📍Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste
🌿 Easy Waterfall Trail + Hot Springs
⭐ 5.0 Google Reviews
⬇️ See what Awaits at Oropendola Waterfall
⬇️ Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Bath
Oropendola Waterfall and Hot Springs with Lunch
Explore one of the most beautiful and easiest-to-reach waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja, recharge with a delicious Costa Rican lunch, and end your day enjoying natural hot springs and a volcanic mud bath.
Our Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs tour with lunch offers a relaxed way to experience the tropical nature near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. It takes just a short 15-minute walk to reach Oropendola Waterfall, making this combo a great option for visitors who want to experience a beautiful waterfall without a long hike.
See what our Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs combo is like and secure your spot today!
Why Choose this Combo Package?
✔️ Easy-to-Reach Waterfall
You only have to take a scenic 15-minute walk through the forest and across two hanging bridges to reach the spectacular Oropendola Waterfall.
✔️ Day Trip from Liberia
Close to Liberia and Guanacaste Airport (LIR), this combo is an easy way to experience some of the best activities in Rincon de la Vieja in one day.
✔️ Nature & Relaxation
Swim in the crystal-clear pool beneath Oropendola Waterfall among impressive volcanic rock formations, then relax in natural hot springs surrounded by tropical forest.
✔️ Best Value
Save time and money by combining two popular Rincon de la Vieja attractions and a Costa Rican lunch in one combo package.
Oropendola Waterfall and Hot Springs with Lunch
Location
Before arriving at Oropendola Waterfall, you’ll enter the private property of Hacienda Guachipelin and show your reservation at the security gate. Afterwards, continue to the main building and turn left to reach the Tour Center, where you can pick up your wristbands for Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs. The staff will then give you exact directions to each activity.
The combo tour starts at Oropendola Waterfall, directly next to the Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Once you return from the waterfall trail, you’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, it’s only a 10-minute drive to Rio Negro Hot Springs.
Tour center at Hacienda Guachipelin
Get your wristbands at the reception
Oropendola Waterfall and Hot Springs with Lunch
Booking Options
Book Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs as a self-drive trip or with transportation included.
🚗
Self-Drive Option
Arrive Directly at Oropendola Waterfall
Best if you have your own car or prefer to travel independently
Free parking is available at Oropendola Waterfall, the restaurant and Rio Negro Hot Springs.
🚐
Transportation Included
Hotel Pickup Service throughout Guanacaste
⭐ Most convenient option – we take care of everything
Our driver will pick you up at your preferred location, take you to each activity and the restaurant, wait for you, and drive you back afterward.
⚠️ Advance booking recommended – Entry slots are limited and can fill up quickly.
⭐ Looking for a Full-Day Adventure?
Many visitors choose to combine this package with the popular Las Pailas Trail at Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Explore volcanic activity and the diverse landscapes around Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, then cool off at Oropendola Waterfall and relax at Rio Negro Hot Springs.
Oropendola Waterfall and Hot Springs with Lunch
Itinerary
See what to expect at Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs in Rincon de la Vieja.
Oropendola Waterfall
⏱ About
1 – 1.5 Hrs
🚶 900 m
(0.5 mi)
🥾 Easy
15 min Trail
The trail entrance for Oropendola Waterfall is located directly next to the parking lot. It only takes about 15 minutes to reach the waterfall, but the short hike is a highlight in 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 delicious lunch after visiting Oropendola Waterfall.
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.
Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Bath
⏱ About
1.5-2 Hrs
♨️ 10 Hot Spring Pools
🌋 Volcanic Mud Bath
Pick up your towels at the reception and cross the first hanging bridge. A short walk through the forest takes you to the hot springs, with changing rooms available along the way.
Soon you’ll reach 10 natural hot spring pools with different temperatures (35°C–45°C / 95°F–113°F) on both sides of the Rio Negro River, connected by two hanging bridges with scenic views.
Choose the pools with the best temperature for you, enjoy the tropical surroundings, and cool off in the Rio Negro River between the thermal pools.
For the volcanic mud bath, apply the mud to your skin, let it dry, and then rinse it off in the river or under the showers.
Ready for your Rincon de la Vieja day trip?
⚠️ Tours fill up quickly, reserve your spot now!
Oropendola Waterfall and Hot Springs Reviews
See why our guests recommend our Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs combo in Rincon de la Vieja.
