Horseback Ride & Hike at Rincon de la Vieja | Hacienda Guachipelin
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in reasonable physical condition comfortable with 2.5 miles of hiking on uneven terrain and a 45-minute horseback ride.
Overview
Saddle up for a 5-hour horseback and hiking adventure through Rincon de la Vieja’s volcanic landscapes. Hacienda Guachipelin offers a unique journey to Las Pailas where geothermal wonders and tropical wildlife converge.
Horseback Riding to Las Pailas Trail | National Park
Ages 4+ • 5 Hour Adventure!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 5-hour adventure at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Costa Rica! Experience a scenic horseback ride through lush forests, followed by a captivating hike in the national park. Witness the volcano's unique geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, making this a must-do for nature lovers.
Duration
5 Hours
About
Hiking at the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano should be on everyone’s Costa Rica adventure list! Our Guanacaste day tour combines the best of hiking in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park with fun horseback riding.
From Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, you will ride our friendly ranch horses 45 minutes on a pretty forest trail to the Las Pailas entrance of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. 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. Steam and sulfur pour out of yellow and rust-colored ground at natural fumaroles. Clay and coffee-colored pools boil with hot volcanic water. Smooth gray volcanic mud bubbles and explodes in large pits. It’s an 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, and volcanic activity. You will cross little rivers and see small waterfalls along the trail. More than 300 bird species live here, along with animals like white-faced, howler and spider monkeys, armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, snakes, and white-nosed coatis.
ENTRANCE FEE TO THE PARK IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RATE
What to Bring
Camera, long pants, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
Adventure Tips
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes
Protect your legs and feet from brush, insects, and volcanic terrain during the horseback and hiking portions.
Bring plenty of water
Hydration is crucial as the dry tropical forest can get hot and humid, especially during the hike.
Use insect repellent
Mosquitoes are common near streams and forested areas along the trail; repellent will help keep bites at bay.
Park entrance fee not included
Remember to budget for the Rincon de la Vieja park entry fee, which supports conservation efforts.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-faced capuchin monkeys
- Collared peccaries
History
Rincon de la Vieja National Park, established in 1995, preserves eruptive activity and diverse ecosystems that have shaped the Guanacaste region's cultural heritage.
Conservation
Hacienda Guachipelin practices sustainable tourism by managing horse trails and educating visitors on minimizing ecological impact within the volcanic park.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Liberia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protect feet on rocky volcanic paths and provide stability during horseback riding.
Long pants
Shields legs from brush, insects, and sun during horseback and hiking portions.
Sunscreen
Vital for protecting exposed skin in open volcanic areas with direct sun.
Insect repellent
Keeps mosquitoes and biting insects at bay, especially near streams.
summer specific