Rincón de la Vieja hike: Volcano, waterfall & wildlife

Walk through steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pits, then cool off under an 82-foot waterfall.

A guided hike through Rincón de la Vieja National Park's Las Pailas loop trail covers 2.5 miles of dry tropical forest past active volcanic features (fumaroles, mini-geysers and mud pits) followed by a swim in the turquoise pool beneath Oropendola Waterfall. The tour runs 4 to 5 hours with a live English-speaking guide. Both park entrance fees and waterfall access are included. Children from age 6 are welcome, though moderate fitness is needed for the terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and swim at Rincon de la Vieja

• Use restrooms and prepare
• Hike Las Pailas loop trail
• Observe volcano and wildlife
• Walk to Oropendola waterfall
• Swim in waterfall pool

The experience

The Las Pailas loop takes roughly 2 hours through forest that opens onto views of one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes. You'll pass steaming fumaroles, mini-geysers and bubbling volcanic mud pits, the park's signature thermal features, while walking past more than 300 bird species. Armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, white-nosed coatis and howler and spider monkeys move through the canopy and forest floor. What you spot depends on the time of day and how quietly the group moves.

After the hike, a short walk on varying terrain leads down to the Rio Blanco (White River), where Oropendola Waterfall plunges 82 feet into a sparkling turquoise pool. The swim is a direct payoff for the morning's exertion and gives you time to rest before the return.

The guide speaks English and knows the park well enough to point out wildlife and explain the volcanic geology as you walk. Park entry and waterfall access are both included. Bring your own sunscreen, insect repellent and towel.

What’s included

• Entrance fees for Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full hike and waterfall swim.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (25 to 65 years) · Youth (18 to 24 years) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Guanaverde Experiences

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a full morning of active volcano features and wildlife in one outing, with a cool-off swim built in. The 4–5 hour span and moderate hiking intensity suit travelers who are comfortable on uneven terrain and want to see thermal activity and forest life without a full-day commitment.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 24 years); Child (6 to 17 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How hard is the hike through Rincón de la Vieja?

The Las Pailas loop is 2.5 miles on a trail through dry tropical forest with some elevation change. Moderate fitness is needed. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What animals might I see on this hike?

The park is home to more than 300 bird species, plus armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, snakes, white-nosed coatis, and white-faced, howler and spider monkeys. Sightings depend on the time of day and how the group moves through the forest.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes entrance fees for both Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall, plus a live English-speaking guide for the full 4–5 hours. Bring your own sunscreen, insect repellent and towel.