Rincon de la Vieja: Zipline, Horseback & Hot Springs Day Tour

Summary

Zipline canopy rides waterfalls mud baths & Costa Rican flavors all in one wild day

You’ll zipline above rainforest at Rincon de la Vieja, cross hanging bridges with your guide pointing out wildlife, ride horses through forest trails and taste Costa Rican snacks before sliding down a jungle waterslide. After lunch, hike to Salitral waterfall then unwind with volcanic mud baths and hot springs—ending your day feeling both wild and peaceful.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that the zipline?” I asked — half nervous, half excited — as our guide Diego grinned and nodded. The air smelled green (if that makes sense), thick with rainforest and a hint of coffee from someone’s thermos. We clipped in and suddenly I was flying over the canopy at Rincon de la Vieja, wind smacking my cheeks, trees blurring below. I could hear someone ahead shouting “¡Pura vida!” and I just laughed — not sure if it was fear or happiness or both. After the seventh cable, my legs were jelly but we kept going, crossing these hanging bridges that felt like they belonged in a movie. Diego pointed out a sloth curled up somewhere above us; I only saw a lump of fur but pretended otherwise.

We swapped helmets for saddles next — horses waiting under dappled light, tails swishing like they knew we were city people. My horse (I think his name was Chispa?) plodded along while Diego told us about growing up nearby and how he used to sneak mangoes as a kid. At some point we stopped for snacks — fresh fruit and something called “trapiche” that tasted sweet and earthy. There was an artisan showing us how sugarcane gets pressed; I tried to help but mostly made a mess. Everyone laughed, especially when I tried to say “gracias” with a mouthful of pineapple.

Lunch was buffet-style — rice, beans, chicken, plantains — nothing fancy but honestly perfect after all that moving around. Then came the part I didn’t expect: a 1240-foot waterslide right through the jungle. It looked innocent until you’re actually on it (my swimsuit still smells faintly of river water). Afterward, we hopped onto this bumpy tractor for a short ride to Salitral waterfall. The sound of it drowned out everything else for a minute; cool mist on my face felt almost electric after the heat.

The last bit was pure bliss: volcanic sauna first (smelled like warm rocks and something mineral), then slathering mud on each other’s arms and faces—awkward at first but kind of hilarious by the end—and finally soaking in hot springs with different temperatures. Someone said your skin glows after all that mud; maybe it’s true or maybe it’s just how relaxed you feel staring at the trees overhead. Anyway, I still think about that quiet moment in the water sometimes—like everything slowed down for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure, culture, and volcanic wellness

• Walk across 16 hanging bridges
• Zipline on 7 canopy cables
• Horse ride through forest trails
• Enjoy Costa Rican snacks and artisan show
• Slide down 1240-foot water slide
• Have a delicious buffet lunch
• Tractor ride to Salitral waterfall
• Short hike to volcanic spa
• Use volcanic rock sauna and mud bath
• Soak in thermal hot springs

Top questions

How long does the Volcano Combo Tour take?

It's a full-day tour combining adventure activities and relaxation.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included along with snacks and drinks.

Are hotel pickups provided for this tour?

Yes, transportation including pickup is part of the package.

What activities are included in the Volcano Combo Tour?

The tour includes ziplining, horseback riding, cultural show with snacks, jungle waterslide, waterfall visit, volcanic sauna and mud bath plus hot springs.

Is this suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers; specialized infant seats are available.

Do you need prior experience to join ziplining or horseback riding?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions for all activities.

Where does this tour take place?

The tour takes place at Rincon de la Vieja in Costa Rica.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation with pickup from your hotel, bottled water throughout the journey, Costa Rican snacks plus coffee tasting during cultural stops, insurance coverage for all activities, guided ziplining across seven cables and sixteen hanging bridges, horseback riding through forest trails, entry to Salitral waterfall with tractor transfer and short hike access, use of volcanic rock sauna and mud baths followed by time to soak in thermal hot springs—all capped off by a buffet lunch before heading back home.