Rincon de la Vieja: Hot springs, zip-line & horseback tour

Summary

From Tamarindo to volcanic mud baths—Costa Rica’s wild side up close

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup from Tamarindo or Flamingo Beach before heading into Rincon de la Vieja for canopy zip-lining, a natural mud bath, hot springs soak, and a horseback ride—all with a local guide and buffet lunch included. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—sort of earthy and sharp, like wet leaves after rain. We’d barely left Tamarindo Beach when our guide, Mario, started pointing out birds I’d never even heard of (motmots? I just nodded). The drive to Rincon de la Vieja felt longer than I expected, but maybe that’s because I kept staring out the window at all the green. There was this moment when we passed a group of school kids waving at our van—I waved back and they actually cheered. Not sure why that stuck with me.

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the canopy zip-line part. My hands were sweaty before we even got harnessed up. Mario just grinned and said, “Pura vida!” like it was a magic spell for nerves. Zipping through the trees was louder than I thought—wind in my ears, someone ahead of me whooped so loud it echoed. Afterward, my legs felt wobbly but in a good way. Lunch was this big buffet; I piled my plate high with rice and beans, then tried some kind of local stew that tasted smoky and sweet at the same time.

The mud bath was messier than Instagram makes it look. The mud was warm—almost hot—and smelled faintly like minerals (or maybe eggs? But not in a bad way). We laughed at each other’s faces smeared grey-brown. The hot springs after were pure relief; steam rising off the water as the sun started dipping behind the trees. There was this quiet moment where nobody talked—we just listened to cicadas and let everything soak in. On the horseback ride back toward the operation center, my horse kept stopping to munch on grass no matter what I did. Mario said he liked me because I “looked tranquilo.” Not sure if that’s true but it made me smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pickups from Beaches

• Pick up from Tamarindo Beach
• Pick up from Westin/W Reserva Conchal Beach
• Pick up from Flamingo Beach
• Pick up from Potrero Beach

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Tamarindo Beach?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Tamarindo Beach as well as selected hotels in nearby areas.

What activities are part of this Rincon de la Vieja tour?

The tour includes canopy zip-line, hot springs visit, water slide access, natural spa mud bath, horseback riding, and buffet lunch.

How long does the full day tour last?

The tour is a full day experience starting early morning with pickup around 6:30–7:00 am from various beaches.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included as part of the experience.

Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult during all activities on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels near Tamarindo or Flamingo Beach, all entry fees for activities like canopy zip-lining and horseback riding in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, access to hot springs and mud baths, plus a buffet lunch before heading back in the evening.