Guanacaste: Zipline, hot springs & horseback ride day tour

Summary

Zip through forest canopies, soak in volcanic mud baths, and taste Guanacaste flavors

You’ll zipline above Guanacaste’s forests, taste fresh sugar cane treats at a traditional mill, brave a wild water slide, ride horseback or hop on a tractor tram through lush trails, then unwind in volcanic hot springs with sauna and mud baths — all guided by locals who know every twist of the trail. It’s a day of adventure and laughter you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to fly between treetops in Costa Rica? I didn’t think I’d actually do it until our guide, Daniel, grinned at me and clipped my harness for the first zipline. The air up there was cooler than I expected — sharp with that green smell you only get deep in the forest. My hands shook a little on the first go (not gonna lie), but by the third line I was yelling into the wind like a kid. You can see so far from up there — just endless green and flashes of blue sky.

After we landed (legs still wobbly), Daniel led us to this old trapiche — a sugar cane mill where an older woman named Marta showed us how they press cane juice. She let me try turning the crank; it’s harder than it looks. We tasted these chewy sweets made right there, still warm from the pot. I’m not sure what they’re called but they stuck to my teeth in a good way. Lunch was simple but perfect: rice, beans, something grilled that smelled smoky even before it hit my plate.

The water slide looked harmless until I heard someone shriek halfway down — turns out it twists more than you’d guess. I went for it anyway (peer pressure is real) and ended up laughing so hard I got water up my nose. Later we rode horses through muddy trails — mine kept stopping to munch on leaves — then finally reached the hot springs. The mud bath was warm and gritty; everyone smeared it on their arms and faces while steam curled around us from the volcanic pools. There was this quiet moment when nobody talked, just soaking in the heat and listening to birds somewhere above us. Even now, that calm sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure and Relaxation Combo

• Hiking and horseback riding
• Zipline through the trees
• Water slide into pool
• Visit traditional Trapiche and taste treats
• Relax at hot springs with sauna and mud baths
• Hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long does this Guanacaste adventure tour last?

The tour lasts one full day including pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your experience.

Are hotel pickups available for all hotels?

Hotel pickup is included for selected hotels; check availability when booking.

What activities are part of this combo tour?

The tour includes ziplining, horseback riding or tractor tram ride, water slide, visit to a sugar cane mill (trapiche), hot springs with sauna and volcanic mud baths.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Do I need to bring anything special?

A valid passport is required on the day of travel; bring swimwear for hot springs and comfortable clothes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), all activities like ziplining, horseback riding or tractor tram ride, entry to the water slide and hot springs with sauna and volcanic mud baths, plus a traditional lunch prepared locally — all guided by friendly experts from Guanacaste.