Costa Rica: Miravalles volcano tour with hot springs & lunch

Summary

Walk hanging bridges, ride through countryside & soak in volcanic springs

You’ll cross hanging bridges above Costa Rica’s lush forest canopy, hear waterfalls echo through Miravalles volcano’s foothills, ride past waving locals on a tractor or horseback, then unwind with a mud bath and soak in natural hot springs. With lunch included and a local guide leading the way, it’s an easygoing day you’ll remember long after your skin stops smelling faintly of minerals.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air around Miravalles to smell so green — like wet leaves and something a little earthy, almost smoky. We started early (I’m not really a morning person), but the drive from our place was quiet and misty, and by the time we reached the first hanging bridge, I was wide awake. Our guide, Daniel, pointed out a toucan — honestly I’d have missed it — and then we just listened to the forest for a minute. There’s this weird hush up there except for water somewhere below and those bugs that sound like static on an old radio.

The walk across the bridges felt wobbly at first (my partner laughed at me clutching the rail), but you get used to it. After that we saw these waterfalls — not huge, but loud enough that you feel them in your chest. Then came the tractor ride through the countryside. I picked tractor over horseback because my legs were still jelly from the bridges. The fields looked almost painted, all these shades of green I can’t name. Some local kids waved as we passed; Daniel joked they were future guides in training.

Lunch was simple but good — rice, beans, some kind of grilled chicken with this spicy sauce I kept dipping everything into. After eating we tried the mud bath (I got more on my shorts than my face) and then just sat in the hot springs for ages. The water smelled faintly of minerals — not bad, just different — and it felt like every muscle finally let go. There’s a natural sauna too; it’s basically a hut where steam seeps up from cracks in the earth. I could’ve stayed there all afternoon if I hadn’t wanted to try that wild water slide (which is faster than it looks — fair warning). Still think about how relaxed I felt after all that heat and mud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure and Relaxation in Miravalles

• Walk hanging bridges and see waterfalls
• Horseback or tractor ride through countryside
• Rejuvenating mud bath
• Soak in natural hot springs
• Visit natural sauna
• Enjoy thrilling water slide

Top questions

What time does the Miravalles volcano tour start?

The tour starts at 7:30 am.

Is lunch included on this Costa Rica volcano day trip?

Yes, lunch is included in your package.

Can I choose between horseback riding or tractor ride?

Yes, you can choose either horseback or tractor ride during the tour.

Are there hot springs at Miravalles?

Yes, you can relax in natural hot springs as part of the tour.

Is pickup included for this Miravalles volcano experience?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

Is there a bilingual guide on this Costa Rica volcano tour?

Yes, a bilingual local guide will accompany you throughout the day.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between stops, entry to all activities including hanging bridges and waterfalls at Miravalles volcano, your choice of horseback or tractor ride through the countryside, a traditional lunch with coffee or tea provided midday, plus plenty of time to enjoy mud baths and natural hot springs before heading back home relaxed (and maybe still a bit muddy).