Pocosol · San Carlos · Costa Rica
Follow the forest trail through Pocosol to La Leona waterfall. Beyond the trees, discover the story of the farming families who care for this place.
WELCOME TO JUANILAMA
In Pocosol de San Carlos, farming families came together to protect 25 hectares of rainforest. La Leona waterfall is one of the places they now share with visitors.
There is more to learn beyond the trail: how cassava grows, how cheese is made and what families cook in their kitchens.
THINGS TO EXPERIENCE
Choose what interests you. The families can confirm which walks, workshops or stays are available on your dates.
NATURE
Allow about 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace. There is currently no shorter trail. Enjoy the view of La Leona from the trail. Swimming at the waterfall is prohibited.
Ask about the trail
TRADITION
Try farmhouse cooking, traditional corn pancakes or afternoon coffee. If you want a meal with your visit, book 3 to 7 days ahead.
Ask about availability
COMMUNITY
Cassava, pineapple and cheesemaking are part of Juanilama’s farming story. Ask which farm or workshop you can visit on your dates.
Ask about availability
STAY
Arrange a stay with the association. Share your dates, group size and needs to find out which rooms are available and what they cost.
Ask about availabilityWith local families
Open an activity to meet your host and see what you’ll do. Prices are in US dollars. Confirm the price for your group, availability and what is included when booking.
Take a gentle guided walk to watch and photograph birds, plant a native tree and enjoy a fruit drink.
With Jorge Rodríguez Rodríguez
Ask about this activity →Spend an hour learning merengue, bachata and salsa. Finish with a cocktail made with local ingredients.
With Darileth Pineda Lacayo
Ask about this activity →Explore corn, cassava and sugarcane growing. Make traditional corn pancakes called chorreadas and taste cane juice, root vegetables and seasonal fruit.
With Andrey Rodríguez Romero
Ask about this activity →Cook seasonal dishes with a Juanilama family and learn recipes passed down across generations.
With Guiselle Pérez González
Ask about this activity →Share traditional snacks such as empanadas or arepas with coffee, a sweet sugarcane drink, tea or a fruit drink.
With Sofía Lacayo García
Ask about this activity →Try milking, learn how cheese and plain yogurt are made, and finish with a tasting.
With Elena Acuña Esquivel
Ask about this activity →Turn a banana stem into handmade paper, make a card and take your creation home.
With Elena Acuña Esquivel
Ask about this activity →Learn how to make soap from scratch and take home two bars made during the workshop.
With Elena Acuña Esquivel · Marlyn Chavarría Acuña
Ask about this activity →Visit the village shop, church, school and square before walking into the forest to see the waterfall.
With Darileth Pineda Lacayo · Lidieth Pineda Lacayo
Ask about this activity →OUR ESSENCE
In 2019, Sandra Molina spoke to San Carlos Digital about the beginnings of rural tourism in Juanilama. Welcoming travellers into local homes gave them a chance to get to know the village around a family table.
The photographs in that story show two sides of village life: the cascade at La Leona and a cooking workshop.
FIELD NOTES · POCOSOL
In December 2024, photographer Andrew Conboy recorded these encounters around Juanilama. Look up into the canopy, then down among the fallen leaves.
© Andrew Conboy · iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0
Photos resized and cropped for display. Also pictured: tree fern · forest canopy .
Kitchen, guest room, pavilion and frog photographs supplied by the Juanilama association.
Juanilama on Facebook Visitor photo: Río PocosolREVIEWS & REPORTING
Follow the steps through the forest and hear the story behind the waterfall’s name.
Sandra Molina recalls the early days of the project, with photographs of the falls and a cooking workshop.
An early account of the farms of Pocosol and the role tourism was beginning to play in village life.
Visitor guide · Juanilama Ecological Reserve
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. For admission only, you can come without booking and sign in at the association’s rancho, the reception pavilion.
About 3 km and roughly 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace. The trail has steps and slopes. There is currently no short route.
Bring water, insect repellent, walking shoes and a rain poncho. Toilets and drinking water are at the entrance, before the trail.
In light rain, walk only if conditions are safe. In heavy rain the association recommends calling off the walk. Swimming at the waterfall is prohibited.
Juanilama de Pocosol, San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Parking is available at the pavilion.
The map connects to Google only if you choose to load it.
Directions to receptionThe map pin marks the meeting point supplied by the association.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, for admission only. Come to the association’s rancho between 6 am and 6 pm, sign the visitor register and accept the entry conditions. For meals, book 3 to 7 days ahead.
Costa Rican visitors may enter without a guide. A guide can be arranged for international visitors. English assistance is available. Confirm guiding arrangements with the association before travelling.
There is currently no short route. The full trail has steps and slopes. If you are visiting with small children or someone who finds stairs difficult, speak with the team before setting out.
The walk can go ahead in light rain if conditions are safe. In heavy rain the association recommends calling off the walk. Swimming at the waterfall is prohibited.
Both are available at the entrance. There are no toilets or drinking-water points inside the reserve. Fill your bottle before starting the trail.
Yes. Book meals 3 to 7 days ahead. For accommodation, share your dates, group size and needs so the team can confirm availability and price.
GET IN TOUCH
Want to explore Juanilama? Tell us what interests you, and we’ll help you plan your visit.
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