Rincon de la Vieja National Park tour

Hike geothermal landscapes and soak in volcanic hot springs in one morning and afternoon

A private tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park combines a hike along volcanic trails past active fumaroles and mud pools, a swim at La Oropéndola Waterfall, a buffet lunch of Costa Rican dishes at Hotel Guachipelín, and time in Rio Negro's mineral-rich hot springs and mud baths. Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and all park fees, transportation and meals are 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

Explore Rincon de la Vieja and relax

• Hike volcanic trails in national park
• Visit La Oropéndola Waterfall
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Hotel Guachipelín
• Relax in Río Negro hot springs
• Return transfer to Guanacaste

The experience

The day starts with a hike through Rincon de la Vieja's volcanic landscape, where the trail passes active fumaroles and bubbling mud pools surrounded by rainforest. You'll spot birds and monkeys as you move through the park's biodiversity, then reach La Oropéndola Waterfall: a cascade into a pool of clear water ringed by vegetation where you can swim and cool off. The waterfall sits deep enough in the park that the walk in is short but the setting feels remote.

After the waterfall, you head to Hotel Guachipelín's restaurant for a buffet lunch built around grilled meats (pork and chicken), rice, beans, ripe plantains, yuca, fresh salads, homemade tortillas and typical Costa Rican sauces. Vegetarian options and natural juices round out the spread. The meal is designed to refuel before the afternoon's second half.

Rio Negro's hot springs occupy a natural retreat in the rainforest, with mineral-rich volcanic water pools where you can soak. Volcanic mud baths are also available if you want to try them. The springs sit in a serene setting, and the soak is meant as a counterpoint to the morning's exertion. Private transportation with air conditioning and comfortable seats carries you throughout the day, and your guide handles all logistics and park entry. Return transport to any point in Guanacaste is included at the end.

What’s included

• Private transportation with air conditioning.
• bottled water.
• a typical Costa Rican buffet lunch at Hotel Guachipelín.
• entrance fees for Rincon de la Vieja National Park, La Oropéndola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs.
• a private guide in English or Spanish.
• return transfer to your location in Guanacaste.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 07:00

AgesUp to age 75

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 due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Rolo Transfers and tours

Is this one for you?The tour runs eight to nine hours, which leaves the rest of your day free if you start early or have evening plans. Moderate fitness is needed for the volcanic trail hike, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns, so assess your comfort with the morning's exertion before booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

What is the hike like in Rincon de la Vieja National Park?

The hike follows volcanic trails through the park where you'll encounter active fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. The trail passes through rainforest where birds and monkeys live, and the walk is designed for nature and adventure lovers with at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Can you swim at La Oropéndola Waterfall?

Yes, La Oropéndola Waterfall drops into a pool of crystal-clear water surrounded by lush vegetation, and you have the opportunity to swim and refresh yourself in the water.

What does the buffet lunch include?

The typical Costa Rican buffet at Hotel Guachipelín features grilled meats like pork and chicken, rice, beans, ripe plantains, yuca, fresh salads, homemade tortillas, traditional sauces, vegetarian options, natural juices and traditional desserts such as rice pudding.

What are Rio Negro's hot springs like?

Rio Negro's hot springs are natural pools filled with mineral-rich volcanic water set within rainforest. Volcanic mud baths are also available, and the setting is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation after the morning's hike.

Is transportation included in the tour?

Yes, private transportation with air conditioning and comfortable seats is included throughout the day, along with return transfer to any point in Guanacaste at the end of the tour.