Costa Rica volcanoes are alluring. There are the hot springs and the mud baths, the hikes and the history. And, if we’re talking active volcanoes, there’s also just a tinge (or should we say, a singe) of thrill – what is it really like to walk along the slopes of an active volcano? (Answer: Incredible! And definitely thrilling. Totally lives up to the hype.) 

Did you know that there are at least five active volcanoes in Costa Rica? They are Arenal Volcano, Poás Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, and Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. (Note that we said “at least five”? Barva Volcano, which last erupted 8,000 years ago but displays occasional activity, is sometimes also classed as active.) 

The majority of these Costa Rica volcanoes are located in central Costa Rica, with just two outliers: Arenal Volcano (still somewhat central) and Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which is located right here in our northwestern province of Guanacaste. And that’s where we’re honing our focus today. 

Named after local legend – a princess whose father threw her unworthy lover into the volcano – Rincón de la Vieja is a natural and outdoor-adventure wonderland of roaring rivers and boiling mud pots, volcanic fumaroles and epic hikes. There are so many things to see and ways to explore, you could spend a week here and still have more to do. 

So, let’s narrow it down to a few (okay, seven) of our favorite Rincón de la Vieja experiences: 

Experience #1: Hot Springs + Volcanic Mud

There is no volcano experience more iconic than a soak in the hot springs while smeared with a thick layer of volcanic mud. There, we said it.  

That said, hot springs are also one of the most alluring activities in our area, if not all of Costa Rica. And, while Costa Rica volcanoes and their hot springs are sprinkled throughout the country (and while we may be a little bit biased), we think that those at Rincon de la Vieja are some of the best.

Depending on which hot springs you visit, you’ll be surrounded either by dense tropical rainforest or rare tropical dry forest – both, incredible sights that will add to your day’s immersive (literally!) experience. Either way, you’ll be treated to thermal, volcano-fed, mineral-rich, natural hot springs that are said to have restorative and even medicinal properties. 

Perhaps the most well-known near Rincón de la Vieja are the Río Negro hot springs – quite appropriately (given Costa Rican humor and naming conventions), the water here is crystal clear! – where the volcano’s intense thermal energy feeds dozens of pools. Here, you’ll slather yourself with mineral-rich volcanic mud (like the spa, only straight from Mother Earth!) and take a soak in natural waters that have long been said to relieve pain, soothe arthritis, and rejuvenate the skin. 

Experience #2: Las Pailas National Park Hike

If the hot springs are the most iconic Costa Rica volcanoes experience, then Rincón de la Vieja’s Las Pailas trail may just be our favorite volcano experience. There, we said it (again!). 

It all comes down to scarcity: Nowhere else in Costa Rica (and perhaps, even the world) can you witness the sheer diversity of sights than along the Las Pailas trail. Let’s start with just the highlights: We’re talking boiling mudpots, waterfalls, volcano fumaroles, hot springs (not the swimming kind), and even a mini volcano.

Let’s discuss a little more in depth, now: The Las Pailas trail wends its way over footbridge and stream, past strangler figs and seasonal waterfall, on its way to its volcanic inheritance: Las Pailas, aka “The Cauldron,” a system of boiling mud pots; small and steaming fumaroles, which you can smell from a kilometer away (if the wind blow right); and a volcancito, or small volcano whose crater sits just feet from your own. The volcano is literally all around you.

And if that’s not enough excitement for your day, then take the La Cangreja trail down to its roaring waterfall (best in rainy months), cool lagoon, and a picture-perfect swimming hole. And if that’s still not enough, tack on a hike to the Colorado River and its 82-foot Oropendola Waterfall, where you can spot a wide variety of wildlife as you swim in the waters below.  

Experience #3: The Canyon Zipline

Okay, people, buckle up because we’re going to hit you with another must-see, must-do. Because if the hot springs are one of the most iconic experiences at Costa Rica volcanoes, and if Las Pailas is one of the most unique hikes in Costa Rica, then this is one of the most exhilarating, most distinctive, most scenic canopy zipline tours in the world.

Bear with us because we’re not just blowing smoke (haha). Here’s the truth: All zipline tours are exciting. They’ll fill you with joy and wonder and a good shot of adrenaline. But a very few canopy tours are truly and unequivocally unforgettable – the kind that inspire awe and build curiosity, and that make you want to absorb every moment, wrap your memories up with a bow, and preserve them in your heart and mind for the rest of forever. This is one of the latter.  

Set into a lush river canyon – we’re talking literally: this canopy tour zig-zags back and forth over the river! – the zipline adventure wows you before you even fly out onto the first line. But it’s more than the one-of-a-kind scenery and canyon experience that will steal your heart: This zipline tour is incredibly dynamic, packing in so much more, including seven cables, rappelling, a real Tarzan swing (over the rushing river!), and rock-climbing.

Experience #4: The Jungle Waterslide

If you choose to swap Las Pailas and Rincón de la Vieja’s dry forest slopes for its rainforested hillside, then you’ll also grant yourself access to one of Costa Rica’s most inimitable attractions: the jungle waterslide! You can’t make this stuff up.

