip with purpose. Early on, you’ll hit Liberia for a strategic stop—about 30 minutes—so nobody has to rush. This is where you can use bathrooms, grab something quick to eat if you need it, and even do small errands like visiting a minimarket or picking up a few souvenirs.

That kind of stop sounds basic, but it’s huge on waterfall days. You burn energy hiking, then you need to be ready for the tubing portion. Having that buffer helps you avoid the classic scenario where someone is hungry, stuck in the wrong place, or under-hydrated when the good part starts.

You also return to Liberia later for another 30-minute window. Think of it as a second chance to use bathrooms and buy souvenirs without feeling like you’re shopping while everyone else is already waiting at the exit.

Hiking Leona (Lioness) Waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja

This is the heart of the experience. You’ll spend about 3 hours at the Leona Waterfall area, walking with local professional guides who keep the pace and help you handle the terrain. The route is not presented as a long-distance endurance test, but it is a hike. Plan on moderate physical fitness, and be ready for uneven surfaces and water-soaked rocks.

What makes this trail more interesting than a simple waterfall walk is what you pass through. You’re not just heading to the end point—you’re moving through a physical place with character: big rocks, some small caves, and likely opportunities to spot animals in the area.

And then there’s the payoff: the waterfall locals call the Lioness waterfall. The description is clear—at the end, you go past through the waterfall and experience that shower effect. In plain terms, you won’t stay clean and dry. Even if you think you’re prepared with a rain jacket, you’ll still get hit with mist and splash.

One review described sliding down a natural rock waterslide and leaping off large boulders into the refreshing river below. Not every moment will be identical for every group, but you should expect slick rocks, water contact, and at least some chances for playful, adrenaline-friendly moments when conditions allow. Guides are there for a reason—so lean into their timing and instructions.

The trail is also shaded, which helps if the sun is strong. Still, you’re in Costa Rica heat and humidity, so sweat happens even in the shade. Bring water habits you can manage for an active day, not a stroll.

Tubing time: rapids, sudden drops, and cool-down laughs

After the hike, the day changes pace fast. Tubing is included, and you’ll have a lifevest for the ride. In theory, tubing sounds like a relaxed float. In practice, this one can bring energy.

One group’s tubing experience was described as unexpectedly fun, with rapids and sudden drops. That matters because it sets expectations. This is not a “sit back and watch the trees go by” activity the whole time. You’ll likely get a bit of adrenaline, then cool off right after. It’s a smart pairing: you spend the morning working, then the river gives you motion without the same uphill effort.

If you’re traveling with kids or multiple generations, this is one of those activities that can feel like a reward after hiking—assuming everyone is comfortable with getting wet and listening to guide directions. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, you’ll want to think about it before you say yes. The tour keeps it guided, but tubing can be bumpy.

The biggest win here is contrast. The hike builds excitement through climbing, rock-hopping, and exploration. Then tubing turns it into a wet, laugh-based finish.

Curubande lunch: casado-style comfort with a local feel

Between waterfall time and the next leg, you’ll stop at Curubande for lunch. You’ll have about 1 hour here, and the meal is described as a typical casado-style lunch with a natural soft drink.

Why does this matter? Because waterfall days can turn into snack-only chaos. Getting a proper sit-down meal helps your energy rebound. It also makes the day feel more local. A clean, organized community stop is exactly what you want—somewhere you can refuel without feeling like you’re eating in transit.

This is also the moment when you’ll likely notice how the schedule holds together. You’re not just rushing between highlights; there’s a planned break so the whole day stays enjoyable instead of frantic.

Gear, guidance, and safety that keeps things fun

For most people, the real difference between a great day and a stressful day is guidance quality. This tour is built around local guides and bilingual staff who can help in Spanish and English.

That bilingual piece sounds like a small detail, but on terrain like rocks and caves, clear communication matters. You want someone explaining where to step, when to pause, and how to handle the wet parts. The included life vest for tubing is also a big practical comfort factor.

