Hiking & Hot Springs at Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness; expect some uphill and uneven terrain.
Overview
Traverse volcanic landscapes and unwind in mineral-rich hot springs on this half-day adventure at Rincón de la Vieja National Park with Hacienda Guachipelin. Witness steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pits, and diverse wildlife before soaking in natural thermal pools.
Hike to Las Pailas Rincon De La Vieja National Park + Río Negro Hot Springs & Mud Baths
Ages 4+ • 5 Hour Adventure!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the breathtaking Las Pailas area of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Costa Rica, where steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pits await. Hike through diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, then unwind at the Rio Negro Hot Springs, enjoying mineral-rich waters and rejuvenating volcanic clay treatments in a serene tropical setting.
Duration
5 Hours
About
Meaning “The Cauldrons” in Spanish, the Las Pailas area spectacularly shows off the awesome power of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Steaming fumaroles, mini-geysers and bubbling volcanic mud pits give you an incredible experience like no other volcano in Costa Rica.
Hiking in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park on the Las Pailas loop trail takes you 2.5 miles (3.5 km) through dry tropical forest to see the best views of the volcano, incredible nature, volcanic activity, and wildlife. Our bilingual naturalist guide will point out many of the 300 bird species that live here, and any other animals, like white-faced, howler and spider monkeys, armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, snakes, or white-nosed coatis. When you finish your hike, a car will be ready to take you to the Rio Negro Hot Springs, one of the most popular attractions at Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Surrounded by thick tropical dry forest, Rio Negro (Black River) flows through 10 man-made pools filled with steaming mineral-rich volcanic waters. You access pools on both sides of the river by two hanging bridges. Heated volcanic clay is available to smooth all over like a spa “body masque.” After it dries, wash it off with cold river water before jumping back in the hot pools.
There are changing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers at the hot springs entrance. From there, you will walk a beautiful trail less than a quarter-mile (350 meters) through the forest to the hot springs pools.
ENTRANCE FEE TO THE PARK IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RATE
Adventure Tips
Carry plenty of water
The dry forest sun can be intense—stay hydrated throughout the hike.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails are uneven and can be slippery near volcanic mud pits.
Bring insect repellent
Mosquitoes are common, especially near the hot springs and forest areas.
Respect thermal features
Stay on marked paths; volcanic areas can be unstable and dangerous.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-faced capuchin monkeys
- Collared peccaries
History
Rincón de la Vieja National Park was established in 1973, preserving one of Costa Rica's most volcanic landscapes and dry tropical forests.
Conservation
Hacienda Guachipelin supports sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing minimal impact on sensitive volcanic areas and promoting wildlife habitat preservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects feet on rocky, uneven, and sometimes slippery volcanic trails.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is critical, especially under the tropical sun.
Light rain jacket
Useful during afternoon showers to stay dry and comfortable.
summer specific
Swimsuit
Necessary for enjoying the mineral pools and volcanic clay treatments at the hot springs.