Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs

Outty Ranking 73 5.0 · 25 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $95
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs worth booking?

Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs is a 3-hour experience in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, from $95 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
5/5 (25)
Duration
3 hours
From
$95 per person

Get ready for an unforgettable experience with our road trip from Liberia, where you'll enjoy the breathtaking mountain range, nature, and unique scenery of Guanacaste! After a 25 km drive through stunning landscapes, you'll arrive at the Santa Maria Sector, part of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. We'll start our tour by delving into the culture and history at the Casona of the old Santa Maria Hacienda. Here, we'll begin a hike focused on wildlife observation and learning about the nature and forest around us. At the end of the trail, you'll find the magical blue natural pools filled with thermal mineral water, where you can immerse yourself, disconnect and relax. On the way back, we'll visit the Morpho Waterfall so you can rest your feet and dip into fresh water or simply enjoy the peaceful, loving forest and river surroundings. This is a medium-scale hike, approximately 6 km round trip, with 80% flat terrain throughout the trail, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What you get

    About this experience

    Get ready for an unforgettable experience with our road trip from Liberia, where you'll enjoy the breathtaking mountain range, nature, and unique scenery of Guanacaste! After a 25 km drive through stunning landscapes, you'll arrive at the Santa Maria Sector, part of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. We'll start our tour by delving into the culture and history at the Casona of the old Santa Maria Hacienda. Here, we'll begin a hike focused on wildlife observation and learning about the nature and forest around us. At the end of the trail, you'll find the magical blue natural pools filled with thermal mineral water, where you can immerse yourself, disconnect and relax. On the way back, we'll visit the Morpho Waterfall so you can rest your feet and dip into fresh water or simply enjoy the peaceful, loving forest and river surroundings. This is a medium-scale hike, approximately 6 km round trip, with 80% flat terrain throughout the trail, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local Maps, nature guide books, binoculars, first aid kit
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Bottled water
    • Insect repellent, sunscreen
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja

      Road trip from Liberia observing the mountain range, nature, and the scenery of Guanacaste. What a way to start the experience! After enjoying the landscape for 25 km, you will reach Santa Maria Sector, which belongs to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. We will start the tour with a lot of culture and knowledge at the Casona of the old Hacienda Santa Maria and the initiate our hike doing wildlife observation and learning from nature and the forest. At the end of the trail, we will find the magical blue natural pools with thermal mineral water where you can go in and disconnect mind and body, relaxing and breathing the essences of the volcano. On the way back we will visit the Morpho Water fall and the Enchanted Forrest Waterfall, where you can rest your feet and dip into fresh water, or just enjoy the peaceful loving forest and river around you. This is a medium-scale hike, approximately 6kms round trip, 80% of flat terrain throughout the trail, making it more accessible and enjoyable.

      240 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Playa Hermosa

    Parking lot at Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, Sector Santa Maria. To reach this place you should take the national route #918 for 25 km from Liberia Guanacaste, 50101

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Parking lot at Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, Sector Santa Maria. To reach this place you should take the national route #918 for 25 km from Liberia Guanacaste, 50101

    Options you can book

    • Hike & Hot springs Rio Negro

      Hike and Natural Hot springs: After the hike & 10 min drive we get Rio Negro Natural Hot springs to relax and enjoy the volcano mud and the warm pools

    • Hike & Transportation

      Transportation included: Included transportation for any hotel or houses.

    • Hike & Hot Springs Rio Negro

      Hot springs: After the hike, just 10 min drive, you reached Rio Negro natural Hot springs to relax and volcano mud for exfoliation Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

    • Hike, lunch & waterfall

      Oropendula waterfall Tour: After a 20-minute drive and 25 min round-trip you will arrive at the stunning Oropéndula Waterfall & crystal-clear water Costa Rican Lunch: Enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch in a beautiful open-air restaurant surrounded by nature

    • Regular hike

      Regular hiking to Santa Maria : Hike of about 3 hours at Santa Maria Sector, to explore the natural hot spring, thefresh water waterfall, and the rainforest

    • Hike, lunch & river

      Visit a Turquise pool river: After 45 min drive, we reach the Coyotes River pool with turquoise water for relaxing tubing, scenery, a cave, & waterfall Costa Rican Lunch: After a 20-minute drive, we arrive at a charming open-air restaurant owned by a local family to taste the real local flavor

