easy
3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires light walking on uneven, sometimes muddy trails.
Discover Costa Rica’s Rio Negro Hot Springs, a soothing volcanic retreat near Liberia where mineral-rich waters, tropical forests, and authentic local flavors come together for a three-hour restorative escape.
Ages 4+ • 3 Hour Adventure!
Experience the rejuvenating Rio Negro Hot Springs in Costa Rica, where mineral-rich thermal waters flow from the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Enjoy a self-guided tour through lush tropical forests, indulge in soothing volcanic mud treatments, and relax in serene pools, all while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
3 Hours
This is a self-guided tour to Rio Negro Hot Springs and mud baths. The mineral-rich thermal waters have rejuvenating and therapeutic properties that have been appreciated for centuries by all peoples around the world. When you visit Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín and Rincón de la Vieja, you can experience the incredible hot springs of Rio Negro.
Beautiful and relaxing, the volcanic hot springs at Hacienda Guachipelín bubble up on the Rio Negro, naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano - the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Surrounded by a dense dry tropical forest, the Río Negro Hot Springs are a beautiful and peaceful place. The crystal clear waters of the river flow near the 10 pools built on the riverbank and filled with thermal waters filled with minerals, naturally heated in the depths of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. You can access pools on both banks of the river thanks to two suspension bridges.
You can use hot volcanic mud, which allows you to have a spa-like treatment on your entire body. When the mud dries, you can wash it in the cold waters of the river before entering the thermal water pools again. We have dressing rooms, bathrooms and lockers at the entrance of the hot springs. From there you can walk 350 meters along a beautiful path in the woods until you reach the thermal springs.
Thermal pools and mud treatments require suitable clothing and foot protection for comfort and safety.
You’ll want dry clothes for after your soak to stay comfortable for the rest of your day.
Protect your skin without harming the delicate natural ecosystem of the springs and surrounding forest.
Thermal hot springs can dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water before and after your visit.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park, established in 1973, preserves volcanic activity alongside rich biodiversity unique to Costa Rica’s northwest region.
The site follows strict guidelines to protect its delicate ecosystems, encouraging visitors to minimize waste and avoid chemical pollutants.
Necessary for enjoying the hot springs and mud baths comfortably.
Protect feet on rocky or slippery surfaces in and around pools.
Useful for drying off after the hot springs soak.
Summer showers are common; stay dry while hiking the trails.
summer specific