Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Private Tour
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
- 8 to 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Immerse yourself in one of Costa Rica’s notable rainforests with this private tour. Hike around the foothills of an active volcano, swim underneath a waterfall, and take the pressure off your feet in hot springs. No need to worry about training at the gym before going on this excursion; choose between two versions of the tour that vary in physical intensity. Perfect for guests who like to balance an active vacation with exploring the local area.
- Enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide
- Stress-free pick-up from select hotels
- Spot native wildlife along your tour
- Take home a souvenir from an optional stop at a gift shop
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Alcoholic BeveragesYou can buy alcoholic beverages at lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up from any Hotel or house in Tamarindo,Conchal, Flamingo, Potrero, Coco Beach, Papagayo península etc. In Guanacaste. 9 SINCE OUR TOURS ARE PRIVATE, WE CAN'T TAKE 1 PERSON BOOKING. PASSPORT INFORMATION REQUIRED: Since August 1 2022 is required to provide names and passport numbers for everyone going to visit national parks in Costa Rica. Thanks for your understanding.
Itinerary
1
Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Oropendola Warterfall
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Rio Negro Hot Springs
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
4
Liberia
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Stephanie_O
I recently had the absolute pleasure of taking this tour in Guanacaste - Costa Rica, and I cannot say enough about how incredible the experience was—largely thanks to our tour guide, who went far above and beyond every expectation. From the very beginning, Gabriel's energy, warmth, and deep knowledge of the country made us feel both welcomed and inspired.
Not only did they share fascinating insights about Costa Rica’s wildlife, history, and culture, but He also went the extra mile to make sure we had a personalized experience, and customized the activities and times to our desires. He anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, always making sure we had water, rest breaks, and the best photo opportunities.
What impressed me the most was the personal touch He brought to the tour. It didn’t feel scripted—it felt genuine, like we were exploring the country with a passionate friend who truly loves sharing its beauty. Thanks to Gabriel and his wife Nancy, we walked away with not just memories, but stories and connections that will last a lifetime.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica, do yourself a favor and book this tour. The destination is stunning on its own, but with a guide like this, the experience transforms into something truly extraordinary. We decided that one day was not enough- and even rebooked a different experience with him the next free day. Believe me you will not be disappointed.
Reviews
4.9
based on 266 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Felicia_C, Aug 2026
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!
nadine_l, Jul 2026
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 Host, Aug 2026
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.
Katie_B, Jun 2026
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 Host, Jun 2026
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.
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Eugene was an excellent tour guide - funny and very accommodating! The lunch stop was awesome! The thermal pools were too crowded.
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Overall, a great experience, but it does involve some long car rides to get to the destination! We stayed at the RIU Palace and spent about 4-5 hours driving to and from the experiences.
We traveled with a group of 10....ages ranging from 8 to 68 and the trip was accessible and enjoyable for all! We started with the waterfall swim and it was incredible...a little chilly, but we were the only group there at the time, so it was a great experience.
We then drove to the hot springs/mud baths experience. It was fun to try the different temps of hot springs and then cool off in the river in between.
The lunch after the experience was good (chicken, rice, beans, fruit, salad, etc) and the service was great!
We skipped the optional souvenir shopping, but had our driver take us to a local grocery store to buy some local candy and chips instead.
Anthony_P, Mar 2026
Hernan is one of the most incredible guides I have ever had anywhere in the world. His university studies for being able to be a nature guide is so obvious in his knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the dry forest and the wet forest and the animals and plants that inhabit it. We did the loop trail and learned so much about plants, transition zones, animals, and the geology.
His answers were never just a few words, but were obviously educated, detailed understanding and expression of the way these things all relate to each other and the beauties that they hold.
Absolutely outstanding!
Liz_P, Mar 2026
Best tour ever, did on a great hike, then hit the Hot Springs and the waterfall were just the most amazing spots ever. Our tour guide from Gabriel Custom tours was beyond great!!! Knew so much about the area and made our trip so fun and chill!
Daniel_G, Mar 2026
We loved this excursion! Gabriel was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and engaging. He was very professional and personable. We learned a ton about the diversity of Costa Rica's flora and fauna. The hike was the fun and interesting. Lunch was yummy and in a nice setting. Our waterfall swim was refreshing and the mud bath/hot springs were relaxing.
Madhavi_R, Feb 2026
Magical day exploring quiet waterfalls, hot springs, getting a volcanic mud scrub, swimming in a lagoon under a waterfall, enjoying a delicious lunch and making a quick souvenir stop. Mario did a fantastic job of planning the day to be seamless and crowd-free while helping us enjoy each experience as fully as possible. Well worth the money and 5 stars for anyone looking to pack a lot of Costa Rica into 8 hours!
Laurie_B, Jan 2026
Private is the way to go. Our guide, Eugene, was knowledgeable, kind, and offered us options during the day. The hike in the jungle is really nice and the few swing bridges are cool. Take time to enjoy the hot springs too!
Robert_R, Jan 2026
If you like nature and seeing and enjoy hiking this is a great tour. The hot springs were amazing and waterfall offered the chance to cool off and swim.
