Costa Rica has no shortage of places where you can be exploring outside. It is the best place to go to hike, swim, and of course, zipline. However, the area surrounding Rincón de la Vieja National Park somehow manages to fit all three into a single day. It was the perfect spot to spend a week in Costa Rica and check off all the bucklist Costa Rican activities. Not only can you do the obvious must-do activities, but there is also river tubing, horseback riding, waterfall rappelling and volcanic mud baths.
This was one of the most adventure-packed portions of my Costa Rica trip. Looking for adrenaline? I have got you covered. We stayed at Hacienda Guachipelín, which made it incredibly easy to experience the national park and many of the surrounding attractions without spending half the day sitting in a vehicle. Everything was literally at our fingertips.
Although people often group everything together under the name Rincón de la Vieja, the national park and Hacienda Guachipelín’s private adventure attractions are separate. The park is where you will find official trails and volcanic features, while many activities such as Río Negro tubing, Las Chorreras Waterfall and the Río Negro Hot Springs are offered through the hacienda. They make it simple and easy to do everything on-site.
Here are the best things to do near Rincón de la Vieja if you want more than a quiet vacation beside the pool while in Costa Rica. Get ready for a trip filled with adventure!
1. Hike the Las Pailas Trail
Rincón de la Vieja National Park should be your first stop because it explains why this entire area feels so alive.
The landscape is not the dense, dripping rainforest many travelers picture when they think of Costa Rica. Much of this region is tropical dry forest, with open trails, and visible signs of volcanic activity.
The Las Pailas sector allows you to walk through different environments while seeing fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and other geothermal features created by the volcano. We completed a morning hike before moving on to our next activity, which worked well in the heat. Bring more water than you think you need, along with sunscreen, bug spray and sturdy shoes.
The park’s schedule and trail access can change, so check the official SINAC information before visiting. Some waterfall trails require visitors to begin by noon, and the Las Pailas sector is generally closed on Mondays
2. Go Tubing on the Río Negro
I have gone whitewater rafting before, but river tubing feels completely different. Instead of sitting in a raft with several other people, you are inside your own reinforced tube, bouncing through the rapids while trying to stay clear from rocks. It is chaotic in the best possible way. But be prepared, it is chaotic. There is a chance you will fall out, so listen to instructions before heading onto the water. I would highly advise not bringing your phone.
Our Río Negro tubing adventure covered approximately three miles of Class II and III rapids. Some sections were calm enough to look around at the jungle, while others had me gripping the handles and hoping my tube remained upright. Many people fell out of their tube, but rest assured, everyone was okay, other than a few bruises.
You are given a helmet and life jacket, and the guides help keep everyone moving safely through the narrower sections. Wear secure water shoes or old sneakers rather than flip-flops or crocs. You should also bring a swimsuit and waterproof sunscreen.
Hacienda Guachipelín currently offers Río Negro tubing individually and as part of combination adventure packages.
3. Try the Canyon Canopy Tour
Costa Rica is known for ziplining, but the canyon canopy experience near Rincón de la Vieja involves much more than gliding between a few platforms.
The course follows a canyon formed by the Blanco River and can include zip lines, hanging bridges, rock climbing, rappelling and a Tarzan-style swing. It feels more like an obstacle course built into the landscape than a traditional canopy tour.
This was a good option for our group because there was constantly something new happening. You might finish one zip line, cross a narrow bridge and immediately prepare to rappel into the canyon.
Wear athletic clothes that are comfortable beneath a harness, and choose closed-toe shoes with decent traction. If you choose to wear crocs, there is a good chance they will fall off, so make sure your shoes are secure. I would advise water shoes or chocos.
4. Ride a Horse to Las Chorreras Waterfall
I would not describe myself as an experienced horseback rider, but this is very beginner-friendly. Thankfully, this is not a high-speed ride across an open field.
