Is prior horseback riding experience required?

No. The horses are well-trained and guides assist riders of all skill levels.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sun protection, a swimsuit, and water.

Is park entrance included in the tour cost?

No, the entrance fee to Rincón de la Vieja National Park is separate and payable at the park.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, this trip is suitable for ages 4 and up.

How physically demanding is the hike portion?

The hike covers about 2.5 miles on varied terrain and involves some river crossings, suitable for moderate fitness levels.

What wildlife might I see during the trip?

You may encounter howler and spider monkeys, coatis, and numerous bird species including the striking oropendola.

Horseback & Hiking Adventure at Hacienda Guachipelin, Guanacaste

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Costa Rica’s Provincia de Guanacaste, Hacienda Guachipelin offers an invigorating four-hour adventure marrying horseback riding with a vigorous hike through Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Starting from the ranch’s base at 208-50101 Guanacaste Curubande, near Liberia, visitors mount well-trained horses to traverse 45 minutes of forest trail to Las Pailas—the park’s gateway to the volcanic heart of the region. Here, the Rincón de la Vieja volcano asserts itself with relentless geothermal energy: fumaroles billow steam and sulfur, hot springs bubble pools of clay and coffee-colored water, and volcanic mud churns in explosive vents. It’s a direct, tangible encounter with the geologic forces shaping this landscape.

From this base, a 2.5-mile hike on the Las Pailas loop trail cuts through dry tropical forest alive with wildlife. Spotting is aided by bilingual naturalist guides who highlight the region’s remarkable biodiversity including howler and spider monkeys, coatis, and over 300 bird species. Along the way, hikers cross rivers and discover secluded waterfalls—previews for the day’s final spectacle.

The journey culminates at the 82-foot Oropendola Waterfall where visitors can cool off with a swim in the turquoise plunge pool beneath the cascading falls. This striking cascade lies along the lush Rio Blanco Canyon and offers a refreshing contrast to the volcanic heat near Las Pailas.

Hacienda Guachipelin sits at the confluence of adventure and nature conservation, providing meaningful access to one of Guanacaste’s most dynamic outdoor playgrounds. The combination of horseback reliability, expert guidance, and access to volcanic vistas ensures this trip stands apart for those seeking authentic and tangible connections to Costa Rica’s wild interior.

About Hacienda Guachipelin

Hacienda Guachipelin is an adventure and wellness destination located in Liberia, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The property operates a wide range of guided tours, private excursions, and spa services centered around Rincón de la Vieja National Park and nearby natural attractions.

Guests can choose canopy and canyoning adventures, horseback rides to waterfalls, multi-length hikes to Las Pailas, La Oropéndola, La Cangreja and Las Chorreras, river tubing, mountain biking, and bird watching. Spa and thermal offerings include Simbiosis Spa, Río Negro hot springs and mud baths, volcanic mud treatments, magnesium massages, facials, body exfoliation, and specialized masks and wraps.

Many experiences are available as private or group options, including private canyon canopy tours, private horseback rides, private hikes, and private river tubing adventures. Multi-activity passes such as one-day nature and adventure passes combine waterfall visits, hot springs, and lunch options for full-day itineraries. Hacienda Guachipelin lists duration-flexible experiences from short spa treatments (45 minutes) to longer outings like a 5.5-hour horseback riding half-day tour.

The business provides entrance and combo packages for popular sites—Oropéndola, Chorreras and Victoria waterfalls—and offers equipment rentals such as mountain bikes. All descriptions and offerings correspond to the tours, thermal experiences, and spa services available at the Hacienda. Information is presented to help travelers select hiking routes, canopy tours, horseback excursions, tubing trips, and restorative spa treatments in Liberia, Guanacaste. Booking options include private and group reservations, and the property lists entrance fees and combo lunches for select waterfall and hot spring visits via Hacienda channels.