Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Hike & Oropendola Waterfall Tour

Volcanic steam vents, rainforest trails, and a turquoise waterfall pool in one morning

A full-day guided hike through Rincón de la Vieja National Park combines two distinct landscapes: the Las Pailas loop with its fumaroles and dense rainforest, and La Oropendola Waterfall, a 25-meter drop into a turquoise pool on the Blanco River. Hotel pickup, a professional guide in English or Spanish, lunch, and park fees are included. The tour runs 8 hours and suits hikers with moderate fitness from age 7 onward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Rincón de la Vieja and visit waterfall

• Hike Las Pailas trail loop
• Observe steam vents and fumaroles
• Spot monkeys and bird species
• Walk to La Oropendola Waterfall
• Swim in waterfall's turquoise pool

The experience

Your day starts with hotel pickup and a drive to the national park entrance. The Las Pailas trail is a 2-mile loop that moves through both rainforest and open terrain, leading to the park's most distinctive feature: steam vents, or fumaroles. These appear as significant holes in the ground, constantly releasing steam with a distinctive sulfur smell and gurgling sounds. The trail is where you're most likely to spot white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and a range of bird species that inhabit the park.

After the volcanic section, the route shifts to La Oropendola Waterfall. A short walk from the park entrance takes you through varied terrain to the river, then along the riverbank itself until the waterfall comes into view. The cascade drops 25 meters into a bubbling turquoise pool set within the canyon of the Blanco River. You'll have time to swim in the pool and rest in this tropical setting before the guide leads you back.

The tour includes a Costa Rican typical lunch, bottled water throughout the day, and an air-conditioned vehicle for transport. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and manages the pace to match the group. The full day runs 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• national park entry fees.
• air-conditioned private vehicle.
• Costa Rican typical lunch.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 29 Nov

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Child (7 to 9 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleInfant seats availableNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Green Life Tours

Is this one for you?The hike covers 2 miles of rainforest and volcanic terrain with a moderate pace, followed by a waterfall swim. The 8-hour day suits hikers with moderate fitness who want both geological features and water time without a rushed schedule.

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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 (7 to 9 years). Under 7: they 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Las Pailas trail actually like to walk?

Las Pailas is a 2-mile loop that combines rainforest and open fields, taking you past the park's steam vents (holes in the ground releasing steam and sulfur smell), and through terrain where monkeys and birds are commonly spotted. The trail requires moderate fitness and proper footwear.

Can I swim at Oropendola Waterfall?

Yes. La Oropendola Waterfall drops 25 meters into a turquoise pool on the Blanco River where you can swim and rest before returning to the vehicle. Bring a change of clothes and a towel.

What animals might I see on this hike?

White-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, and howler monkeys are common along the Las Pailas trail, along with a diverse range of bird species. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of day and season.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, national park entry fees, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a Costa Rican typical lunch are all included. Gratuities are separate.