⬇️ Las Pailas Trail in Rincon de la Vieja National Park
⬇️ See what Awaits at Oropendola Waterfall
Las Pailas Trail + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch
Observe geothermal activity like fumaroles and bubbling mud pots near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, then walk across scenic hanging bridges and take a refreshing swim beneath Oropendola Waterfall. Afterwards, recharge with an authentic Costa Rican lunch.
Our Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour lets you experience two popular Rincon de la Vieja attractions in one day, combining volcanic activity, hiking, a beautiful waterfall and traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
See what our Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall combo is like and secure your spot today!
Why Choose this Combo Tour?
✔️ Diverse Volcanic Landscapes
Walk along steam vents and fumaroles on the Las Pailas Trail, and enjoy the impressive volcanic river canyons surrounding Oropendola Waterfall.
✔️ Best Value
Save time and money by combining two popular Rincon de la Vieja activities in one combo package.
✔️ Volcano Hike & Waterfall
After the moderate hiking tour through dry forest, rainforest and volcanic areas, cool off in the natural pool beneath Oropendola Waterfall.
✔️ Day Trip from Liberia
Close to Liberia and Guanacaste Airport (LIR), this combo is an easy way to experience two of the best activities near Rincon de la Vieja in one day.
Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Tour – Location
The tour starts at the Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park with the volcanic activity hike. After completing the Las Pailas loop trail, you only have to walk about 2 minutes from the parking lot to get to the trail start of Oropendola Waterfall. At the end of the tour, your guide will show you the way to the restaurant where you’ll have lunch.
Las Pailas Trail Starting Point
Entrance and parking at Las Pailas Sector
Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall – Booking Options
Book Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall as a self-drive trip or with transportation included.
🚗
Self-Drive Tour
Meet at Tour Starting Point
Best if you have your own car or prefer to travel independently
Free parking is available at Rincon de la Vieja National Park and at the restaurant.
🚐
Transportation Included
Hotel Pickup Service throughout Guanacaste
⭐ Most convenient option – we take care of everything
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel, Airbnb, or preferred location, take you to the tour and restaurant, wait for you, and drive you back afterward.
⚠️ All tours have to be reserved in advance. If you arrive without a reservation, you may have to wait several hours for a guide or may not be able to join a tour that day.
⭐ Looking for a Full-Day Trip?
Many visitors choose to end this combo tour with a relaxing visit to Rio Negro Hot Springs, located only about 10 minutes from Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
After the Las Pailas Trail, Oropendola Waterfall and lunch, just enjoy the natural thermal pools and a volcanic mud bath surrounded by tropical nature.
Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall – Itinerary
See what to expect at the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour in Rincon de la Vieja.
Las Pailas Trail
⏱ About
2 -3 Hrs
🚶 3.5 km
(~2.2 miles)
🥾 Easy – Moderate Loop Trail
Meet your guide and begin an exciting hike through tropical dry and humid forest, passing fascinating vegetation and volcanic features along the way.
During the hike, your guide will share interesting facts about the Rincon de la Vieja region, its unique flora and fauna, and the geothermal areas.
At different points along the Las Pailas Trail, you’ll observe steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and volcanic lagoons, all signs of the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
With an experienced guide by your side, you’ll have a better chance of spotting wildlife along the trail, but keep in mind that sightings cannot be guaranteed as this is a natural environment.
Oropendola Waterfall
⏱ About
1 – 1.5 Hrs
🚶 900 m
(0.5 mi)
🥾 Easy
15 min Trail
After the Las Pailas Trail, Oropendola Waterfall is the perfect place to relax and cool off.
It only takes about 15 minutes to reach the waterfall, but the trail is a highlight itself: After walking through the forest, you’ll cross a hanging bridge with stunning views of Oropendola Waterfall and the impressive volcanic rock formations.
Once you reach the waterfall, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool and relax while enjoying the spectacular natural scenery around you.
On the way back, you’ll cross another hanging bridge over the turquoise river before returning to the parking lot.
Costa Rican Lunch
Time for a well-deserved lunch after your Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour.
Depending on the season, you can choose from an à la carte menu or a varied buffet with rice and beans, fish and meat, fresh vegetables, salads and dessert with coffee or tea.
Ready for the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall?
⚠️ Tours fill up quickly, reserve your spot now!
Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall Reviews
Read what our guests say about their experiences with us at the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall.
—
Andreas Heinrich · Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Really nice Tour! Our Guide Francisco was very friendly and spotted a lot of Wildlife. He showed us the vulcanic areas and he knew so many things about the different plants and animals. The waterfall at the end of our tour was also amazing!“
—
Knuffel Beest · Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This morning we hiked the Las Pailas trail with our guide Francisco. He not only showed us all the amazing volcanic places nature provides in the national park, but also explained a lot about animals, trees and plants. As there are no information boards on the trail, we strongly recommend to book a guided tour to explore this beautiful area in Costa Rica. Without him we would not have spotted the many birds and even monkeys. The trip to the nearby waterfall and the delicious lunch made it a perfect day. Thank you, Francisco for spending a great and informative time with us.“
⚠️ Important Information
The Las Pailas Trail and short hike to Oropendola Waterfall are rated as easy to moderate and include uneven terrain and large steps. Both hikes are beginner-friendly and a great adventure for families with kids, but may not be suitable for everyone.
