Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Hike, waterfall, hot springs

Volcanic mud pots, a blue waterfall pool, and naturally heated thermal springs in one day

This 8-hour tour combines three activities in Rincon de la Vieja National Park: a 3.5-km hike through Las Pailas to see fumaroles and bubbling mud, a swim in Oropendola Waterfall's pool, and time soaking in Rio Negro Hot Springs' ten thermal pools heated by the volcano. A bilingual naturalist guide leads the hike, and lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin Restaurant is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Rincon de la Vieja National Park2h · entry included
2. Rio Negro Hot Springs1h 30m · entry included

Rincon de la Vieja Nature and Relaxation

• Hike Las Pailas circular path
• Walk and swim at Oropendola Waterfall
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin
• Relax in Rio Negro hot springs
• Experience volcanic mud bath

The experience

The day starts with a walk through Las Pailas, a circular trail that cuts 3.5 kilometers through tropical forest to the heart of the park's volcanic activity. Your bilingual naturalist guide points out the fumaroles (natural vents releasing steam and sulfur), and the bubbling mud pots where boiling volcanic water churns in clay-lined basins. The park sits on Rincon de la Vieja, the most active volcano in Guanacaste, and the landscape shows it: yellow and rusty soil, gray mud that bubbles and explodes in large pails, and a mini crater visible from the trail. The forest itself holds more than 300 bird species, and you'll watch for armadillos, iguanas, coatis, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans and turkeys moving through the canopy.

After the hike, you walk to Oropendola Waterfall and swim in its outstanding blue pool before heading to lunch at the restaurant. The afternoon shifts to pure relaxation at Rio Negro Hot Springs, where ten pools of naturally heated mineral water sit surrounded by tropical dry forest. The water comes straight from the volcano's thermal system: clear, mineral-rich, and warm year-round. You can soak in the pools or try the volcanic mud bath, smoothing the natural clay onto your skin before rinsing off in the thermal water.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is entry to the national park, the waterfall, and the hot springs. You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Bring hiking shoes, a swimsuit, water, insect repellent and a camera. Snacks are provided during the day along with the buffet lunch. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entry to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs.
• a professional bilingual naturalist guide for the hike.
• lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin Restaurant.
• snacks.
• all fees and taxes.
• and air-conditioned vehicle transport throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Faro Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Shared tours run on a fixed schedule with set pickup and drop-off times, so they work best if your hotel is in one of the listed pickup zones and you can match the group's itinerary. If you want to choose your own start time or adjust the day's order, ask about the private tour option instead.

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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: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 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. No refund if you cancel.

What animals might I see on the Las Pailas hike?

The park is home to more than 300 bird species including toucans and turkeys, plus armadillos, iguanas, coatis, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the forest is active throughout the year.

What exactly are the bubbling mud pots I'll see on the hike?

The mud pots are natural formations where boiling volcanic water heats clay-lined basins, causing the mud and water inside to bubble and sometimes explode. They sit in soil stained yellow and rusty by volcanic minerals, and they show the raw power of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano directly beneath the park.

Is the volcanic mud bath safe to use on my skin?

Yes, the mud is natural volcanic clay heated by the thermal system. You smooth it onto your body and then rinse off in the thermal pools. It's part of the relaxation experience at Rio Negro Hot Springs and is safe for all skin types, though you may want to test a small area first if you have very sensitive skin.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The main hike is the Las Pailas circular trail, which is 3.5 kilometers (about 2 miles) through tropical forest. There's also a short walk to Oropendola Waterfall. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.