Is it worth visiting?

Visiting and enjoying the glory of the natural waterfall is something adventure lovers would never want to miss. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in the province of Guanacaste Costa Rica is a tropical area with so many waterfalls you can access. A hardcore adventurer can trek to some of the ones located in the deep Rincón de la Vieja area. But, this is a great option when it comes to family trips and waterfalls that everyone can access and have a good time together. You don’t need to do a full day of hiking like in National Park waterfalls.

How long in advance should I plan?

This trip needs only a little planning so that you reach a waterfall greeting you with its sparkling blue, cool, and gushing waters. So, how is it done? We have described everything you need to know to plan your trip. Please keep scrolling to learn about the trail and how to plan well for it.

How Far is it Driving?

You will find it in the Northwestern Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. 

Your Guanacaste trip will be somewhat incomplete if you miss this visit. It has a short trail; so, you can include it in your itinerary for a one-day trip from different locations, including Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Potrero, and other beaches. You can reach the start of the hike with a 1.5 hours drive from most of the beaches. Otherwise, you can plan the waterfall trip as you explore the Rincon de la Vieja volcano area within a few days of your stay including private transportation.

The waterfall is closely connected with the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. You will begin your journey from this park’s front. The waterfall is located within the premises of Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. So, you need to book your tickets at the hotel and access the waterfall through the hotel

Duration: 15 minutes walking each way 

Distance: 1km each way (0.6 miles each way)

Difficulty: The level of difficulty is easy to moderate. 

Here is what you need to do to access the waterfall

1. Buy Tickets

You can get your tickets at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin‘s front desk or you can book your tickets online. First, you must check at the front desk to get a wristband to show the guard at the trail entrance. 

The waterfall entrance is several kilometers from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, and you cannot enter the waterfall trail without the tickets. You can also buy tickets at the entrance of the waterfall, but it is better to do it at the adventure center. Having the tickets beforehand is a must. It is going to save you time and energy. Moreover, you may not get the tickets as you arrive in the busy season. Therefore, it makes sense to get your tickets before arriving here.

2.  Now Begins the Short Dirt Track Hike

A wild but well-maintained path welcomes you. As you get your tickets, you drive for 5km more up the road and then park at the entrance. Once you are there you can start with your short hike. First, the guard sitting here will check your wristband. Following this, you can enter the first part of the trail.

You have to start on a dirt trail that looks well maintained and still looks like an authentic wild tropical jungle feature. The mouth of the short course is flat and wide; a brushy tropical forest surrounds the trail. If you happen to come in the rainy season, anywhere between September and October, you will find it dense and lush. But, in the dry season, the area has a barren look with little greenery. This is also because Rincon de la Vieja volcano area is one of Costa Rica’s dry areas. 

3. Hanging Bridges

As you can feel the cool and misty winds from the fall, you will see the dazzler hanging bridge that you need to cross. This bridge overlies the river gorge. It’s one-of-a-kind of a bridge in the region. It gets you through the elevation more excitingly; it slopes downwards in the forward part and has little steps built on it. It’s one of the best parts of the hike that appears right before the waterfall.

Despite the steps, the bridge is a bit wobbly. But, no need to worry as it’s secured on both sides. Holding the railings with your hands while crossing lets you balance your body as you wobble over it.

 4. La Oropendola Waterfall

The hanging bridge leads you to the waterfall landing area. This is a great place to take pictures and keep serene memories. From this site, you can look towards the waterfall. It has enough space to have up to 20 people at a time. From this viewing platform, you can see the amazing waterfall that flows down from about 82 feet through the moss-lined rocks of a canyon. The deep turquoise-colored water presents a splendid sight. The soil of the volcanic area is rich in minerals that seep into the water giving it such a pleasant hue.

Keep in mind the color of the water can change depending on the weather conditions.

Enjoy Your Time

No need to hold yourself back- you can get closer by going down the metal stairs and reaching the riverbed. Explore the waterfall’s base that lets you experience natural splendor. But, this is something you can do only when is not raining and is safe to swim because the water is gushing and deep in the rainy season. If you are visiting in arid parts of the year, you can manage to take a swim in the waterfalls’ base and get a close-up view of the waterfall.

Few Considerations to Make the Most of Your Visit

If you are traveling in the rainy season, swimming is not recommended as the water level is higher and the water gets a brownish color which means flash floods could happen any time soon.

Few of us who are good swimmers and more on the adventure side won’t miss this opportunity to dunk into the waters and go up close to the waterfall

Rainy Season Tips

In the peak rainy season during September, October, and the first week of November it’s necessary to be cautious as flash floods are frequent. At this time, you won’t find anyone jumping in the waters and the climbing hooks are lying bare and empty on rocks. It makes sense as it’s not safe to dunk into deep gushing waters when it has just rained. 

Planning Your Visit -The Practical Part

Get online tickets for a Self-Guided Visit to the Waterfall and Lunch. Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel sells tickets to the waterfall in its combo package, including a visit to the waterfall and lunch. 

About lunch at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin 

Lunch is usually a buffet. However, during low season when there are very few people you will have to pick from the menu. You’ll also get some fresh fruit juice and dessert. It’s an excellent way to end a trek that leaves you feeling hungry for a good meal.

Ticket price: Waterfall Admission + Lunch Combo 

For adults, it is $32 per person.

For kids between 4 and 12 is $21 per person. 

Free for children under 4.

It’s best to buy tickets online in advance or you can buy them at the hotel’s adventure center. Either way, you must check in at the adventure center’s front desk to get your wristbands. Limited occupancy requires that you book your tickets in advance. 

Hours

Every day from 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.

What to Pack 

• The trail is sunny and in a tropical climate. It’s good to bring a hat for the sun, sunscreen, bug spray, a camera, band-aids, a bathing suit, and a towel.
• Wear sneakers or nicely gripping hiking sandals such as Chacos-Keens on the trail.
• Also, it’s preferable to have a change of clothes as you leave in the car.

Facilities

As you get on the hike, there are restrooms available at the coffee place just right in front of the entrance to the trail. However, make sure you use the restroom before you leave the adventure center because sometimes the ones at the coffee place don’t have running water

Driving Directions

From downtown Liberia, it takes about 40 minutes driving.

Start from Liberia, on the Inter American Highway 1, and head north. After a few minutes, take a right into Curubande town towards Rincon de la Vieja National Park and the Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel.

Keep moving along the paved, narrow, and curvy road reaching the small town of Curubandé. Finally, you will reach a gate at the end of the road leading to the entrance of Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.

The guard checks your reservation at the gate. If you don’t have it, he charges a small per person fee (around 800 colones or $1.50) so that you can enter the property. Once you enter through the gate, continue driving for about 3 km (1.86 miles) to reach Hacienda Guachipelin’s Adventure Center.