—
Barbara Heagy · Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My family of 12, aged 72 years to 2 years, took in the Oropendola Waterfall, Natural Hot Springs, and buffet lunch with our guide Francisco Cruz on our recent trip to Costa Rica. It’s always a challenge to find an adventure that all of us could take part in because of our differing ages and abilities, but this tour was perfect. We were picked up by a shuttle driver, hiked an easy 20 minute trek through the jungle to the beautiful waterfall where my family had the best of times jumping off the cliff and swimming at the base of the falls. The buffet lunch was delicious and we enjoyed the Costa Rican music and photo ops with the oxen and cart for the grandkids. The mud baths and thermal springs were soothing and relaxing and a great finish to our day. Our guide Francisco was fully bilingual, patient and caring and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you for a wonderful day. I highly recommend this tour for families with small children or aging parents.”
⚠️ Important Information
The short walk to Oropendola Waterfall is rated as easy but includes uneven terrain and large steps. The combo package is beginner-friendly and a great activity for families with kids, but may not be suitable for everyone.
Who is this combo NOT suitable for?
❌ Not suitable for people with knee, ankle, walking or mobility limitations.
⚠️ Use caution at the hot springs if you’re pregnant, have high blood pressure or heart conditions.
💡 Good to know
✔️ We recommend entering the hot spring pools slowly, taking breaks, staying hydrated, and avoiding spending too much time in the hottest pools.
⚠️ Don’t put your head under the water in the thermal pools.
Practical Information
📍 How to Get There
You can get to Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs by car or by choosing the option with transportation included.
Directions from Liberia
💡 You don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to get to Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs, 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 pick up your wristbands at the tour center.
5️⃣ Continue straight for about 10 minutes until you reach the Oropendola Waterfall parking lot on your left, marked with signs.
💡At the Tour Center, you’ll get exact directions to the restaurant and Rio Negro Hot Springs.
Parking area at Oropendola Waterfall.
Tour with Transportation Included
If you don’t have a car available, or simply prefer the most convenient option, you can book your Rincon de la Vieja combo package with transportation included.
🚐 Why Choose Transportation Included?
✔️ Hotel Pickup throughout Guanacaste
✔️ Flexible transfers: include the combo as a stop between two destinations
✔️ Get the best price by booking transportation together with your combo package
✔️ 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 Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs for a comfortable stay.
🎒 What to Bring
✔️ Water bottle
✔️ Sunscreen & bug spray
✔️ Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps
✔️ Swimsuit
✔️ A towel for Oropendola Waterfall
🪖 What’s Included
✔️ Costa Rican Lunch
✔️ Towels for Rio Negro Hot Springs
✔️ Entrance tickets to Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs
Facilities at Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs
At Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs you’ll find all the essential facilities you need before and after the activities.
✔️ At Oropendola Waterfall
- Free parking
- Small coffee shop
- Restrooms
✔️ Rio Negro Hot Springs
- Free parking
- Restrooms & changing rooms
- Showers
Coffee shop at Oropendola Waterfall.
Rio Negro Hot Springs changing rooms.
Oropendola Waterfall and Hot Springs with Lunch
FAQ
How long does the Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs combo take?
The whole combo tour takes approximately 4 hours including lunch. The short walk and swimming at Oropendola Waterfall take about 1–1.5 hours. At Rio Negro Hot Springs most visitors spend about 1.5-2 hours.
Is a guide included for the activities?
No, this tour is self-guided and does not include a guide. Oropendola Waterfall is easily accessible on a well-maintained and marked trail, and Rio Negro Hot Springs is also easy to explore independently.
How difficult is the trail to Oropendola Waterfall?
The 15-minute walk to Oropendola Waterfall is generally easy, but it is not suitable for visitors with walking or mobility issues, as the trail includes two hanging bridges, uneven terrain and steps.
Can I swim at Oropendola Waterfall?
Yes, swimming is allowed in the natural pool beneath Oropendola Waterfall. However, if you prefer not to swim, you can enjoy the waterfall and its beautiful surroundings from a large viewing platform.
Is this Rincon de la Vieja tour suitable for kids?
Yes, Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs are great activities for families with kids. There is no minimum age for these attractions, but keep in mind that the trail to Oropendola Waterfall includes some large steps and hanging bridges, which can be challenging for very young kids. If you’re traveling with small children, we recommend bringing a backpack carrier, as the trail is not suitable for strollers.
Is lunch included in this Rincon de la Vieja combo tour?
Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is included in the tour price. 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 this Rincon de la Vieja combo package?
Transportation from your accommodation to the attractions is not included in the tour price. You can add it during booking for an additional cost by choosing the option ➡️ with transportation.
How long can I stay at Rio Negro Hot Springs?
You can stay at Rio Negro Hot Springs as long as you like within the opening hours from 9am to 5pm.