Unveil Rincón de la Vieja: Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Magical Forest
Discover a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic landscape with the guidance of biologists and certified naturalist guides
Meet the wildlife, forests, and hidden waters of this unique National Park
Experience the Guanacaste Volcanic Range with the guidance of biologists and naturalists as you explore one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic landscapes. Whether you meet us at the National Park or add private transportation, we’ll guide you along the Las Pailas Loop Trail, where bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and dry-forest wildlife reveal the power of this living volcano.
After the hike, cool off in a beautiful waterhole or waterfall of your choice — from La Pipa and Colorado Canyon to Los Coyotes or the iconic Oropéndola Waterfall. We help you select the best option based on your preferences, the season, and the day’s conditions, and we guide you on-site to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- Learn about flora, fauna, and funga with a biologist or certified naturalist.
- Explore a sector of the park famous for its active geology and contrasting ecosystems.
- Refresh in a beautiful waterhole or waterfall that fits your style of adventure.
Inclusions:
- Private Biologist or Certified Naturalist Guide
- Optical Equipment (Spotting Scope or Binoculars)
- National Park Entrance Fee ($17pp)
- Lunch, Snacks and Fruit
- River and Waterwholes visit
-1% of sales go to NGO Funga Conservation and $2pp to Avellanas Mangrove Protection Program
- - -- Los Coyotes or Oropendola Waterfall have an extra cost ($6pp and $20pp)
- Transportation available as Add-On Service (subject to availability)Meeting Point: Curubandé Town, Liberia Downtown, or a convenient intermediate location along the route.
*This tour is typically operated using the guests’ vehicle; your guide will meet you at the agreed location and join your transportation for the experience
Sample Itinerary
- 6:15-8:30 AM: Meet your guide in Curubandé, Liberia Downtown, or an agreed midpoint.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the entrance of Rincón de la Vieja and begin the Las Pailas Loop Trail (approx. 2 hours).
- 11:30 AM: Enjoy snacks and fruit, then continue to a local waterhole or waterfall selected with your preferences and the day’s conditions in mind.
- 12:00 MD: Break, snacks, and visit one of the famous waterwholes of town (or Oropendola Waterfall as an Add-On).
- 1:00 PM: Traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.
- 2:00-4:30 PM: Return of the Meeting Point and end of the Tour
*Times may vary depending on meeting location and seasonal conditions.
What to bring for the Tour:
- Sun Protection
- Hiking Shoes
- Rain Gear (May to Dec)
- Swinwear, Towel or change of clothes
- Reusable Bottle of Water
- Insect Repellent
Rincón de La Vieja National Park
On Mondays, the National Park is closed.
Difficulty Level: intermediate (4km with ups and downs).
EXCELLENT Based on 615 reviews Posted on fe_pena25/11/2024 Nice time Sara was amazing and I learned a lot from her.The weather was bad but she managed to show me a lot. I do recommend this tour.Posted on Anitha M11/11/2024 Amazing experience! Guide was very patient and knowledgeable! The guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about animals and nature and that is so inspiring! We were able to watch many beautiful birds. I did the tour with my 10 year old and she absolutely loved itPosted on Jenn D09/11/2024 Greta tour, very knowledgeable guide! This was a great tour. It was a slow pace and we saw lots of of beautiful birds. Our guide, Sara, was very knowledgeable and her passion for nature was evident. I really enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it. We saw tons of birds, and 3 teeny sloths. The university grounds are beautiful! Sara had a spotting scope, so we got amazing views of all the animals. This tour is great for all ages and most fitness levels. It wasn’t strenuous and there were lots of areas to sit and observe!Posted on Sara A03/11/2024 Costa Rica's natural wonders right in San Jose! We loved our tour of the natural wonders on the UCR campus with Sara. What a hidden gem right in the heart of San Jose! Sara was friendly and highly knowledgeable about the colorful array of plants, birds, insects and fungi visible throughout our walk, and she has a knack for spotting sloths (we saw five). Thank you to Oropopo Experience for your science-informed dedication to the well being of the natural world.Posted on Katie01/11/2024 Not to miss The walking tour was amazing! Our tour guide had a lot of knowledge and was very passionate about all animals and wildlife. We managed to see 3 sloths in total and have great photos.Posted on Erik S01/11/2024 Witness Nature’s Urban Resilience What a fun, informative tour. Loved the passion, knowledge, and friendliness of the tour guide. Saw many birds, plants, insects, and three sloths! Amazing this is right in the city, even if you plan on venturing out of San Jose, don’t miss this tour and the resilience of nature.Posted on Malina N01/11/2024 100% recommended it was a really great experience. we were very lucky to have the opportunity to observe wild sloths in motion, many birds (hummingbirds!) and butterflies. Raquel was a wonderful guide. highly recommended!Posted on Anderson1731/10/2024 Birds bees butterflies and sloths Fantastic tour -lots of interesting wildlife. Bees were fascinating from tiny ones huge ones and gorgeous blue ones. Amazing 4 sloths in university grounds. Melissa was an excellent enthusiastic well informed guide. Would thoroughly recommend this trip.Posted on Jen L31/10/2024 Book this tour now… you really do see sloths in the city! This was probably the best tour I did in San Jose. Yendry was very knowledgeable and I got to see two different types of sloths, lead cutting ants in action as well as other wildlife all in the city!!!!Posted on Janet O29/10/2024 Experience nature in the city! Wonderful experience seeing nature in the city. Very knowledgeable guide and we learned so much. If you’re in San Jose and looking for something fun to do, it’s worth it!