Santa María Hot Springs Trail (Rincón de la Vieja)

Before you go

Entry

$16.95 for visitors · ₡1,130 for residents · 2–12: $5.65 foreigners / ₡565 nationals

Payment

online

Tickets

Online only, book ahead

Road

Gravel — a regular car is fine

Walk

3,000 m

Swimming

No swimming

Facilities

restrooms, showers, drinking water

Dogs

Not allowed

Bring

shoes that can get wet, rain poncho, water

Season

May–Nov the last 2 km of road can be muddy and rocky — high-clearance car recommended

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Go early: mornings are usually sunnier here, and you will likely have the trail to yourself.

Be careful

You have to ford a few rivers without bridges — after rain they can run high, so turn back if in doubt. The park now forbids bathing in the springs to protect rare microorganisms.

Getting there

Santa María sector of Rincón de la Vieja NP, about 20–25 km from Liberia via Barrio La Victoria (paved, then gravel). Thu–Mon 8:00–15:30.

Places nearby

• Vida Aventura Nature Park (Vida Aventura Ranch)Tours & AdventureA ranch a few minutes from Rincón de la Vieja National Park offering horseback rides over open hills, canopy and bike trails, with a pool and restaurant.
• Hotel Buena Vista del RincónDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 4 h–9 h · from $75A big ranch-style adventure park on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja volcano where one day pass covers ziplines, hanging bridges, a record-long jungle waterslide, a horse ride to a waterfall, volcanic mud baths and hot springs, plus a buffet lunch.
• Hacienda GuachipelínTours & Adventure · takes 1.5 h–8.5 h · from $35A working cattle ranch at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja volcano that packs a week of adventure into one day: horseback with local sabanero guides, whitewater tubing on the Río Negro, a canyon zipline with rappels and a Tarzan swing, then hot springs and a volcanic mud bath.
• La Leona Waterfall Adventure HikeTours & AdventureLocal Curubandé operator next to La Leona Restaurant that guides the river hike — wading, swimming and rope sections — to the La Leona waterfall in its slot canyon.
• Soda CurubandéSodas & Local FoodThe one restaurant in the center of Curubandé, the farming village at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja: casados, rice dishes and bocas, cooked the traditional way.
• Sensoria Rainforest ExperienceParks & Wildlife · from $132Private rainforest reserve on the north side of Rincón de la Vieja with blue waterfalls, thermal pools and mud, visited on guided half-day experiences.