Horseback riding at Miravalles Volcano: Mud baths and hot springs

Ride through forest to waterfalls, then sink into volcanic mud warmed by the volcano itself.

Horseback riding at Miravalles Volcano near Liberia combines a forest ride to waterfalls with volcanic mud baths and natural hot springs, followed by lunch. The tour runs eight to nine hours and includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language. Children from age one are welcome, and the entire experience is wheelchair accessible.

The experience

Las Hornillas sits at the foot of Miravalles, one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes, and that's where the ride begins. You can choose to ride a horse or be carried in a horse-drawn cart through the forest for about forty minutes, passing through the trees to reach several waterfalls. The geothermal activity that powers the volcano's electricity project also feeds the natural hot springs and mud deposits you'll encounter later in the day.

After the forest walk, the mud bath and hot spring soak are the payoff: volcanic mud warmed by the volcano's own heat, then rinsed away in water that emerges naturally from the ground. There's no separate entrance fee or booking for these. They're part of the same experience. Lunch comes before the drive back to your hotel, so the day ends with food rather than a long ride home.

Hotel pickup is included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. A live guide travels with the group and speaks your language: English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of the other languages offered. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller if needed, and the entire tour is designed to work for all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• horseback riding or horse-drawn cart transport through the forest.
• access to waterfalls.
• volcanic mud bath and natural hot spring soak.
• lunch.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 85 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with children from age one travel together on this tour. The combination of riding, hiking and natural thermal baths suits anyone who wants to move through the landscape rather than watch it from a vehicle, and the choice between riding and cart transport means different fitness levels can do the same day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride a horse if I've never ridden before?

The tour offers both horseback riding and horse-drawn cart transport, so you can choose based on your experience. Either option gets you through the forest to the waterfalls.

What are the natural hot springs like at Miravalles?

The hot springs emerge naturally from the volcano and are used to rinse off the volcanic mud after your bath. They're part of the geothermal activity that makes the volcano active.

How long is the forest walk to the waterfalls?

The hike through the forest takes about forty minutes and passes several waterfalls along the way.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear clothes and shoes suitable for riding and hiking in a forest, and bring a change of clothes or a towel for after the mud bath and hot spring. The tour runs eight to nine hours, so sun protection is useful.