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Costa Rica Excursions Travel

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Natural pools of mineral thermal water in the middle of the forest. A unique natural place of healing water where you can relax your body and mind...Wonderful scenery just to start the hike to the natural thermal pools, Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs in Playa HermosaWaterfall fresh water, Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs in Playa HermosaGreat trail to walk carefully through the rainforest and feel nature., Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs in Playa HermosaWaterfall fresh water, Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs in Playa HermosaKeel Billed Toucan, Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs in Playa Hermosa

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    25 verified traveler reviews for Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    25
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Discover48687148314 · May 2026

    Rincon adventure

    Alejandro was great! We met at the Volcano for the hike and then went to the Oropendolo waterfall. Much needed cooling off after the hike. It is an easy walk right across from where you come out from the hike. We had lunch at a great buffet and then did the tubing down the river. We had a blast! Alejandro knows his way around the Volcano and pointed out all the different wildlife! Would do this again!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your words. We love our country and we love to share with everybody this magic paradise. Plaese keep traveling and exploring Costa Rica

    via Tripadvisor

    529andrese · August 2025

    Peaceful experience!

    I recently visited Rincon de la Vieja to go see some of the waterfalls and hot springs at the park. I was greeted by Michael who is one of the park rangers on site. Michael and the rest of the team on site do a phenomenal job at maintaining the park well organized and easy to navigate! Every one of the rangers make you feel at home and are very passionate at what they do.. For those that are visiting Costa Rica for the first time, I highly recommend coming here so you can truly appreciate it's natural beauties and lush tropical environments as well as all the wild life that lives in the reserve. I will definitely be coming back again!

    Response from the operator: Thanks for comong to our country and our volcano which is one of the most amazing places in Costa Rica. The culture and the real people make Costa Rica a paradise for local and for everybody, please coming back to explore more places!!

    via Tripadvisor

    xxnach_xxc2021 · March 2025

    Amazing Experience at Rincón de la Vieja!

    In June 2024, my family and I had an unforgettable tour of Rincón de la Vieja National Park and the hot springs, made even better by our incredible guide, John Alejandro. John’s passion and knowledge brought the park to life, to its stunning rainforest trails. He made sure we spotted wildlife, shared fascinating insights, and kept the whole experience fun and engaging. After an adventurous hike, the hot springs were the perfect way to relax and soak in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. This tour was the highlight of our trip, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: We had an amazing adventure at one of the best place in Costa Rica to walk, the amazing Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, active and many different natural volcano resources to show and enjoy. This is magic place to visit and explore, pura vida!

    via Tripadvisor

    blessonandprettyj · March 2025

    Great experience with Alberto!

    We had an excellent experience during our tour with Alberto. He was a great guide during our hike, pointing out many animals and giving so much interesting information during the hike. He also took some great pictures that he shared with us afterwards. I highly recommend the Costa Rica Excursions team and wouldn't hesitate to use them for a future trip. Pura vida!

    Response from the operator: Alberto is one of our best guides and the place that you visita its a incredible nature and unique place of Costa Rica and Guanacaste. Thank you!

    via Tripadvisor

    LuisAlfonso_C · August 2024

    Amazing!

    The tour was amazing, such great sights and a nice dip in the hot springs/waterfall. The tour guides were so nice and friendly!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $95 to $250
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)57
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)63
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Hermosa.

    How much does Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs cost?

    +

    Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Hermosa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa Hermosa is not rushed.

    Is Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Hermosa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa Hermosa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa Hermosa and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa Hermosa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Playa Hermosa?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Playa Hermosa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day, White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal, Guachipelin Zipline, River Tubing, Horseback Ride, Hot springs & Lunch Combo. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Playa Hermosa?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Playa Hermosa?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    Included: Local Maps, nature guide books, binoculars, first aid kit; and Snacks. Not included: Bottled water; Insect repellent, sunscreen; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    Parking lot at Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, Sector Santa Maria. To reach this place you should take the national route #918 for 25 km from Liberia Guanacaste, 50101 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    Across 25 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Rincon de la Vieja/Santa Maria Hike & Hot Springs?

    +

    There are 6 options to choose from, including Hike & Hot springs Rio Negro, Hike & Transportation, Hike & Hot Springs Rio Negro, Hike, lunch & waterfall. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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