Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs from Liberia: Thermal pools

Walk into thermal pools and a waterfall without scrambling up a mountain

A guided hike from Liberia into the Santa Maria Sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, covering 6 km of mostly flat terrain to thermal mineral pools and Morpho Waterfall. The route starts at the Casona of the old Santa Maria Hacienda, moves through forest for wildlife observation, and ends at the blue natural pools where you soak in warm water before visiting the waterfall on the return. A live guide speaks English or Spanish. Binoculars and nature guides are provided. Lunch is available on some options at additional cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and relax at Rincon de la Vieja

• Drive 25 km from Liberia
• Visit Casona of old Santa Maria Hacienda
• Hike 6 km observing wildlife and nature
• Soak in blue natural thermal pools
• Visit Morpho and Enchanted Forest Waterfalls

The experience

The drive from Liberia covers 25 km through Guanacaste's mountain landscape, ending at the Santa Maria Sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Your guide starts the tour at the Casona, a restored building from the old hacienda, where you learn the history and culture of the place before heading into the forest. The hike itself is 6 km round trip with 80% flat terrain, built around wildlife watching and learning what grows around you: binoculars and nature guides come with the tour so you can spot birds and other animals without guessing what you're seeing.

At the end of the trail sit the thermal mineral pools, filled with warm water from the volcano. You wade in to soak and cool down after the walk. On the way back, Morpho Waterfall gives you a chance to rest and dip into fresh water, or simply sit in the forest and river surroundings without rushing. The whole outing takes 3 to 4 hours from start to finish.

You choose your option at checkout: the hike alone, or the hike bundled with transportation from Liberia, hot springs at Rio Negro, lunch, or the waterfall visit. Beverages and healthy snacks are available for an additional charge if you want them during the tour.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Spanish.
• local maps and nature guide books.
• binoculars for wildlife watching.
• first aid kit.
• transportation from Liberia on options that include it.
• access to the thermal mineral pools and Morpho Waterfall.
• lunch on options that bundle it in.

Options for this experience

6 options

Regular hikeGuide in English or Spanish · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Regular hike to Santa Maria: a hike of about 3 hours in the Santa Maria sector, exploring the natural hot spring, the freshwater waterfall and the rainforest

Hike, river and lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00Turquoise pool river visit: after a 45-minute drive, we reach the Coyotes River pool, with its turquoise water for relaxing tubing, scenery, a cave and a waterfall. Costa Rican lunch: after a 20-minute drive, we arrive at a charming open-air restaurant run by a local family, where you can taste authentic local flavor

Hike and Rio Negro hot springsGuide in English or Spanish · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Hike and natural hot springs: after the hike and a 10-minute drive, we reach the Rio Negro natural hot springs, where you can relax and enjoy the volcanic mud and the warm pools

See 3 more options

Hike and Rio Negro hot springsGuide in English or Spanish · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:30Hot springs: once the hike is over, a 10-minute drive brings you to the Rio Negro natural hot springs, where you can relax and use the volcanic mud for exfoliation. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Hike, waterfall and lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 09:00Oropendula waterfall tour: after a 20-minute drive and a 25-minute round trip, you arrive at the stunning Oropéndula Waterfall, with its crystal-clear water. Costa Rican lunch: enjoy a tasty traditional Costa Rican buffet in a lovely open-air restaurant set among nature

Hike & TransportationGuide in English or Spanish · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Transportation included: transportation to any hotel or house is included.

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Excursions Travel

Is this one for you?The 80% flat terrain and moderate pace make this hike work for people who want to see the park and soak in thermal water without steep climbing or a full day of exertion. If you need transportation from Liberia, pick the option that includes it. If you want lunch, choose the bundle that adds it at checkout.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

How steep is the hike to the thermal pools?

The trail is 6 km round trip with 80% flat terrain throughout, making it accessible without scrambling. It is a medium-scale hike, so a moderate level of physical fitness is needed, but you are not climbing steeply.

What's in the thermal pools at Santa Maria?

The pools are filled with natural mineral water heated by the volcano, so the water is warm. You can soak and relax in them after the walk through the forest.

Do I need to bring my own water and sunscreen?

Beverages and healthy snacks are available for an additional charge during the tour. Bottled water and sunscreen are not included, so bring your own or purchase them separately.

Can I book this tour with lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in some of the purchase options. You choose at checkout whether you want the hike alone, the hike with lunch, or the hike bundled with other add-ons like transportation or hot springs access.

What is Morpho Waterfall like?

Morpho Waterfall is a stop on the return leg of the hike where you can rest your feet and dip into fresh water, or simply sit and enjoy the forest and river surroundings without further walking.