Vandará Costa Rica: Horseback, Zipline & Hot Springs Day Pass

Summary

Horseback rides, canyon ziplines and steamy hot springs in Vandará

You’ll ride horses through forest trails, soar over Tizate canyon on a zipline, race down a jungle waterslide and unwind in volcanic hot springs—all in one full day at Vandará near Rincón de la Vieja. Includes lunch and a friendly local guide. Expect laughter, muddy hands, and a real taste of Costa Rica’s wild side.

What’s the experience like?

I still smell the faint mix of earth and something sweet from the trees when I think about our day at Vandará. We’d barely stepped out of the car (easy drive, by the way—didn’t expect that) before a local guide named Diego waved us over with this huge grin. He showed us where to grab helmets for horseback riding. The horses looked relaxed, like they’d seen every kind of tourist before. We rode through these forest trails—sunlight flickering through leaves—and at one point I swear I heard monkeys arguing overhead. My horse kept stopping to sniff things, which made me laugh and lag behind.

After that, Diego led us to the canopy tour—eight cables zigzagging right over Tizate canyon. The first jump was scarier than I thought (my palms were sweaty), but after a few seconds it was just wind and green everywhere. There’s this moment when you’re above the river and everything goes quiet except for the zipline humming. Then we tried that 400-meter jungle waterslide—so fast my eyes watered—and cooled off by the river while some kids splashed around nearby.

Lunch was garden-to-table, nothing fancy but honestly one of my favorite meals on this Costa Rica day trip—rice, beans, some grilled chicken, fresh juice. Our guide explained how they make tortillas by hand; I tried and Li laughed when I messed up the flip. After eating we wandered past a hanging bridge (I’m not great with heights but the view down to the river is worth it) and then just soaked in those volcanic hot springs until my fingers wrinkled up. The mud bath part felt weirdly calming—cool on your skin at first, then warm as it dries in the sun.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that activity. By late afternoon we just sat there watching birds darting between branches while steam rose off the water. If you want a mix of adventure and downtime—with real Costa Rican touches and people who seem happy to share them—this Explorer Pass is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure and relaxation at Vandará

• Arrive at Vandará park
• Ride horses through forest trails
• Walk across the hanging bridge
• Slide down the jungle waterslide
• Take the canopy tour over Tizate canyon
• Enjoy garden-to-table traditional lunch
• Soak in thermal hot springs
• Experience volcanic mud bath
• Visit waterfall and river access
• Join cultural tour of Costa Rican traditions
• Watch birds and wildlife

Top questions

Is lunch included with the Vandará Explorer Pass?

Yes, a traditional garden-to-table lunch with drink and dessert is included.

How do I get to Vandará from Liberia?

The road is fully paved; it's an easy drive from Liberia or nearby towns.

Are there activities for kids at Vandará?

Yes, children can enjoy horseback riding (with supervision), bird watching, riverside play areas, and more.

Is Vandará wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring for the hot springs and mud bath?

A swimsuit is recommended for both activities; towels are usually available onsite.

How long does a typical visit last?

The Explorer Pass covers a full day; most guests spend 5–7 hours enjoying all activities at their own pace.

Is bird watching possible during this day trip?

Yes, you can spot colorful birds and wildlife throughout Vandará’s grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes access to all activities: horseback riding through forest trails, eight-cable canopy tour over Tizate canyon, 400-meter jungle waterslide fun, time in thermal volcanic hot springs and mud baths, river swimming spots, hanging bridge walkways plus a traditional garden-to-table lunch with drink and dessert—all guided by friendly locals who make sure you don’t miss anything special along the way.