Horseback riding from Santa Cruz: Hot springs and waterfalls

Ride to three waterfalls, soak in thermal springs, coat yourself in volcanic mud

Horseback riding or tractor ride from Santa Cruz area beaches to Hornillas hot springs, a half-day activity with a 25-minute trail ride, 45-minute waterfall hike across two hanging bridges, natural thermal pools and volcanic mud bath. Bilingual guide, private air-conditioned van pickup, bottled water and typical Costa Rican lunch included. Minimum four adults required to operate.

The experience

The day starts with a 25-minute horseback ride or tractor ride on open trail, you choose which at booking, heading toward the waterfalls. The trail itself is the first part of the route. The ride gets you to the trailhead where the real terrain begins. From there, a 45-minute hike takes you across two hanging bridges to visit three waterfalls, the tallest dropping about 100 feet. The third waterfall pools deep enough to swim in, and if the timing is right, you might spot toucans or monkeys in the canopy.

After the hike, you reach the Hornillas hot springs: a set of natural thermal pools fed by two artesian wells tapping rare underground rivers. The water emerges from beneath giant natural boulders, and the source segment runs nearly 100 percent hot water. This is where you strip down to your bathing suit and coat your skin with volcanic mud clay from the pools' edge, using a brush to spread it thick. The mud exfoliates as it dries. You rinse off in the warm mineral water. The pools themselves stay at a soak-worthy temperature year-round, sourced entirely from the earth's heat.

Private transportation in an air-conditioned van picks you up from your Santa Cruz area hotel or beach accommodation and brings you back after lunch. Bottled water comes with you throughout, and a typical Costa Rican meal is served on-site. A bilingual guide leads the whole day. The activity runs about three hours total, which leaves the rest of your day open for other plans.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide.
• private air-conditioned van pickup from Santa Cruz area hotels and beaches.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• typical Costa Rican lunch served at the springs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (40 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (14 to 39 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Guanacaste Adventure & Travel

Is this one for you?Three hours is the full commitment, which leaves your afternoon or morning free depending on when you depart. The minimum group size is four adults, so solo travelers or small pairs will need to join another booking or arrange a private group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 39 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).

Can I choose between horseback riding and the tractor ride, or is one option set when I book?

You choose at checkout whether you want to ride a horse or take the tractor ride to the waterfalls. Both follow the same trail and reach the same hot springs and hike.

How deep are the pools at Hornillas hot springs, and can I swim in all of them?

The third waterfall pools deep enough to swim in. The thermal pools at the springs themselves are designed for soaking rather than swimming, though you can move freely in them.

Do I need to bring my own towel, or is one provided?

Bring your own towel, along with extra clothes, bathing suit, hiking shoes, sunscreen, shorts or long pants, bug spray and cash for any extras you want to purchase.

What's included in the lunch, and are drinks other than water available?

Lunch is typical Costa Rican food served at the springs. Bottled water is included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase on-site.

How many people need to book for this activity to run?

At least four adults are required to operate this tour, so your group must meet that minimum.