The tour notes moderate physical fitness and a service-animal welcome. If you’re planning to bring a service animal, it’s good that this is explicitly allowed. If you’re not sure how your animal handles water sounds or crowds, I’d still use your best judgment on comfort levels.

One thing I appreciate with tours like this is they don’t pretend you’ll glide through. The day includes water contact and at least some strenuous bits. When a guide sets expectations, you feel safer and you can focus on enjoying the hike instead of calculating risk in your head.

Price check: what $61 buys you in the real world

At $61 per person for about 5 to 6 hours, this tour isn’t trying to be the cheapest option. But it does pack real value.

Here’s what you’re getting that would cost extra on many independent plans:

• Lunch included, at Curubande
• Lifevest included for tubing
• Admission for the main waterfall experience is included
• Bilingual staff to guide you through both the hike portion and the river portion
• A private tour setup, meaning only your group participates

When you translate that into planning time, money, and hassle, it starts to feel like a fair deal. Also, the itinerary includes multiple stops for basics like bathrooms and quick purchasing—those little pieces save time and keep energy steady.

One more small clue: this tour is often booked about 28 days in advance. That doesn’t guarantee anything, but it suggests it’s popular enough that you shouldn’t wait until the last week if your schedule is tight.

What to wear for a day that means getting soaked

You should dress for water, not for photos. The waterfall shower effect and the tubing portion mean you’ll get wet, and the rocks can be slick.

I’d pack and wear like this:

• Water shoes or sandals with grip (not smooth flip-flops)
• Quick-dry clothes you don’t mind replacing with damp later
• A small dry bag for phone and keys
• Sunscreen and bug protection, since you’re outdoors for hours
• A towel if you have room

If you’re the type who hates the feeling of wet fabric for hours, keep it simple: wear what can handle moisture and plan a quick change later.

Also, don’t forget that the hike portion includes passing through the waterfall area. That’s not a misty viewing deck—it’s water you’ll feel.

Weather, timing, and who this tour suits best

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s what you want for waterfall activities. If it’s raining, trails and river conditions can change quickly.

Timing-wise, you’re out for about 5 to 6 hours, so this isn’t a quick add-on. You’ll want to treat it like the main event of a day.

Who is it best for?

• People with moderate fitness who can handle uneven footing
• Anyone who likes guided nature exploration (rocks, small caves, animal spotting opportunities)
• Travelers who want a full day with both action and breaks (lunch and bathroom stops are built in)

Who should think twice?

• If you want a dry, easy experience with minimal effort
• If you get nervous with sudden water movement (because tubing can include rapids and drops)

And if you’re celebrating something special, this is the kind of day that creates stories. One group tied it to a 50th-anniversary celebration and described the hike and tubing as memorable for the whole family.

Should you book La Leona Waterfall plus tubing from Playa Hermosa?

Book it if you want a real Costa Rica adventure day: a guided hike to the Leona/Lioness waterfall, then an included tubing ride with enough excitement to keep the energy high. The value is strong because lunch, main admission, life vest, and bilingual guiding are all wrapped into the price.

Don’t book it if your idea of a perfect day is mostly sitting still, staying dry, and avoiding any slippery surfaces. The tour clearly leans into water and getting hands-on with the environment.

My simple decision rule: if you can handle moderate hiking plus getting wet without turning it into stress, this should be a great match.

FAQ

How long does the La Leona Waterfall hike and tubing tour take?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours total.

Where do the stops happen during the tour?

You’ll make a strategic stop in Liberia early for bathrooms and quick needs, visit the Leona Waterfall area (Rincon de la Vieja), stop in Curubande for lunch, then return to Liberia for souvenirs and bathrooms.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it’s described as a typical casado-style meal with a natural soft drink.

What is included besides lunch?

You’ll also receive a life vest, and you’ll have bilingual staff (Spanish and English). The waterfall admission is included.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Do I need moderate physical fitness?

Yes. Travelers are advised to have a moderate physical fitness level.

What if weather is poor?

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