Rincon de la Vieja Hike, Waterfall and Hot Springs Day Trip
Discover Rincon de la Vieja National Park on a full day from Tamarindo: a guided volcano hike past bubbling mud pots and fumaroles, a swim at Oropendola Waterfall, a buffet lunch stop and an afternoon in the Rio Negro hot springs with a volcanic mud bath.
About this experience
Head inland from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano for a full day that combines a moderate two-hour hike, a waterfall swim and a soak in natural thermal pools. The trail starts at the Las Pailas sector of the national park, where a local guide who grew up around the volcano helps you look for toucans, capuchin and howler monkeys, coatis and other wildlife.
On the hike you stop at the park's volcanic features, including bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and a small crater. Afterwards, a short walk just outside the park leads to Oropendola Waterfall and its blue pool, where you can jump in and swim before a buffet lunch with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.
The afternoon is for the Rio Negro hot springs: ten natural pools fed by volcano-heated water along a river in the dry forest. Spread volcanic clay over your skin, let it dry, rinse it off in cool river water and then slip back into the warm pools. Shared-tour pickup from Tamarindo and Langosta starts around 6:30 AM, with return around 6:30 PM.
What’s included
- Guide
- Water refills from large containers (bring a reusable bottle)
- Not included: Breakfast (optional stop on the way)
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothes
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Change of clothes
- Camera
- Reusable water bottle
Important information
- Good to know
- Children ages 0-11: $109 Shared-tour pickup from Tamarindo and Langosta starts around 6:30 AM; the official pickup time is sent the day before. Be ready outside 10 minutes early; pickup can run up to 20 minutes late depending on traffic Return to Tamarindo around 6:30 PM; the drive to the park takes 1-2 hours depending on pickup location Pickup outside Tamarindo and Langosta carries an extra fee per booking: Hacienda Pinilla / JW Marriott $50; Las Catalinas, Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood and Waldorf Astoria $70; Dreams Las Mareas $200 National park rules: send each guest's full name as on the passport, passport number and issuing country right after booking, and carry a photo of your passport on the day A moderate amount of walking is involved Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions The tour operates rain or shine Cancellation policy: free cancellation 48 hours or more before the start; within 48 hours, 100% charge. Groups of 10+: 50% charge 2-7 days before, 100% within 48 hours
- Not suitable for
- Age 3+
- Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
