Start the day hiking, swimming, and exploring La Leona Waterfall. Then slow down with Costa Rican lunch and 20+ hot, warm, and cold volcanic pools at Rincón Thermals.
Some of the best Costa Rica days combine adventure and relaxation instead of making you choose between them.
Start the morning hiking through rivers, volcanic rock formations, and forest on the way to La Leona Waterfall. Then continue to Rincón Thermals & Adventures for Costa Rican lunch and an afternoon inside 20+ hot, warm, and cold volcanic pools.
It is a natural full-day combination:
Waterfall adventure in the morning. Lunch and volcanic relaxation in the afternoon.
For active couples, families, and groups looking for things to do near Curubandé, combining La Leona Waterfall and hot springs creates a complete Guanacaste experience without filling the entire day with strenuous activities.
Can You Visit La Leona Waterfall and Hot Springs in One Day?
Yes, with an early reservation and a well-planned schedule.
The standard La Leona Waterfall experience takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and covers about four kilometers round trip. Because the route includes river crossings, swimming, rocks, ladders, and uneven terrain, the experience takes longer than a traditional walk of the same distance. A guide, advance reservation, and life jacket are required. (Leona Waterfall)
After completing the hike, the day can continue at Rincón Thermals with lunch and access to the complete thermal complex.
The Thermal Day Pass includes unlimited access to 20+ pools, Guanacaste’s Waterfall Jump, towels, showers, lockers, Wi-Fi, and parking. Lunch is not automatically included, but guests can enjoy à la carte dining or add the Costa Rican buffet. (Rincon)
La Leona and Rincón Thermals should be planned as separate reservations unless a confirmed tour or transportation provider offers both experiences together.
Why This Combination Works So Well
La Leona Waterfall and Rincón Thermals offer two very different ways to experience the volcanic landscape of Guanacaste.
At La Leona, the focus is movement and exploration. You walk through natural terrain, cross the Río Blanco, climb over volcanic rock formations, and swim through a narrow canyon to reach the waterfall.
At Rincón Thermals, the pace changes completely. Comfortable pathways connect 20+ volcanic pools, allowing you to choose between hot, warm, and cold water without completing another hike. (Rincon)
The combination works because each part of the day serves a different purpose:
- La Leona provides the physical adventure.
- Lunch gives you time to rest and hydrate.
- Rincón Thermals provides a flexible and relaxing finish.
Instead of adding another hike, tubing tour, or high-adrenaline activity after La Leona, you can spend the second half of the day recovering at your own pace.
Morning: The La Leona Waterfall Adventure
La Leona Waterfall is located near Curubandé in Guanacaste. The standard experience is not simply a walk to a viewpoint—it is an active guided route that uses the river as part of the trail. (Leona Waterfall)
Depending on the operator and route, the experience may include:
- Natural forest trails
- Multiple river crossings
- Uneven rocks and roots
- Short climbing sections
- Ropes and ladders
- Swimming through rock formations
- A canyon swim toward the waterfall
- Time to enjoy the waterfall and natural pool
The route is commonly classified as moderate. Visitors should have a basic level of fitness and feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain and spending time in the water. The hike is generally not recommended for guests with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility concerns. (Leona Waterfall)
What Makes La Leona Different?
The final approach is one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
Rather than seeing the waterfall from a distant platform, visitors swim through a narrow canyon with the assistance of ropes and a guide. The waterfall appears inside a dramatic rock formation, creating a more adventurous experience than a typical waterfall stop. (Leona Waterfall)
Swimming experience is not necessarily required because life jackets are mandatory, and ropes are positioned along the deeper sections. However, guests should tell their guide in advance when they are not confident in the water or need additional assistance.
River jumps along the route may be offered, but they are optional and are not required to reach the waterfall.
Midday: Continue to Rincón Thermals for Lunch
After approximately three hours of hiking, climbing, swimming, and navigating the river, lunch creates an important transition in the day.
At Rincón Thermals, you can change into dry clothing if needed, hydrate, and enjoy a Costa Rican meal before entering the pools.
For this itinerary, the simplest option is:
Thermal Day Pass plus the Costa Rican buffet upgrade
The Thermal Day Pass gives you full access to the 20+ pool complex without adding ziplining, horseback riding, or the jungle water slide after an already active morning.
Guests can also choose à la carte dining instead of the buffet.
Take your time during lunch. The goal is not to rush from La Leona into the next activity, but to create a comfortable pause before the thermal portion of the day.
Afternoon: Relax in 20+ Volcanic Pools
After lunch, continue to the complete Rincón Thermals complex.
The new thermal area features 20+ hot, warm, and cold volcanic pools designed for flexible relaxation with no hiking required.
You can:
- Begin in a comfortable warm pool
- Move between different temperatures
- Cool down between warmer pools
- Relax near the surrounding tropical vegetation
- Take breaks whenever needed
- Return to a favorite pool later
- Try Guanacaste’s Waterfall Jump
There is no required circuit and no need to experience every pool.
After an active morning, the best approach is to listen to your body, remain hydrated, and select the temperatures that feel most comfortable.
Towels, secure lockers, showers, and changing facilities are included, making it easy to prepare for the return to your hotel after the thermal experience.
Suggested La Leona Waterfall and Rincón Thermals Itinerary
Exact times will depend on the La Leona operator, reservation time, group pace, transportation, weather, and road conditions.
