Rincón de la Vieja volcano hike + hot springs: 5-hour day

Walk through an active volcano's fumaroles, then soak in mineral-rich hot springs fed by underground rivers

A full-day tour near Rincón de la Vieja National Park combines a 1 hour 45 minute volcano hike through fumaroles and boiling mud pits with a 20-minute waterfall swim, typical Costa Rican buffet lunch, and a soak in natural hot springs with pool temperatures between 98°F and 104°F. Private transportation, a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish, bottled water and all park fees are included. Children from age 2 are welcome. The tour requires at least four people to operate and is closed Mondays.

The experience

The hike covers a 2-mile circle trail through Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where nine eruption points have left fumaroles and boiling mud pits across the landscape. Monkeys, toucans, tapirs and other wildlife move through the area, though spotting them is not guaranteed. The trail itself takes 1 hour 45 minutes. Afterward you walk 20 minutes round trip to Oropendola waterfall and swim in its natural pool before driving 10 minutes to lunch.

The meal is a typical Costa Rican buffet served at a local spot. After eating, the tour moves to the hot springs operated by the company: pools fed by two artesian wells that tap into rare underground rivers. The springs that source the hot water are visible along the river's edge. There is a particularly notable spot where roughly 90% of the hot water emerges from beneath giant boulders and the river floor. Pool temperatures range between 98°F and 104°F, and the water is naturally thermo-mineral, requiring no chemical treatment.

A certified naturalist guide leads the entire day in English or Spanish. Private transportation picks you up and returns you. The vehicle is air-conditioned. All national park fees and taxes are included. You will need to bring a picture of your passport: Costa Rica's park system requires rangers to verify your reservation before entry. The tour does not operate on Mondays, when the national park is closed.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• all national park entrance fees and taxes.
• a typical Costa Rican buffet lunch.
• and bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (21 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 20 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (2 to 3 years)

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 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 pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Guanacaste Adventure & Travel

Is this one for you?The hike is 1 hour 45 minutes on a circle trail with moderate elevation and uneven terrain, so you need a reasonable level of fitness and comfort walking for that duration. The tour packs four distinct activities (volcano hike, waterfall swim, lunch and hot springs soak) into a single day, which means the pace is steady and the transitions are quick.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 20 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (2 to 3 years).

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 wildlife might I see on the volcano hike?

Monkeys, toucans, tapirs and other birds move through Rincón de la Vieja, though sightings are not guaranteed. The 1 hour 45 minute trail passes through the fumaroles and boiling mud pits where the landscape itself is the main draw.

How do the hot springs get their water?

Two artesian wells beneath the pools access rare underground rivers with natural water springs. The springs that feed the hot water river are visible along the river's edge, and a particularly notable spot shows roughly 90% of the hot water emerging from beneath giant boulders and the river floor.

What should I bring for the national park?

Bring a picture of your passport. Costa Rica's park system requires rangers to check your reservation status before you enter, and they need to verify your documentation at the gate.

What is included in the lunch?

A typical Costa Rican buffet is served at a local restaurant. Alcoholic beverages and sodas are not included, though bottled water is provided throughout the day.