Rio Negro Tubing: Class 2-3 Rapids & Volcanic Mud

Five hours of river rush, then the volcano's heat

This half-day activity on Rio Negro combines tubing down 5 km of Class 2 and 3 rapids with a soak in naturally heated volcanic hot springs and mud treatment at Hacienda Guachipelín. You ride individual river tubes with handles and protective bottoms, pause in calm pools between the adrenaline stretches, refuel with a buffet lunch, then spend time in the mineral-rich springs warmed by Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. A guide accompanies you throughout for safety.

The experience

The tubing starts immediately: you'll ride down 5 km of Class 2 and 3 rapids on Rio Negro in a specially designed individual tube with handles and a protective bottom. The river alternates between fast, splashing sections and quiet pools where you can catch your breath and take in the tropical scenery. Guides stay with you the whole way to watch for safety, and the tubes are built to handle the narrow, rushing water without tipping you out.

After the rapids, you'll eat a buffet lunch at La Hacienda restaurant to recover. Then comes the second half: the volcanic hot springs at Hacienda Guachipelín, which bubble up naturally from the ground and are heated by Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste. You can soak in the mineral-rich water and apply pure volcanic mud to your skin for a spa-like treatment. The heat and minerals work while you relax, turning the end of the day into recovery time instead of another rush.

What’s included

• Access to the volcanic hot springs at Hacienda Guachipelín with volcanic mud treatment.
• safety briefing and all tubing equipment including individual river tubes with handles and protective bottoms.
• lunch at La Hacienda restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:20 and 13:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 12 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Adventure Tours Hacienda Guachipelin

Is this one for you?The activity runs for five hours with non-stop water time in the first half, so you're wet and moving for the rapids section. The hot springs in the second half give you time to soak and recover. Choose this if you want the adrenaline of Class 2 and 3 rapids but also want a calm, warm finish instead of heading straight back.

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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: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 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 should I wear and bring for the Rio Negro tubing?

Bring a swimsuit, shorts, a change of clothes, and water shoes or sneakers that won't slip off your feet. Waterproof sunscreen and insect repellent are essential. The sun reflects off the water and the jungle is thick with insects.

How rough are the Class 2 and 3 rapids on Rio Negro?

Class 2 and 3 rapids are moderate: they produce splashing and bouncing but no dangerous drops or long stretches of whitewater. The river mixes fast sections with calm pools, so you get adrenaline and recovery in the same run.

Is the volcanic mud at Hacienda Guachipelín safe to use all over my body?

Yes, the mud is pure volcanic mineral mud naturally heated by Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. You can apply it to your entire body. It's part of the spa-like treatment included in the activity.

What's included in the price and what do I need to pay for separately?

The price covers the tubing, safety briefing and all equipment, lunch at La Hacienda, and access to the hot springs and volcanic mud at Hacienda Guachipelín. Hotel pickup and drop-off, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and snacks are not included.