Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Hot Springs on Rincon de la Vieja
Central Pacific, Costa Rica
Discover the natural wonders of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park on a day trip. Hike through the park, swim in a waterfall, enjoy a buffet lunch, and relax in hot springs.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Park Hike and Hot Springs Tour
This full-day tour explores Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, ideal for nature lovers seeking wildlife, hiking, and relaxation in hot springs.
Highlights
- Moderate 2-hour hike with wildlife sightings including toucans and monkeys
- Swim in the blue lagoon at Oropendola Waterfall
- Buffet lunch with dietary options (vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan)
- Volcanic mud bath experience
- Access to 10 thermal hot spring pools in Río Negro
Description
The tour begins with hotel pick-up, starting approximately two hours before the main activities depending on your location. After pick-up, enjoy a stop for coffee or breakfast before driving 1-2 hours to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. The hike starts at the Pailas Sector with a local guide who helps spot wildlife such as toucans, capuchin and howler monkeys, turkeys, and coatis, as well as volcanic features like bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and a small crater.
After the hike, take a short walk to Oropendola Waterfall, just outside the park, where you can swim in the blue lagoon.
Next, the group returns for a buffet lunch offering a variety of entrees, sides, salads, desserts, fresh juice, coffee, and tea, with options catering to common dietary restrictions.
Following lunch, visit the Río Negro Hot Springs surrounded by tropical dry forest. The hot springs consist of ten natural thermal pools heated by volcanic activity. Relax in the mineral-rich waters or try the volcanic mud bath, applying volcanic clay on your skin and rinsing off in the cool river water. The mineral waters offer a soothing experience after the mud treatment.
Includes
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- 2-hour guided hike in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Visit to Oropendola Waterfall with swimming
- Buffet lunch with dietary accommodations
- Access to 10 hot spring pools at Río Negro
- Volcanic mud bath treatment
- Live guide throughout the tour
Excludes
- Breakfast (except coffee or light snack during pick-up)
- Tips for guide and driver
Important Information
- Pick-up times vary by location and will be confirmed the day before the tour. Be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up; delays up to 20 minutes can occur due to traffic and routing.
- Pick-up locations and times:
- Hacienda Pinilla / JW Marriott: 6:00 AM
- Langosta / Tamarindo: 6:30 AM
- Conchal (including Westin, Reserva Conchal), Brasilitos: 6:45 AM
- Playa Grande, Flamingo, Potrero: 6:30 AM
- RIU Hotels Main Security Gate (not lobby): 6:45 AM
- Playas del Cocos: 7:20 AM
- Playa Hermosa & Panama (including Papagayo, Villas Sol, Condovac, Mangroove): 7:30 AM
- Liberia Peri Supermarket: 8:30 AM
- Locations with possible extra fees:
- Catalinas: 6:15 AM
- Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood: 7:20 AM
- Waldorf Astoria: 7:30 AM
- Dreams Las Mareas: 6:30 AM
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring swimwear and a towel for the waterfall and hot springs, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a change of clothes. The best time to visit is during the dry season for safer hiking conditions.
