Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 266 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour worth booking?
Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour is a 8-hour experience in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, from $225 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 266 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (266)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $225 per person
This tour offers the perfect balance of a little activity in contact with nature hiking in a tropical rainforest and witnessing volcanic activity from a safe distance and the opportunity of relax at a natural swimming pool at the base of a beautiful waterfall and as a plus end up with a deserved break in the volcanic mineral hot springs. All this at the convenience of going in a private and comfortable transportation. By providing private transportation and a personal tour guide to each individual tour. We guarantee flexibility and a very personalized experience. WE JUST ADDED A LITE VERSION OF THE TOUR. CHECK IT OUT. In order to make your trip very enjoyable,now we also give you the opportunity to walk a shorter trail instead of the 2 hour hike , it's only about half mile walk in the forest where you can see 4 small extra waterfalls. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE LITE TOUR JUST BOOK THE TOUR AND SEND US A MESSAGE TO ASK FOR THE LITE VERSION.
What you get
About this experience
This tour offers the perfect balance of a little activity in contact with nature hiking in a tropical rainforest and witnessing volcanic activity from a safe distance and the opportunity of relax at a natural swimming pool at the base of a beautiful waterfall and as a plus end up with a deserved break in the volcanic mineral hot springs. All this at the convenience of going in a private and comfortable transportation. By providing private transportation and a personal tour guide to each individual tour. We guarantee flexibility and a very personalized experience. WE JUST ADDED A LITE VERSION OF THE TOUR. CHECK IT OUT. In order to make your trip very enjoyable,now we also give you the opportunity to walk a shorter trail instead of the 2 hour hike , it's only about half mile walk in the forest where you can see 4 small extra waterfalls. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE LITE TOUR JUST BOOK THE TOUR AND SEND US A MESSAGE TO ASK FOR THE LITE VERSION.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja
Hiking on a secondary forest trails at the base of an active volcano, this is a perfect tour for nature lovers. Bird watching,volcanic steam vents, bubbling mud and wildlife. We are adding an option for a lite version of the tour, we will take you on a shorter trail to avoid the longer Hike. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE LITE VERSION OF THE TOUR, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CHOOSING IT ON THE PRICING SECTION.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Oropendola Warterfall
This beautiful waterfall located just outside of the park is a perfect pause to refresh after the hike, you can swim on the natural pool at the bottom and relax before lunch.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Rio Negro Hot Springs
After a delicious buffet lunch, you will have the chance of discovering the healing properties of the volcanic mud and the natural hot springs,this is the best way release the stress and finish a perfect day of adventure.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Liberia
SOUVENIRS SHOPPING as an extra we will let you spend some time on the biggest souvenir shop in the country, this will be a great opportunity to try a free sample of a good quality Costa Rica coffee and chocolate. (This is an optional stop)
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
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
- Gabriel´s Custom Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 266 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
266 verified traveler reviews for Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great👍👏
Gabriel was excellent tour guide. Very informative and helpfull and considerate!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. It's always a pleasure.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing service and a great time.
Gabriel’s service was beyond what we expected. From booking to the excursion to the drive home I felt safe and welcomed. The waterfalls and hot springs were absolutely amazing. He even went above and beyond by taking some of our group back to do more hiking and see more falls when some had to stay back due to physical restrictions. We even ended up booking another excursion with him directly to go river tubing and more waterfalls. The tubbing was so fun if we had more time we would be doing another one for sure!!
Response from the operator: Thank you, is always nice to hear about your experience and knowing that you have a good time is very rewarding.
via Tripadvisor
My family and I had an...
My family and I had an amazing time on this excursion. Our guide, Gabriel, was exceptionally helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond for our group, and we actually booked other tours with him throughout our stay here in Costa Rica. If you’re thinking about booking this excursion — do it you won’t regret it!
via Viator
Our guide was terrific....
Our guide was terrific. However, the tour is more than 2 hours from Tamarindo. It was somewhat disappointing. The hike is long and there’s not much to see. The mud bath is mud in a bowl you rub on. The hot springs were pretty. The waterfall is very small and the pooled water was freezing. Too far and not worth it.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your opinion, we are sorry to hear that we couldn't fulfill your expectations. Thank you for being honest and remark that your guide was terrific. The 2 hour drive from tamarindo is the average, there are factors out of our control, like heavy traffic.
via Viator
Terrible guide - terrible run-down tourist trap location tour.
This may have just been our experience because we tried to customize the tour and it was just the two of us with an awful guide BUT, it was the very worst tour we have ever gone on. Our guide was essentially just a driver but, he joined us with another tour group and just had us follow them around. Our guide talked in circles and I don't think he understood us - we said no fewer than 10 times that we were NOT interested in the coffee/chocolate tour but, yet he had us go with the other group to do that "tour." The waterfall was nice and we enjoyed it but, zero information on it from our guide, we just did our own thing. We did get to see all types of animals on our travels just even driving and in the "man made small rainforest" - the rainforest had a wonderful tour guide it was at a place called La Roca (which looked to be abandoned). The lunch we had was delicious at the Thermo Mania place; however, it was abandoned and dilapidated water park that is used by locals - IT IS NOT a hot spring. Do not let your guide bring you there, it is a series of pools and small rock waterslides and most pools were not even filled! The people were very kind and friendly but, this was not a "Costa Rican" tour - this was awful but, mainly it was our guide just taking us to a rip off tourist trap.
Response from the operator: Hi Katherine, I am very sorry to hear about your bad experience, as you know we change the entire tour with the sole intention of pleasing you, because you wanted to see sloths and in the Rincon de la Vieja park since is such a big area is more difficult to find them. The man made rainforest as you called, is a small reserve that a local family that owns that land is protecting for the wildlife and since is a small area obviously is easier to find sloths and other animals. The original tour you book, is at the rincón de la Vieja Volcano, and the other place where you can see the sloths is at Miravalles Volcano, that is the reason of why we take you to a different waterfall and Hot springs. When the guide told me in the morning that you requested to see sloths and more wildlife then I decided to cancel the other place even when it was already booked, and started to arrange the activities at the other locations with the only intention of pleasing you. Maybe that was our mistake. Thermo mania as you mentioned is used by locals and probably for that reason didn't filled your expectations. But the thermal pool are filled with natural hot springs that comes from the Miravalles Volcano. The coffee and chocolate tour is an activity they offer at thermo mania so I decided to pay for it as an adition to your day. I deeply apologize for your bad experience, and about your awful tour guide,his name is Eugenio (Eugene)he has been working with us for almost a year and we always received good reviews about his job. You can check on the previous reviews of other travelers. However I already have a conversation with him and we will be more careful with our future customers, especially when we change things trying to ensure a good experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 93
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Hermosa.
How much does Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $225 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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 266 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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour?
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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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour?
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Around 93 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?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Lunch; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 15 listed pickup locations in and around Playa Hermosa. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour offered in?
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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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour?
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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.
What happens to Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour?
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Across 266 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. 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.
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