Is this tour private?

Yes. Your group travels with your own bilingual naturalist guide and private air-conditioned transport.

What time do we leave and how long is the tour?

We leave at 7:00 AM. The tour lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on where you are staying.

How hard is the hike?

Moderate. The Las Pailas loop is about 2.5 miles on a forest trail with some uneven ground, and the waterfall has stairs. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with back problems.

Can we swim at the waterfall?

Yes. You can swim in the pool at Oropéndola Waterfall, so wear or bring your swimsuit.

What are the Río Negro hot springs like?

They are natural pools of different temperatures along the Río Negro, in the forest, heated by the volcano. You can also put on warm volcanic mud.

What will we see in the park?

Fumaroles, boiling mud pots and volcanic vents, plus two types of forest. Monkeys, coatis, agoutis, lizards and many birds live in the park, and your guide helps you spot them.

Yes. Lunch, bottled water and soft drinks are included.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. The national park, the waterfall and the hot springs are all included.

Is the park open every day?

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is closed on Mondays, so this tour runs Tuesday to Sunday. It also depends on good weather.

Closed shoes, comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a camera.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private, air-conditioned round-trip transport from your hotel is included.

Is it good for families?

Absolutely. It is a private tour, so we adapt the pace and stops to your group, including kids.

Can we choose our own date?

Yes. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size and we will confirm availability.

We will walk you through the options when you book. It is quick and secure.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes. All our tours are for a minimum of 2 people.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes. For groups of more than 4 people, ask us about our group discounts when you book.

What is your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation more than 48 hours before your tour or transfer. Cancellations between 24 and 48 hours before are charged 30%. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice, or no-shows, are charged 100%.

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Hot Springs

Overview

A full day on an active volcano

A private day on the slopes of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano: a hike through the national park past steaming vents and bubbling mud, a swim at Oropéndola Waterfall and a long soak in the natural hot springs of the Río Negro.

The day starts in the Las Pailas sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The trail is a loop of about 2.5 miles that crosses from tropical dry forest into wetter forest, and passes fumaroles, boiling mud pots and small volcanic vents. Your bilingual naturalist guide explains what is happening under your feet and helps you spot wildlife along the way. Monkeys, coatis, agoutis, lizards and many birds live here.

After the hike we go to Oropéndola Waterfall, which drops into a turquoise pool inside a canyon. A short trail and stairs take you down to the water, where you can swim.

The day ends at the Río Negro hot springs: natural pools of different temperatures set along the river in the forest, heated by the volcano, with warm volcanic mud to put on your skin before you rinse off. Lunch, private transport, your guide, bottled water and all entrance fees are included.

What you can see

Three stops in one day

Las Pailas trail

Fumaroles and boiling mud pots

Oropéndola Waterfall

Swim in a turquoise canyon pool

Río Negro hot springs

Natural pools by the river

Volcanic mud

Warm mud, then rinse and soak

Dry and wet forest

Two forests on one trail

Hanging bridge

Cross over the hot pools

Your day

Itinerary

7:00 AM

Pickup at your hotel

Your guide and private air-conditioned vehicle pick you up and drive to Rincón de la Vieja.
About 2 hours

Hike in the national park

Walk the Las Pailas loop, about 2.5 miles, past fumaroles, boiling mud pots and volcanic vents, looking for wildlife with your guide.
About 1 hour

Oropéndola Waterfall

Walk down the short trail and stairs to the waterfall and swim in its turquoise pool.
Lunch

Lunch at the hacienda

Sit down to lunch at a traditional hacienda next to the park.
About 1.5 hours

Río Negro hot springs

Put on warm volcanic mud, rinse off and relax in the natural hot pools along the river.
Afternoon

Back to your hotel

Private transport back to your hotel.