Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs - selfdrive
Overview
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Get ready for an unforgettable experience with our road trip from Liberia, where you'll enjoy the breathtaking mountain range, nature, and unique scenery of Guanacaste!
After a 25 km drive through stunning landscapes, you'll arrive at the Santa Maria Sector, part of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. We'll start our tour by delving into the culture and history at the Casona of the old Santa Maria Hacienda. Here, we'll begin a hike focused on wildlife observation and learning about the nature and forest around us.
At the end of the trail, you'll find the magical blue natural pools filled with thermal mineral water, where you can immerse yourself, disconnect and relax.
On the way back, we'll visit the Morpho Waterfall so you can rest your feet and dip into fresh water or simply enjoy the peaceful, loving forest and river surroundings. This is a medium-scale hike, approximately 6 km round trip, with 80% flat terrain throughout the trail, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja
Road trip from Liberia observing the mountain range, nature, and the scenery of Guanacaste. What a way to start the experience! After enjoying the landscape for 25 km, you will reach Santa Maria Sector, which belongs to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. We will start the tour with a lot of culture and knowledge at the Casona of the old Hacienda Santa Maria and the initiate our hike doing wildlife observation and learning from nature and the forest. At the end of the trail, we will find the magical blue natural pools with thermal mineral water where you can go in and disconnect mind and body, relaxing and breathing the essences of the volcano. On the way back we will visit the Morpho Water fall and the Enchanted Forrest Waterfall, where you can rest your feet and dip into fresh water, or just enjoy the peaceful loving forest and river around you. This is a medium-scale hike, approximately 6kms round trip, 80% of flat terrain throughout the trail, making it more accessible and enjoyable.
Options
Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs - selfdrive
Santa Maria sector & Lunch
Costa Rican Lunch: After a 20-minute drive, we arrive at a charming open-air restaurant surrounded by the beautiful landscapes and natural scene
Santa Maria hike & waterfall
Oropendula waterfall: After a 20-minute drive and a 15-minute walk each way, you will arrive at the stunning Oropéndula Waterfall & crystal-clear Costa Rican Lunch: Enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch in a beautiful open-air restaurant surrounded by the tranquility and b
What‘s Included
Local Maps, nature guide books, binoculars, first aid kit
Beverages and healthy snacks upon request and for an additional charge
Bottled water
Insect repellent, sunscreen
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rincon adventure
Discover48687148314,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alejandro was great! We met at the Volcano for the hike and then went to the Oropendolo waterfall. Much needed cooling off after the hike. It is an easy walk right across from where you come out from the hike. We had lunch at a great buffet and then did the tubing down the river. We had a blast! Alejandro knows his way around the Volcano and pointed out all the different wildlife! Would do this again!
Peaceful experience!
529andrese,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently visited Rincon de la Vieja to go see some of the waterfalls and hot springs at the park. I was greeted by Michael who is one of the park rangers on site. Michael and the rest of the team on site do a phenomenal job at maintaining the park well organized and easy to navigate! Every one of the rangers make you feel at home and are very passionate at what they do.. For those that are visiting Costa Rica for the first time, I highly recommend coming here so you can truly appreciate it's natural beauties and lush tropical environments as well as all the wild life that lives in the reserve. I will definitely be coming back again!
Amazing Experience at Rincón de la Vieja!
xxnach xxc2021,Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In June 2024, my family and I had an unforgettable tour of Rincón de la Vieja National Park and the hot springs, made even better by our incredible guide, John Alejandro. John’s passion and knowledge brought the park to life, to its stunning rainforest trails. He made sure we spotted wildlife, shared fascinating insights, and kept the whole experience fun and engaging. After an adventurous hike, the hot springs were the perfect way to relax and soak in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. This tour was the highlight of our trip, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend!
Great experience with Alberto!
blessonandprettyj,Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience during our tour with Alberto. He was a great guide during our hike, pointing out many animals and giving so much interesting information during the hike. He also took some great pictures that he shared with us afterwards. I highly recommend the Costa Rica Excursions team and wouldn't hesitate to use them for a future trip. Pura vida!
Very good experience
D2393XMfranciscov,Aug 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent service and very good attention to all the people we went. The scenery was beautiful and I definitely recommend it
Another day at paradise!
David A,Aug 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is a unique and magical place to be able to walk in nature and in a rainforest, to be able to reconnect with nature! A place to have peace and quiet! A natural sanctuary!
Rivers of hot water.
L732PFjosemariam,Aug 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing place, amazing Guide Jhon very attentive.! I definitely recommend them. The tour is short and you have to walk a bit But the Guide makes it enjoyable
Hot springs in the volcano
luisarmandoa192,Aug 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alejandro showed us the old corner volcano, the rain forest and all nature, the hot springs were amazing.
Amazing!
LuisAlfonso C,Aug 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was amazing, such great sights and a nice dip in the hot springs/waterfall. The tour guides were so nice and friendly!
Extraordinary and relaxing hike
641yaninv,Jul 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Have done this tour with Costa Rica Excursions Travel a couple of times and it only gets better each time. The hike is moderate-easy and with the rainy season the hike got even more interesting. This place is must see!
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Operated by Costa Rica Excursions Travel