Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Hike: Waterfall Swim & Hot Springs

Hike past bubbling mud pots and swim beneath the Oropendula waterfall

A private guided hike through Rincón de la Vieja Volcano's foothills combines two hours of trail walking with stops at Oropendula waterfall and Rio Negro hot springs. You'll see fumaroles, mud pots and boiling springs while spotting coatis, monkeys and toucans. Lunch and all park entry are included. Pickup starts the day and the full outing runs nine hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking and waterfall swim tour

• Hike through volcanic trails
• Stop at Oropendula waterfall
• Enjoy Rio Negro hot springs

The experience

The hike centers on two hours of walking through trails that pass fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and boiling hot springs at the volcano's base. The terrain is tropical forest with clear streams and volcanic rock formations. You'll stop at Oropendula waterfall to swim, then move on to Rio Negro hot springs to soak in the naturally heated water. The guide leads the route and points out wildlife: coatis, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, peccaries, deer, toucans, curassows, parrots, hummingbirds and other birds are common sightings here.

Private transportation picks you up and brings you back, so the day starts and ends at your hotel. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Lunch and water are provided during the outing. Children from age five can join. The full experience takes nine hours from pickup, which means an early start and a midday return.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• national park entrance and waterfall access.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch and water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 60 years) · Infant (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ATV Beach Tours

Is this one for you?Nine hours is a full morning and afternoon commitment, which rules out a second activity that day but gives you the rest of the evening free. Children from age five can join, though the two-hour hike and moderate fitness requirement mean younger kids or those with mobility concerns should check the physical demands first.

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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: Infant (5 to 9 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What animals might I see on the hike at Rincón de la Vieja?

The trails here are home to coatis, spider monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, peccaries and deer. Bird species include toucans, curassows, bellbirds, parrots, hummingbirds, owls, woodpeckers and tanagers, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

Is the hike difficult, and what is the terrain like?

The hike covers about two hours of walking through tropical forest with volcanic geology. Moderate physical fitness is needed. The terrain includes streams, rock formations and natural hot springs. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What happens at Oropendula waterfall and Rio Negro hot springs?

Oropendula waterfall is a stop where you can swim in the clear water. Rio Negro hot springs are naturally heated pools at the volcano's foothills where you soak in the warm mineral water. Both are part of the guided route and included in the tour.

Does the tour include meals and drinks?

Lunch and water are provided during the nine-hour outing. No other meals are included, and gratuities for the guide are separate.