Hiking Tour of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Inclusions

• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Driver/guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• National Park fees
• Entry/Admission - Rincon de La Vieja National Park
• Entry/Admission - Rio Negro Hot Springs

Exclusions

• Gratuities

Departure Time

Suppliers and travelers coordinate start times within the given time periods. 8/5/2015 - 12/20/2022

Departure Point

1: JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Hacienda, Provincia de Guanacaste, Pinilla, 50309, Costa Rica
2: Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
3: Playa Grande, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
4: Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
5: Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
6: Guanacaste Province, Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
7: Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, Playa Matapalo, Carrillo, Guanacaste Province, Sardinal District, Costa Rica
8: Playas del Coco, Provincia de Guanacaste, Coco, Costa Rica
9: Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
10: Playa Panama, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
11: Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo - A Concept By Hyatt, Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Province, Papagayo Peninsula, 50104, Costa Rica
12: Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica, Playa, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica
13: Guanacaste Province, Liberia, Costa Rica
14: Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Las Pailas, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Traveler pickup is offered
Self Drive to Adventure Park: 8:45 AM @ Hacienda Guachipelin

Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 6:00 AM (please let reception or security know we are coming to pick you up)

Langosta/Tamarindo Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 6:30 AM

Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero Hotels, Condos, Apartments, Houses: 6:30 AM

RIU Guanacaste & RIU Palace: 7:00 AM (bring copy of passport)

Playas del Coco Hotels, Condos, Houses: 7:20 AM

Playa Hermosa & Playa Panama Hotels, Condos Houses (Occidental Papagayo, Secrets Papagayo, Villas Sol, Condovac, Mangroove): 7:30 AM

Liberia Peri Supermarket: 7:45 AM

Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood: 7:00 AM ($50 extra per booking, not per customer)

Dreams Las Mareas 6:30 AM ($200 extra per booking, not per customer)

Pick up times are an estimate.  Please be ready at the specified time but it may take us up to 20 minutes longer depending on that days pick up schedule and traffic.

Returns To

Returns to original departure point

Additional Information

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Use "Special Requirements" field upon checkout to advise dietary information
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required, if you are a solo traveler please contact us
• If you do not need transportation, please meet us at the entrance of the National Park at 8:30 am.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Booking Information

Cancellation Terms

Booking Terms and Conditions

Hotel Pickup

Scoring an average traveller rating of 4.55 out of 5 based on the last 22 recent reviews

“

Would definitely recommend this excursion. Our guide, Paul, was knowledgeable and went the extra mile to make it a memorable day. Lunch was wonderful. Having small groups on these trips gives one the 'private tour' experience.”

Linda N • Submitted 20 Jan 2020

“

The hiking tour was amazing! First let me say that our Tour Guide Martin and Driver Nelson were so friendly and nice. They really made my entire group of six feel welcomed and comfortable.Martin told us a lot about Costa Rica during the drive to the Volcano National Park. The hike through the exotic tropical forest to the volcanic activity was filled with wonders. We saw spider monkeys swinging from trees (absolutely awesome!), several white-nosed coati, a CR blue jay (which is 2 1/2 times larger than an American blue jay), multiple types of trees including the Ficus Strangler Tree, huge pre-historic looking plants,Touch-Me-Nots (plants that move when you touch them), and various insects. The volcanic activity included boiling sulfur ponds, bubbling mud pits, steaming fumaroles and so much more. The waterfall was magnificent. Lunch was super delicious. And last but not least, the volcanic mud bath and hot springs portion of the trip was an exhilarating experience. The tour was so worth the price. I have to admit that by the end of the day I was exhausted, but then I am not in the best physical shape. The tour was from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and my cousin's Fitbit said we did 14,457 steps for the tour. It was an amazing day!!!”

Tanya D • Submitted 16 Sep 2019

“

On the hike through the dry forest we saw an anteater, monkeys, iguanas and blue jean frogs. We learned alot about plants especially Ficus trees of Costa Rica. We saw volcanic steam vents and bubbling mud. It was very interesting. Next we hiked to a refreshing waterfall and swam. Everyone loved this. Our trip ended with a hot spring and mud bath. My favorite part. The lunch was buffet style and okay. It was a long day from Playa Flamingo. The previous day we had done another long excursion to the rain forest. I would suggest a day of rest between as 2 people in our party of 16 could not do this day. We ranged from age 9 to 69.”

froberts057 • Submitted 23 Jul 2019

“

We loved the walk thru the different forests, managed to see monkey's. The waterfall was beautiful and the chance to swim in its pool was awesome (water is really cold though), the mud part is more painting it on yourself rather than dipping in it, but the hot springs warm you right back up again. The guide was awesome and answered any questions the group had, and lunch was amazing.”