Marcy_R, Jan 2026
Excellent way to enjoy various aspects of Costa Rica. We had Jorge as our tour guide and he was extremely informative and upbeat. Just the right mix of things to see and order of the itinerary. One of the best tours we’ve done in our travels. Great lunch too!
Megan_S, Dec 2025
The location itself was pretty amazing. Our tour guide is not a great fit for our family. The English tour was partially in Spanish due to limited English proficiency. We also were not accompanied down to the waterfall swimming, which would have been appreciated since we did not have anyone to take our picture there. Request your guide to go down with you. We opted for a private tour so that we would have flexibility with our family. We were able to do the order that worked best for us. That was very much appreciated.
Darrick_C, Nov 2025
Earnesto was amazing and accommodating. We did the private tour and so satisfied we booked another private tour with him the next day.
Avery_C, Oct 2025
Gabriel was fantastic! What a wonderful day. He answered our questions all day long and had cold water on ice whenever we wanted it. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the park and rainforest.
James_C, Oct 2025
Had a great time hiking the trail between the rain forest and dry rain forest while seeing volcanic mud pits and vents. We saw a lot of wild life as well. After the hike we cooled off in an amazing waterfall. We took a break for a nice lunch and finished with a dip in several hot springs. The tour was made special by Gabriel with his knowledge of the park and the animals and plants. He was also very accommodating to our family
Response from Host, Oct 2025
I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour.
Thank you for your review.
Chris_O, Oct 2025
Excellent guide. He did a fantastic job and was very knowledgeable. I’d recommend it . Continue to do what you guys are doing
Stephen_H, Oct 2025
Excellent. Very informative, fun. Great experience
Nothing else to add. .said every in the above paragraph
Stephanie_O, Sep 2025
I recently had the absolute pleasure of taking this tour in Guanacaste - Costa Rica, and I cannot say enough about how incredible the experience was—largely thanks to our tour guide, who went far above and beyond every expectation. From the very beginning, Gabriel's energy, warmth, and deep knowledge of the country made us feel both welcomed and inspired.
Not only did they share fascinating insights about Costa Rica’s wildlife, history, and culture, but He also went the extra mile to make sure we had a personalized experience, and customized the activities and times to our desires. He anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, always making sure we had water, rest breaks, and the best photo opportunities.
What impressed me the most was the personal touch He brought to the tour. It didn’t feel scripted—it felt genuine, like we were exploring the country with a passionate friend who truly loves sharing its beauty. Thanks to Gabriel and his wife Nancy, we walked away with not just memories, but stories and connections that will last a lifetime.
If you’re visiting Costa Rica, do yourself a favor and book this tour. The destination is stunning on its own, but with a guide like this, the experience transforms into something truly extraordinary. We decided that one day was not enough- and even rebooked a different experience with him the next free day. Believe me you will not be disappointed.
Michael_W, Aug 2025
Fernando was awesome! He was very kind and knowledgeable. He didn’t make us feel rushed and was happy to adjust plans as we needed. 10/10 recommend!
Bianca_V, Jul 2025
Great experience! We didn’t get
to swim in the waterfall due to the rain from the previous day, but everything else was wonderful. Pablo was awesome and was so helpful throughout the whole tour! Would definitely recommend if you’re looking into doing this, don’t think twice!
wgdcpatx, Jun 2025
We went as a family group of 12 people. We did the longer hike and it was not too difficult for our group which included a child of seven and two seniors of seventy-one. If you’re even in halfway decent shape you’ll be fine.
We saw monkeys, turkeys, and birds on the hike as well as the volcanic fumaroles and mud pots. Lunch was a nice buffet then we went to the waterfall and enjoyed the time in the cool water. My personal favorite was the last stop of the day at the hot springs with a mud bath.
Gabriel is a great guide and our family really enjoyed our day with him.
Craig_A, May 2025
Great day of hiking and beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and volcano activity.
Nice lunch to finish the day. The door to door service made it easy and relaxing
Tami_T, May 2025
Had Gerson as a guide. Very clean and organized vehicle. Provides bottled water. Assists family members and provides informative details of the hike. Waterfall was cold and refreshing. Stopped for souvenirs.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your review, we are glad to hear that you have fun.
Allen_N, Apr 2025
Gabriel was professional, friendly, accommodating and very knowledgeable. We all had a great day! He altered the set schedule based on our wishes.
Lorenzo_D, Apr 2025
Our tour guider was amazing. He was very nice. He had them sing happy birthday to me at the lunch. He gave us options on our hike. He was very friendly to be around. Costa Rica is so Beautiful. I enjoyed the Waterfall, Hot Springs, and Volcanic Mountain.
Stavan_B, Mar 2025
We loved the tour guide for the Comcast, watefat Oropendola and Rincon de la Vieja park with lunch and Libero market. 💯❤️
Eryn_D, Feb 2025
Gabriel was great. He had so much knowledge about the local ecosystem and was great at spotting animals on our hike.
Cindy_S, Feb 2025
Pablo was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable… took lots of group photos and let us go at our own pace.
Alastair_B, Feb 2025
Our guide was really helpful and friendly..we has a great time. Everything was easy and well organised. Can totally recommend
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