Rincon de la Vieja volcano hike and waterfall swim

Two hours into volcanic terrain, then a waterfall swim

A full-day guided hike through Rincon de la Vieja National Park starts with two hours in primary tropical forest, where you pass steaming sulfur water, boiling mud and fumaroles tied to the volcano's activity. After spotting wildlife and flora with your guide, you swim at Oropendula Waterfall next to the park. Hotel pickup, a professional guide, lunch and all park fees are included. The tour runs eight hours total.

The experience

The hike begins in primary tropical forest where the volcanic geology shows itself constantly: sulfur ponds steam underfoot, mud boils in natural pots, and fumaroles release gases from deep below. Your guide points out the flora and fauna as you move through the terrain: agoutis, white-nose coatis, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, exotic butterflies and birds all live in this part of the park. The two-hour hike is the core of the day, and the guide's knowledge of what to look for makes the difference between spotting wildlife and walking past it.

After the forest section, you ascend into denser vegetation where the secondary volcanic activity becomes less visible but the ecosystem shifts noticeably. The guide explains how the park's biodiversity depends on the volcanic soil and the moisture trapped in the canopy. Once you've covered the main trail, you move to Oropendula Waterfall, which sits just outside the national park boundary. If weather allows, you can swim in the pool beneath the falls and rest after the hike. Lunch is provided during the day.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. Bring a current valid passport. The tour requires at least moderate fitness for the two-hour hike and uneven terrain. It's not suitable for children under six or pregnant travelers. A minimum of two people per booking applies.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.
• lunch.
• the two-hour hiking tour through primary forest.
• waterfall and national park entry fees.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 Jan 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 to 65 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Guanacaste Viajes | Tours and Airport Transfers

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hike through active volcanic terrain and see wildlife in their habitat, then cool off in a waterfall pool: all in one eight-hour day with a guide who knows where to look and what to point out.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6).

What wildlife might I see on the two-hour hike through Rincon de la Vieja?

Agoutis, white-nose coatis, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, exotic butterflies and birds all inhabit the primary tropical forest you'll hike through. Your guide will point out details of the flora and fauna as you move through the park.

Can I swim at Oropendula Waterfall, or is it just a viewing stop?

You can swim at Oropendula Waterfall if weather conditions allow. The waterfall sits just outside the national park and offers a pool beneath the falls where you can cool off after the hike.

What exactly is the volcanic activity I'll see in Rincon de la Vieja?

The park's secondary volcanic activity includes steaming sulfur water ponds, boiling mud pots and fumaroles: all visible along the hiking trail and tied to the volcano beneath the park. Your guide will explain how these features form and what they reveal about the geology.

How long is the full tour, and what's included in the price?

The full tour runs eight hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide in English or Spanish, bottled water, lunch, the hiking tour itself, and all waterfall and national park fees.

What fitness level do I need for this hike?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike lasts two hours on uneven terrain in the forest, and the tour involves walking at varying elevations throughout the day.