Tammy C • Submitted 25 Jan 2019

“

love it.”

john p • Submitted 27 May 2018

“

Great experience! Hike was very mild and more of a walk. Guide was very knowledgeable. Typical Costa Rica tour lunch buffet. Very hearty. Mud bath was very cool and highly recommended.”

Justin C • Submitted 06 Mar 2018

“

With this tour, we adventured into the beauty of Costa Rica and had a fantastic tour. Paul, our tour guide was informative, energetic but easy going which made for a great hike. He was great with our kids, often telling stories or providing facts to teach them more. We saw snakes, spiders, monkeys, lots of birds and various spots where the volcano was evident. The park itself was not very busy so paths were not packed with people, at least not on this day. The restaurant that we had lunch at was amazing hot sauce made me take a knee and the hot springs was a great relaxing end to the day. I highly recommend a good bug spray as we did get eaten a bit by mosquitos and noseeums but aside from that, just a great trip. Thanks Viator and Thanks Paul!”

Nicole S • Submitted 25 Dec 2017

“

Freddy was a fantastic guide. We had a full day seeing the beautiful sights in Rincon de la Vieja. We started with a hike 3km on paved paths. It was a relaxed pace - not difficult at all. The hike saw several different areas around the volcano, but not the caldera itself. We then changed to swimsuits and hiked short hike to the waterfall to swim. It was a beautiful view, but the water was a bit cold! After the swim, we went to lunch at a local restaurant. There was a buffet with several options and everything was very tasty. After lunch, we drove to the hot springs area, where we painted each other with the warm mud, then rinsed it off and sat in the hot springs, which was very relaxing and a great way to end the day. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone.”

Brien C • Submitted 27 Oct 2017

“

This tour was great! The description is accurate and it was a great way to spend a day of our vacation. The hike was interesting, the hot springs/mud bath was different and fun to do and the waterfall/swimming was so refreshing. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

Kim J • Submitted 14 Apr 2017

“

This tour was fantastic. Our guide, Juan Carlos was great! He takes his job seriously and just loves nature. We saw lots of monkeys and birds and we got to swim in a waterfall! The hike is more like a walk, so don't be discouraged if you're not into actual hiking. Lunch was really good and the mud bath was a lot of fun too. It was a great way to spend the day and do a lot of things all in one tour!”

cap1680 • Submitted 25 Jan 2017

“

Swimming in crystal clear waters was refreshing. The sights are breath taking. The hike was rejuvenating and lunch was delicious. Our guide was very knowledgeable and quite in touch with nature. I loved it.”

Graciela Q • Submitted 05 Aug 2016

“

I loved hiking at Rincon de La Vieja. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. The sites were breath taking, swimming in the crystal clear water of the waterfall was so refreshing. Lunch was delicious. The hot springs were a relaxing treat.”

Graciela Q • Submitted 10 Aug 2016

“

This tour was amazing! Rafeal and our driver were great!! The tour was very informative. I loved the entire tour but the hot springs was by far the best part. You will definitely enjoy the costa Rican lunch provided. You must bring bug spray!!”

megan b • Submitted 11 Jul 2016

“

Was fantastic, so glad we chose this!! Raphael was the best guide, so personable and informative. The sights were breathtaking.”

Jennifer B • Submitted 12 Jul 2016

“

This is definitely recommended. We had a good time and the sights are absolutely stunning, especially the waterfall. The tour guides were great, cheerful and informative and we could not have been happier.”

Stephanie.lucasparks • Submitted 22 Jun 2016

“

Such an awesome hike! Our tour guide, Miguel, was absolutely amazing and informative. Loved the waterfall at the end of our day. The lunch was also amazing. I would highly recommend, although it's a little bit more aggressive of a hike than we realized!”

