Miravalles Volcano hike, hot springs & waterfall tour

Walk into a volcanic crater, then soak in the geothermal pools it feeds

This 6-hour guided tour from Playa Flamingo takes you to Miravalles Volcano, where you hike into Costa Rica's only safely walkable volcanic crater, see steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots, then relax in natural hot springs and a volcanic mud bath. The day also includes a swim at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and a traditional Costa Rican lunch, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included.

The experience

You start the morning at your hotel in Playa Flamingo and travel by air-conditioned vehicle through Guanacaste's countryside to Llanos de Cortés Waterfall. The waterfall is famous for its wide curtain of water and a natural pool deep enough to swim in: most visitors spend time here before moving on to the volcano itself. The waterfall is the easier part of the day and sets the tone for what comes next.

At Miravalles Volcano, your guide leads you on a hike through rainforest to the crater rim and down into the crater itself. This is the only volcanic crater in Costa Rica you can safely walk into. Inside, you see bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles (vents releasing volcanic gases), and boiling water springs. The geothermal activity is active and visible. The hike crosses hanging bridges through the forest canopy on the way. After the crater, you visit three hidden waterfalls tucked into the rainforest before heading to the thermal pools.

The natural hot springs fed by the volcano's geothermal system are the reward after hiking. You soak in the warm water, then apply a volcanic mud bath to your skin. The mud comes from the volcano itself and is meant to be rejuvenating. This is the relaxation half of the day. Lunch, a traditional Costa Rican meal, happens before the drive back to your hotel, so you finish the day fed and unwound rather than tired and hungry.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the day.
• a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• hotel pickup and return.
• English-speaking guide for the full tour.

Before you book

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

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Adventures Travels

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free morning or early afternoon in Playa Flamingo and want to combine waterfall swimming, volcanic crater hiking and natural hot springs in one trip: the 6-hour length fits a half-day without eating into evening plans. The minimum age is 18, and it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

25 verified traveler reviews

5 ★23

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the hike into Miravalles Volcano crater actually like?

The hike takes you through rainforest on hanging bridges and down into the crater, where you see active geothermal features: bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and boiling water springs. It is the only volcanic crater in Costa Rica you can safely walk into, and the geothermal activity is visible and real, not a display.

Can I swim at the waterfall, or is it just for looking at?

Llanos de Cortés Waterfall has a natural pool at its base that is deep enough to swim in. Most visitors spend time swimming and taking photos before the group moves on to the volcano.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup happens in the morning, and the full tour runs 6 hours, ending with a return to your hotel in Playa Flamingo. Your guide speaks English.

Is the hike difficult, or can anyone do it?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The hike is moderate. You walk through rainforest and cross hanging bridges, but the pace is guided and the distance is manageable in a morning.

What does lunch include, and when do we eat?

Lunch is a traditional Costa Rican meal served after the hot springs and mud bath, before the return drive to your hotel. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.