Set into the dense rainforest, the jungle waterslide stretches an incredible 450 meters (1,480 feet) of pure, high-speed, adrenaline-infused fun. We’re talking the kind of fun that makes grown adults squeal and that you’ll have to wear a helmet to enjoy. In other words, this slide is not your average waterpark attraction!

Instead, this is a thrilling and one-of-a-kind way to experience the jungle. Fueled by gravity and natural river waters, the slide sends you through parts of the rainforest you might not otherwise see. Aside from the occasional poop-flinging howler monkey gone rogue – they’re mighty interested in all the humans yelling! – you’re perfectly safe, thanks to your helmet and the slide’s high sides.

Experience #5: White-Water Rafting

Admittedly, there are lots of white-water rafting opportunities, especially in this country. (Rafters all over the world have Costa Rica on their bucket lists.) But how many take you paddling through the slopes of Costa Rica volcanoes? Answer: Not many!

Located near the base of the volcano, the Colorado River offers a part-adrenaline, part-sightseeing paddle along Class II-III rapids. It’s incredibly safe while also incredibly thrilling – pairing heavy maneuvering, the occasional froth, and mid-water boulders with the natural sights and sounds of the rainforest all around you. 

Class II-III rapids not quite your speed (my, but we are punny today!)? Try your hand at paddling the nearby Tenorio River and its Class III-IV rapids. And did someone say there’s a Class V, 12-foot waterfall freefall?! Oh right, that was us. 

Family-Friendly Tip: Traveling with kids (or just don’t fancy frothing white waters)? Swap out the rafting for a more tranquil tubing adventure. Note that we said “more tranquil,” rather than tranquil! Because, while you won’t hit mini-waterfalls or churning waters, you can hit the occasional fast-paced rapid (especially in the rainy season). It’s exhilarating without being too exhilarating!

Experience #6: Summiting Rincón de la Vieja (Crater Trail)

This one’s for the serious hikers, the thrill-chasers, and the adrenaline junkies among us! Welcome to one of Costa Rica’s more strenuous bucket-list challenges: Summiting Rincón de la Vieja’s Active Crater Trail!

Let’s start with the bits you absolutely need to know: This is a 16-km (10-mile) round-trip hike that climbs some serious elevation and can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to walk. If that’s within your activity wheelhouse, then let’s continue! 

Paired with an experienced guide and plenty of water, this is one of Costa Rica’s least-trekked but most worth-it hikes. To begin, there’s the scenery: The Active Crater Trail takes you on a remarkable climb from dry forest to tropical wet forest to high-montane cloud forest – and through the habitats of endangered Baird’s tapirs, jaguars, and pumas, among others.  

And when you reach the top, you’ll have a sweeping panoramic view of all of Guanacaste (and into Nicaragua!), plus several of Rincón de la Vieja’s remarkable volcanic craters (there are nine!). It’s quite the sight.

Note: For obvious safety reasons, this trail closes whenever there is predicted volcanic activity. (Remember, Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano.) Ask us about current conditions and hiking possibilities!  

Experience #7: Horseback Riding

Let’s say most of the above doesn’t interest you. You’re not much of a hiker and you don’t care for an adrenaline rush. But you do want to check active Costa Rica volcanoes on your to-see list and you do want to soak in some hot springs. 

We have just the ticket! If you didn’t already know, then now you will: Our province of Guanacaste was once dedicated cattle country, home to savannah land and ranches for almost as far as the eye could see (that is, before hitting an active volcano, ocean, or towering mountain!). And today, while much of Guanacaste is now devoted to more leisurely pursuits, our ranching heritage endures. 

And that means that this is horseback country, too. Saddling up a trusted mount is absolutely tradition here, thanks to both our history and terrain. So, indulge in a little bit of Costa Rican history and Guanacastecan heritage, and saddle up for a relaxing walk through Rincón de la Vieja backcountry. Not only will you access some of the volcano’s lovely vistas but you’ll also find your way through topography where human footsteps rarely fall. 

Looking to Summit Costa Rica Volcanoes and Tackle Adventure?

Thrills, be they of the adrenaline or wondrous variety, are one of Costa Rica’s most enduring travel promises. And, if you ask us, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano offers some of the best!

Whether you’re already set on your favorite volcano adventure or just want to discuss the options more in depth, we’re here to help you choose the activities that are best (and well suited) for you and your travel companions. So, let us know: What are your dreams and hopes, your must-haves, and your big wishes for your time here? If it’s possible, it’s our job to make it happen.

Because at Blue Zone Experience, we’ve built our reputation based on 5-star service, select vacation rental homes, and Guanacaste’s best tours and activities. The truth, though? Our true passion is you and your experience. 

What you may not know is that, when you book one of our homes, you gain access to our free concierge services: on-the-ground expertise, curated tours and transportation options, and a one-on-one with your personal concierge, who will have your back from the moment you begin planning until the day you return home.

So, please, get in touch! We can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!