Kelli G • Submitted 24 Mar 2016

“

The specifics I wanted to know before I went: -approximately 9 km total distance -1km vertical change -lots of steps/stairs -a little treacherous terrain (slippery spots, mud, gravel, etc) -30% concrete path 70% dirt path The part of the hike through steam pots was what you expect, visiting about 5 areas. We saw 3 types of monkeys, with a set of Capuchins at about 10 meters, several iguanas, toucans, and various butterflies along the way. Lunch was a buffet of grilled chicken, carnitas, spaghetti, and salad choices at the restaurant in the park. While the carnitas were a bit tough, it was some of the best grilled chicken I had in Costa Rica. Not fancy, but very tasty. The waterfall in the park was secluded and ok, but not anything special in a land of many waterfalls. Ending in the hot spring baths was fun, and you get to meet people. I highly recommend bringing (or buying at the top) something cool to drink in the hot pools. HOWEVER, the only public toilets are at the top of the hill. Caveat Bladder.”

Daaron D • Submitted 30 Jul 2019

“

Very interesting tour. A lot of hiking but doable. tour guide could have been more attentive. We could have used a few more minutes more at the thermal springs.”

Rheta Campbell S • Submitted 14 Jan 2019

“

After recovering from the disappointing fact that we waited at our hotel from 7:00 a.m. which was the time we were told to be ready until someone showed up at 8:00, the remainder of the tour was very good. Our guide was somewhat knowledgeable he said that before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, there were no indigenous people living in Costa Rica--which is totally inaccurate and he spotted monkeys in the trees before any of us saw them while I the jungle part of the tour. Most of the tour was spent walking on very groomed trails, some of which were actually concrete. There was a lot of wind that day in fact, there was a lot of wind most days we were in Costa Rica, so we were told not to expect much in terms of seeing wildlife. We didn't see any tropical birds, which was disappointing. After the walk through the jungle, we returned to our starting point, and from there we changed into bathing suits the only place to change was a rather dirty and tiny men's room--best to wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you don't have to use that place and we headed for a swim in a pool just under a lovely waterfall. The water was chilly, but the experience was delightful. We were driven to a lovely hotel in the middle of nowhere, with exquisite grounds, and a restaurant, which served up a lunch which was tipico, consisting of rice and beans, fried plantain, and choice of beef, pork, or chicken. Portions were huge, with plenty left over for the young woman from England to put everyone's leftovers in two plastic containers which would provide her, she said, with enough food for the next two days. The final aspect of the tour was to head to hot springs, where we could relax in the warm to hot water, get out and paint mud from the volcano all over our exposed skin, let it dry, and then wash it off either in the river on the side of the hot springs, or an outdoor and not enclosed shower built for that purpose. On the way to the hot springs, we stopped in our tracks, because there was another occupant that got there before us. It was a boa constrictor! That was one wildlife sighting we hadn't expected. Our guide solved the impasse by picking up a large portion of a fallen branch, walking up toward the snake, putting the branch underneath it, and flipping the boa off the trail into the vegetation at the side of the trail, after which the snake slithered away and we continued our walk. There were about 10 of us in the group--a very nice size for an outing of this type. WARNING! Although the brochure indicates you should bring along water, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel, etc., our guide told us we would be fine just carrying the bottle of water he gave us. Put on insect repellent before you start the hike! We were bitten by who knows what on our legs, arms, and face. The bites didn't seem so bad at first, but it is now over a week since I noticed them, and they are still itching like crazy!”

isobol • Submitted 07 Feb 2017

“

Great trip! The guide were great and very accommodating. The variety of the trip was awesome! We really loved the day spent here!”

KATHRINE W • Submitted 18 Jan 2016

“

Our guide was certainly very nice and was a safe driver to and from the volcano, but he didn't seem very agressive about finding birds and other wildlife for us to see.”

Amy S • Submitted 23 May 2017

“

The trip was spoilt by the poor communication from the tour guide. Another group sharing the transport were late and no attempt was made catch back this time by limiting the time spent at a planned stop. consequently what could have been a stop of ten minutes turned in to over 30 minutes which put us even further behind schedule. When we reached the Park the transfer bus for the activities group had already left so we were left waiting while the activities group got changed. No explanation was offered. As a result we were two hours late meeting our guide who was not in the best of humours - we spotted more wild life than he did during the walk. After the walk we transported to the restaurant where the food was passed its best as the we were still running late. We were left at the restaurant for a further hour with no explanation or updates. On the return journey we had to explain which hotel we were staying at to prevent any further delays to what was a very frustrating day.”

David J • Submitted 30 Aug 2016