Who is this combo tour NOT suitable for?
❌ Not suitable for people with knee, ankle, walking or mobility limitations.
⚠️ You don’t need advanced hiking experience, but a basic level of fitness is recommended as both activities include hiking.
💡 Prepare for the climate
In Costa Rica, especially in the Rincon de la Vieja area, the sun can be intense. Since parts of the trail lead through open terrain, be sure to use sunscreen or wear light long clothing, use a hat, and bring plenty of water.
Practical Information
📍 How to Get to the Tour
You can get to your Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour with lunch by car or by choosing the option with transportation included.
Directions from Liberia
💡 You don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
1️⃣ From Liberia, drive about 5 km north on Highway 1.
2️⃣ Turn right when you see signs pointing to “Rincon de la Vieja National Park“.
3️⃣ Continue for about 20 minutes, passing through the village of Curubandé.
4️⃣ Enter the property of Hacienda Guachipelín through the security gate, turn left at the main building and follow the signs to the national park.
5️⃣ Continue straight for about 10 minutes and reach the parking lot for Rincon de la Vieja National Park at the end of the road.
After completing the hikes, your guide will give you exact directions from Rincon de la Vieja National Park to the restaurant where you’ll have lunch.
Las Pailas Sector entrance and parking.
Tour with Transportation Included
If you don’t have a car available, or simply prefer the most convenient option, you can book your combo tour with transportation included.
🚐 Why Choose Transportation Included?
✔️ Hotel Pickup throughout Guanacaste
✔️ Flexible transfers: include the tour as a stop between two destinations
✔️ Get the best price by booking transportation together with your tour
✔️ Optional stops along the way for food or souvenirs
Enjoy convenient shuttle service throughout Guanacaste.
What to Bring & What’s Included
See what to bring to the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall for a comfortable day trip and what’s included.
🎒 What to Bring
✔️ Water bottle
✔️ Sunscreen & bug spray
✔️ Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking
✔️ Comfortable sports clothes
✔️ Swimsuit for Oropendola Waterfall
✔️ A towel for Oropendola Waterfall
✔️ Hat or cap
🪖 What’s Included
✔️ Experienced tour guide for Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall
✔️ Costa Rican Lunch
✔️ Entrance tickets to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Oropendola Waterfall
Facilities at Rincon de la Vieja National Park
At the Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, you’ll find all the essential facilities you need before and after your hikes.
✔️ Free & safe parking
✔️ Restrooms
✔️ Water fountains
✔️ Small coffee shop below the parking area
Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall– FAQ
How long does the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour take?
The whole combo tour takes approximately 4.5–5 hours including lunch, depending on your hiking pace and how long you want to stay at Oropendola Waterfall. The Las Pailas Trail typically takes about 2–3 hours, while the short walk and swimming at Oropendola Waterfall take about 1–1.5 hours.
Are Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tickets included?
Yes, the entrance fees for the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall are included in the tour price, as well as an experienced guide for both activities.
Is a guide included for the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall?
Yes, an experienced guide is included for the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall. After the hikes, your guide will show you the way to the restaurant where you’ll have lunch.
How difficult is the Las Pailas Trail?
The Las Pailas Loop Trail takes about 2–3 hours, is rated as easy to moderate, and includes uneven terrain and some large steps. You don’t need advanced hiking experience, but a basic level of fitness is required. This hike is not suitable for visitors with knee, ankle, walking or mobility issues.
Is the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour suitable for kids?
Yes, the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall are great activities for active families with kids. There is no age limit for the hikes, but keep in mind that the Las Pailas Trail includes 2–3 hours of walking and some large steps, which can be challenging for young kids. If you’re traveling with small children, we recommend bringing a backpack carrier, as the trails are not suitable for strollers.
Is lunch included in this Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall combo tour?
Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is included in the tour price. After the two activities, your guide will show you the way to the restaurant. Depending on the season, you can choose from an à la carte menu or a varied buffet, with dessert and coffee included.
Is transportation included for the Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall tour?
Transportation from your accommodation to the tour is not included in the tour price. You can add it during booking for an additional cost by choosing the option ➡️ with transportation.
What should I bring for Las Pailas Trail and Oropendola Waterfall?
We recommend bringing closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking, comfortable clothes, and a cap or hat. The sun can be intense in the Rincon de la Vieja region, so apply sufficient sunscreen before the hike and bring plenty of water. Insect repellent is also recommended.
For Oropendola Waterfall, bring a swimsuit and towel if you would like to cool off in the natural pool.