Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park and Oropendola Waterfall

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 spot

Experience the Guanacaste Volcanic Range alongside a biologist or naturalist as you explore one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic landscapes. Walk the Las Pailas Loop Trail among bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, tropical forest, and wildlife — all shaped by an active volcano.

After the hike, cool off at the spectacular Oropéndola Waterfall, where a year-round cascade plunges into a crystal-clear turquoise pool.

Highlights:

- Witness bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, boiling-water pools, and dry-forest wildlife along the 2-mile Las Pailas Loop.

- 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.

- Swim beneath the crystal-clear, year-round Oropéndola Waterfall.

- Cross a scenic hanging bridge into Oropéndola’s volcanic canyon.

Inclusions:

- Private Biologist or Certified Naturalist Guide

- Optical Equipment (Spotting Scope or Binoculars)

- National Park Entrance Fee ($17pp)

- Oropéndola Waterfall Entrance & Road Toll (.$27 pp)

- Lunch, Snacks and Fruit

-1% of sales go to NGO Funga Conservation

- $2pp to Avellanas Mangrove Protection Program

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

Meeting Point: Curubandé Town, Liberia Downtown, or a convenient intermediate location along the route.

Private Transportation Available as an Add-On. Contact us for a personalized transportation quote.

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: Finish the hike and enjoy snacks and fruit, and get ready for the waterfall.
12:00 MD: Walk to Oropéndola Waterfall. Cross its hanging bridge and descend into a beautiful crystal-clear pool.
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).

Book Here

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 615 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   fe_pena 
 25/11/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Anitha M 
 11/11/2024
 
 
  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 it
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jenn D 
 09/11/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Sara A 
 03/11/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Katie 
 01/11/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Erik S 
 01/11/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Malina N 
 01/11/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Anderson17 
 31/10/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Jen L 
 31/10/2024
 
 
  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 Tripadvisor  
   
   Janet O 
 29/10/2024
 
 
  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!

Unveil Rincón de La Vieja National Park​