The journey to Las Chorreras Waterfall takes you along forest trails for approximately 30 minutes each way. The waterfall is actually formed by two streams dropping side by side into a bright blue mineral pool surrounded by volcanic rock. Bring a swimsuit beneath your clothes because swimming may be possible depending on current conditions. Long pants can also make the horseback ride more comfortable.
5. Rappel Beside Victoria Waterfall
Waterfall rappelling was one of those activities that sounded fun when I read the itinerary and much more intimidating when I was standing at the top.
During the canyoning experience, we rappelled beside Victoria Waterfall before climbing and completing another descent. There was also a Tarzan-style pendulum into the water. This activity will probably push you outside your comfort zone, but that is exactly why I enjoyed it. It was not something I would ordinarily organize on my own, and it gave me a chance to experience the landscape instead of simply looking at it.
Quick-drying clothing is essential. Regular cotton becomes heavy and uncomfortable once wet, so wear a swimsuit with athletic shorts and a lightweight shirt.
6. Cover Yourself in Volcanic Mud at Río Negro Hot Springs
After several days of hiking, climbing and getting tossed around in rivers, the Río Negro Hot Springs felt very earned.
The property includes multiple thermal pools naturally heated by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Visitors can also cover themselves in warm volcanic mud, allow it to dry and then rinse it away before returning to the pools.
Will you look ridiculous while covered from head to toe in gray mud? Yes. Should you do it anyway? Also yes. It is fun!
The temperature varies between pools, so you can move around until you find one that feels comfortable. This is a relaxing activity, but it still feels different from visiting a standard resort spa because you are surrounded by forest and volcanic terrain.
7. Swim at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
Llanos de Cortés is not inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park, but it makes an easy addition when traveling between the volcano area and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
The waterfall drops over a wide rock wall into a swimming area with a small sandy section beside it. The walk from the parking area is short, although there are steps and the ground can become slippery. We spent the morning swimming and relaxing here before continuing our day. Compared with the more structured adventure tours, this was an easy place to slow down.
There are limited facilities near the waterfall, so bring water, a towel and anything else you will need.
8. Visit Las Pumas Rescue Center
After Llanos de Cortés, we visited Las Pumas Rescue Center, which cares for wild animals that have been injured, orphaned, rescued or confiscated. This is not the same as spotting wildlife in a national park. However, it gives travelers an opportunity to learn about the threats facing Costa Rica’s animals and the complicated work involved in rehabilitation.
Not every rescued animal can safely return to the wild, so some remain at the center permanently. Visiting supports the organization while helping travelers understand why responsible wildlife tourism matters.
Where to Stay Near Rincón de la Vieja
We stayed at Hacienda Guachipelín, and the biggest advantage was convenience.
Many of the activities were on or near the property, so we could fit a surprising amount into each day. The hotel currently offers combination passes that package activities such as canopy tours, tubing, hot springs and lunch. The property feels more like an adventure base than a traditional luxury resort. That worked perfectly for this part of our trip because we were rarely sitting still. The pool there was also a major plus since it was so hot.
How Many Days Do You Need?
I recommend spending at least three full days near Rincón de la Vieja:
Day one: National park hike and Río Negro tubing
Day two: Canyon canopy tour and horseback riding to Las Chorreras
Day three: Waterfall rappelling and Río Negro Hot Springs
Travelers with more time can add Llanos de Cortés, Las Pumas Rescue Center or a longer hike to La Cangreja Waterfall if they so choose.
Is Rincón de la Vieja Worth Visiting?
Rincón de la Vieja is absolutely worth visiting for travelers who want their Costa Rica itinerary to include real adventure. I would highly recommend staying at Hacienda Guachipelín because it has everything you need to create an adventure-packed schedule while incorporating relaxation. This region gave us an incredible combination of volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and adrenaline-filled activities without feeling like we were repeating the same experience every day.
Come prepared to get wet, muddy and tired. That is part of what makes it so much fun! It will be an unforgettable adventure.
-TTT