Rio Blanco Canyon Ziplining Tour with Hot Springs Access

Rio Blanco Canyon, Rio Negro rapids, Oropendola Waterfall, and volcano-heated thermal pools in a single day

A full-day activity package from JW Marriott Costa Elena combining five separate adventures: canopy tour and rappelling through Rio Blanco Canyon, tubing on Rio Negro River, horseback riding, a waterfall hike and swim, and relaxation in Rio Negro Hot Springs with thermal waters and volcanic mud. A guide leads the group through each activity, with lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin Restaurant included. The operator sequences the day based on conditions and group needs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Adventure activities and relaxation

• Canopy tour and rappelling
• Tubing on Rio Negro River
• Horseback riding adventure
• Hike to Oropendola Waterfall
• Swim at Oropendola Waterfall
• Lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin Restaurant
• Relax in volcanic hot springs and mud baths

The experience

The day starts with a two-hour transfer to Hacienda Guachipelin (one hour from Liberia), where your guide walks you through five distinct activities. Canopy tour and rappelling take you through Rio Blanco Canyon. Tubing follows on Rio Negro River with class III rapids. You'll also ride horses, hike roughly a mile to Oropendola Waterfall (an 82-foot drop into a turquoise pool set in a gorge), and finish with time in Rio Negro Hot Springs. The operator sequences these based on weather and group safety, so the order shifts from day to day.

Rio Negro Hot Springs sits on the Rio Negro, naturally heated by Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Ten pools line the riverbank, filled with mineral-rich thermal water. You can apply volcanic mud as a spa treatment and rinse it off in the cold river before soaking again. Two suspension bridges connect pools on both banks. Dressing rooms, bathrooms and lockers are at the entrance.

The package runs 9 to 11 hours total, including the transfer time. A licensed guide in English or Spanish leads throughout. The operator provides all safety equipment, an air-conditioned vehicle, purified water, and lunch at the restaurant. Bring a swimsuit, long pants, closed-toe shoes that can get wet or river sandals, a camera and a change of clothes. Zipline has a 300-pound weight limit. Tubing requires a minimum age of 8 years and a height of at least 140 centimeters.

What’s included

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle.
• licensed guide in English or Spanish.
• all safety equipment.
• purified water.
• lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin Restaurant.
• coffee and tea.

Options for this experience

2 options

Self Driving RateGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30The tour lasts 8 hours. At Hacienda Guachipelin you will also enjoy a tasty buffet lunch at La Hacienda Restaurant.

JW Marriott Costa Elena areaGuide in English or Spanish · 06:00, 06:30 and 07:00The tour lasts 11 hours and includes a meal at the Hacienda Guachipelin restaurant. Van or bus departures depend on group size. Pickup is included in the JW Marriott Costa Area, which covers JW Marriott Costa Elena (formerly Dreams Las Mareas), Ecoplaya, Playa Copal, El Jobo, La Cruz, Cuajiniqul, and more.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 06:30, 07:00 and 08:30

AgesAdult (13 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (8 to 12 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 41 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Real Tours Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book the JW Marriott Costa Elena option if your hotel is in that area and you want the transfer included. Choose the self-driving rate if you have your own transport and prefer to meet the group at Hacienda Guachipelin. The five-activity format means you're moving between different landscapes and water types all day, so moderate fitness and comfort with both heights (zipline and rappelling) and moving water (tubing and waterfall swim) matter for the full experience.

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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: Youth (8 to 12 years); Child (4 to 7 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is Oropendola Waterfall like when I get there?

Oropendola Waterfall drops 82 feet into a turquoise pool set in a gorge along Rio Blanco River. The water is refreshing with shallow areas for wading, and the entire setting feels secluded. You descend into the gorge on a footbridge that crosses the river.

How do the Rio Negro Hot Springs work?

Rio Negro Hot Springs has ten pools on the riverbank, naturally heated by Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and filled with mineral-rich thermal water. You can use volcanic mud as a body treatment, let it dry, then rinse it off in the cold river before soaking in the thermal pools again. Two suspension bridges let you access pools on both banks.

What happens if the weather is bad?

All activities depend on the operator's safety assessment and can be cancelled on short notice due to bad weather in the area. The guide makes this call when the group arrives at the Tour Center.

How long is the transfer from JW Marriott Costa Elena?

Transfer time is two hours one way to Hacienda Guachipelin (one hour if you're picked up from Liberia). The driver will send you his name, unit plate number and location via WhatsApp the evening before, and the van will carry a company sign.