A comfortable full-day flow could look like this:
Early Morning: Arrive in Curubandé
Check in for an early La Leona Waterfall reservation.
Allow enough time to use the changing facilities, meet your guide, receive your life jacket, and prepare for the hike.
Morning: Complete the La Leona Waterfall Hike
Plan approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for the standard route.
Move at the pace established by your guide and allow time for river crossings, swimming, photographs, and the waterfall itself.
Early Afternoon: Continue to Rincón Thermals
After returning from the hike, change if needed and continue to Rincón Thermals.
Transportation between both locations should be arranged in advance. Do not assume that transportation is included with either independent reservation.
Lunch: Rest and Refuel
Enjoy the Costa Rican buffet or à la carte dining.
Drink water, rest, and give yourself time before entering the warmer pools.
Afternoon: Thermal Pools
Spend the remainder of the day moving between the 20+ hot, warm, and cold volcanic pools.
Guests who still want an active moment can experience Guanacaste’s Waterfall Jump inside the new thermal complex.
Late Afternoon: Shower and Return
Allow enough time to shower, change, collect your belongings, and begin the return to your hotel without rushing.
Who Is This Day Trip Best For?
This La Leona Waterfall and hot springs itinerary is especially well suited for:
- Active couples
- Groups of friends
- Families with active children who meet the operator’s requirements
- Visitors staying in Liberia or the Guanacaste beach area
- Travelers who enjoy hiking but do not want a second strenuous activity
- Guests looking for a full day that balances adventure and relaxation
It may not be the right combination for travelers with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility concerns because La Leona includes uneven terrain, climbing, and water crossings. Those visitors may prefer to visit Rincón Thermals directly for a no-hiking thermal day.
Is This Experience Suitable for Children?
Children can participate, but the minimum age and requirements for La Leona vary by operator and tour type. Parents should confirm the exact policy directly with the selected operator before reserving.
At Rincón Thermals, children of all ages are welcome in the thermal pools with responsible adult supervision, around thermal pools, waterfalls, wet pathways, and changing water depths.
What Should You Bring?
Prepare for a wet hike followed by a thermal afternoon.
Bring:
- Closed-toe shoes or secure water shoes with good traction
- Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing
- Dry change of clothes
- Dry shoes for after the hike
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof phone case
- Towel for La Leona
- Small dry bag
- Personal medication
- Light rain jacket during green season
La Leona operators commonly provide life jackets, and some also provide dry bags, lockers, showers, and changing facilities. Confirm what is included with your selected operator before arriving.
Towels, showers, lockers, and changing facilities are included with the Thermal Day Pass at Rincón.
Planning During the Green Season
La Leona can operate during different seasons, but the route depends on safe river conditions.
Heavy rainfall can raise the river level and increase the risk of flash flooding. Operators monitor conditions and may delay or cancel tours when the route is not safe.
Book the waterfall early in the day when possible, remain flexible, and follow all instructions from the guide.
Rincón Thermals can still provide a strong second-half experience when the weather is cooler or lightly rainy, but all outdoor operations remain subject to current safety conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit La Leona Waterfall and Rincón Thermals in one day?
Yes. Reserve an early La Leona tour, allow approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike, and plan Rincón Thermals for lunch and the afternoon. Transportation and both reservations should be coordinated in advance.
Are La Leona Waterfall and Rincón Thermals one combined tour?
Not automatically. Plan on booking them separately unless a tour operator or transportation provider specifically confirms a package that includes both attractions.
How difficult is the La Leona Waterfall hike?
The standard hike is considered moderate and includes uneven ground, rocks, river crossings, swimming, ropes, ladders, and short climbing sections. It is not recommended for visitors with knee, ankle, walking, or mobility issues.
Do I need a guide for La Leona Waterfall?
Yes. A guide and advance reservation are required. Life jackets are also mandatory regardless of swimming ability.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not necessarily. Life jackets are required, and ropes assist visitors through the river and swimming sections. Guests who are uncomfortable in water should tell their guide before beginning.
Which Rincón pass is best after La Leona?
The Thermal Day Pass is the most direct option because it includes the complete 20+ pool complex without adding more major adventure activities. Add the buffet lunch or choose à la carte dining.
Is lunch included with the Thermal Day Pass?
No. Guests can purchase à la carte food or upgrade to include the Costa Rican buffet.
Can children participate?
Minimum ages for La Leona vary by operator and tour type, so families should confirm the current requirements before booking.
At Rincón Thermals, children under age 5 are welcome in the pools. The 5–10 age range is the child pricing category, not the minimum age allowed to visit.
What happens if the river is too high?
La Leona operators monitor conditions and may delay or cancel the hike when heavy rainfall or river levels create a safety concern.
Should I reserve both experiences in advance?
Yes. La Leona requires advance reservations to guarantee a guide, and advance booking is also recommended for Rincón Thermals, particularly during busy travel periods.
Adventure First. Relaxation After.
La Leona Waterfall gives you an adventurous morning filled with forest, volcanic rock, river crossings, swimming, and one of Guanacaste’s most distinctive waterfall experiences.
Rincón Thermals gives you the perfect change of pace.
After the hike, enjoy a Costa Rican lunch, move between 20+ hot, warm, and cold volcanic pools, and finish the day feeling relaxed instead of rushing into another demanding activity.
It is a simple formula for a memorable Guanacaste day:
Hike. Swim. Eat. Soak.
