Horseback & Hiking Adventure at Hacienda Guachipelin, Guanacaste
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to comfortably manage horseback riding combined with hiking over uneven terrain and river crossings.
Overview
Ride into Costa Rica’s volcanic frontier with Hacienda Guachipelin. Trek Las Pailas trail, witness bubbling fumaroles, and swim beneath the 82-foot Oropendola Waterfall in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Horseback Riding to La Oropendola Waterfall + Las Pailas trail Rincon De La Vieja National Park
Ages 4+ • 4 Hour Adventure!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour adventure in Guanacaste, exploring the stunning Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Hike through vibrant landscapes, witness volcanic wonders, and encounter diverse wildlife. Conclude your journey with a refreshing swim beneath the breathtaking 82-foot Oropendula Waterfall, immersing yourself in a tropical paradise.
Duration
4 Hours
About
Enjoy a perfect day tour in Guanacaste hiking in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, horseback riding, and visiting the spectacular Oropendula Waterfall.
From Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, you will ride 45 minutes on a pleasant 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 Rincón 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. You will cross little rivers and see small waterfalls along the trail. 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, you’ll be ready for a refreshing swim in the Oropendula Waterfall. It is a short walk from the national park entrance on a trail with varying terrain to get down to the river bottom. The Oropendola Waterfall plunges an impressive 82 feet (25 meters) to a sparkling turquoise pool in the lush canyon of the Rio Blanco (White River), creating a picturesque tropical oasis.
ENTRANCE FEE TO THE PARK IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RATE
What to Bring
Camera, long pants, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, swimsuit, insect repellent, and a hat.
Adventure Tips
Wear closed-toe shoes
The trails involve rocky, uneven terrain and river crossings—solid footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
Bring insect repellent
Expect mosquitoes and biting insects along forested sections and near water sources, particularly during rainy months.
Pack swimwear and towel
A swim in Oropendola Waterfall’s cool pool caps the trip; prepare with appropriate gear to fully enjoy the experience.
Arrive early to avoid midday heat
Starting your adventure earlier in the day helps you avoid the hottest hours under the tropical sun.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-faced capuchin monkeys
- Collared peccaries
History
Rincón de la Vieja National Park was established in 1973 to protect the largest active volcano in Guanacaste along with its rich biodiversity.
Conservation
Hacienda Guachipelin supports sustainable tourism efforts emphasizing trail preservation and wildlife protection within the park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Protect feet from rough volcanic terrain and provide grip during river crossings.
Insect repellent
Helps prevent bites from mosquitoes and other insects common in tropical forests.
summer specific
Lightweight long pants
Offers protection from sun and insects while allowing breathability during the hike.
Swimsuit
Recommended for cooling off with a swim in the Oropendola Waterfall pool.