Costa Rica: Zipline, Hot Springs & Horseback Day Tour

Summary

Ziplining rivers, horseback through forest and soaking in volcanic hot springs near Rincón de la Vieja

You’ll taste fresh Costa Rican coffee on a working farm, fly over rivers by zipline with a local guide, ride horses through jungle trails spotting monkeys, then relax in volcanic hot springs with an optional mud treatment—all in one day near Rincón de la Vieja. Expect real flavors, laughter, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of coffee—real Costa Rican coffee, not the stuff you get at home. Our guide, Mariela, handed me a tiny cup while someone else pressed sugarcane juice right there. She laughed when I tried to say “guayabita” (I still can’t pronounce it). There was pottery spinning on a wheel in the corner, hands moving fast. It felt like everyone already knew each other and we’d just wandered into their morning.

After that, things sped up. The zip line was louder than I expected—wind in my ears and the river way down below. Seven lines in total, each one over a different patch of green or canyon. My hands shook a bit before the first jump but Mariela just winked and said “Pura vida.” So I went for it. By the last line I was actually looking around instead of squeezing my eyes shut. The mountain water slide was wild too—400 meters of cold splash and yelling, then back up for lunch made from veggies they grow right there. The rice tasted like earth somehow.

Later we saddled up for horseback riding through the forest. The horses seemed to know the trail better than us—mine stopped every time he heard monkeys overhead (which was often). Sunlight kept flickering through the leaves and I kept thinking how quiet it got when nobody talked. We ended at these natural hot springs where people were smearing volcanic mud on their faces—felt gritty but kind of nice? There was this moment in the sauna where everything just slowed down and all you could hear was water bubbling somewhere outside. Still think about that sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Costa Rica adventure and relaxation

• Enjoy coffee tasting and snacks
• Try natural sugar cane juice
• Watch pottery demonstration
• Experience zip line over rivers
• Ride mountain water slider
• Eat lunch with organic vegetables
• Horseback ride in the forest
• Observe monkeys and jungle animals
• Relax in natural hot water pools
• Optional volcanic mud exfoliation
• Use natural sauna

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Costa Rica day tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from Liberia is included in your booking.

How long is the zipline section on this tour?

The zipline adventure includes 7 lines flying over rivers and canyons.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included and prepared with organic vegetables from their own farm.

What activities are part of this adventure tour?

The tour includes ziplining, horseback riding, hot springs soak, hanging bridges, cultural tasting experiences and a mountain water slide.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is needed.

Can I try fresh sugarcane juice during this trip?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to taste freshly squeezed sugarcane juice as part of the cultural activities.

Where does this day trip take place?

The adventure happens on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja volcano in Costa Rica.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Liberia, all entry fees and taxes covered, guided ziplining over rivers and canyons, a mountain water slide ride, horseback riding through jungle trails with animal spotting opportunities, hanging bridges walks, a traditional lunch made with organic vegetables grown onsite, plus time to relax in natural hot springs—with an optional volcanic mud exfoliation and access to a natural sauna before heading back.