Stepping on the hanging bridge, we took one last look at the thermal pools of Rio Negro Hot Springs from above. The emerald pools seemed to blend effortlessly into the natural design of the forest and the river.
Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is known for its miles of coastline dotted with gorgeous beaches. But this province is also home to various other natural treasures, ranging from stalactite and stalagmite formations to volcanoes and hot springs.
Rio Negro Hot Springs, fed by the geothermal activities of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, are among such unique attractions of Guanacaste. Close to the hot springs area, the river is also accorded with some small yet charming waterfalls.
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Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls Visit Resources:
Best way to experience the Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls is to stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin or to book a guided full-day tour
Most convenient way of getting around in Costa Rica is to rent a car
Must-have things on your Costa Rica packing list: Reef Safe Sunscreen, Insect Repellent and Rain Poncho
Rio Negro Hot Springs
There are about ten pools created with concrete stone boundaries, each overlooking the Rio Negro river from some angle. The thermal water in the pools vary in temperature, going up to 40 degrees C. Thick treetops of the surrounding tropical dry forest provide a nature shade and a green reflection on the water as you relax in the thermal water pool.
From the entrance area, you have to walk on a tail for about 350 meters. At the end of the trail, take the hanging bridge on the left that will lead you to the pools area of the hot springs. There is another hanging bridge which is used for exit purpose only.
Volcanic Mud Bath at Rio Negro
Volcanic mud is rich in minerals that have healing and soothing properties. So, when at Rio Negro Hot Springs, you can opt to get yourself a volcanic mud bath. Apart from its health benefits, this is also a fun activity! You can tell from our happy faces, ain’t it?
Ask for a bowl of volcanic mud from the person in charge of handing over the mud to visitors. Apply it all over your skin, both face and body. Let it dry for about 15 minutes as you wait and appreciate the beauty of the hot springs in the jungle. Then wash off the mud either in the open shower area next to the river or take a dip in the Rio Negro river. The water in the river was cold, yet we chose that over the shower. Then get into the pool and enjoy the ultra relaxing hot springs waters caress your body.
Related Reading: Eco Termales Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Rio Negro Waterfalls
On the day of your Rio Negro Hot Springs experience, reserve some time to explore the Rio Negro Waterfalls as well. Both are in the same area and share the same parking spot.
The waterfall trail takes you through the lush tropical forest, along the river Rio Negro. There are four waterfalls on the trail, each beautiful in its own way. Little pools form at the base of all four waterfalls. You can choose to swim in any or all of these.
The height and volume of the waterfalls keep increasing as you hike up from one to the next. That is why, the fourth and last one on the trail looks the most attractive among the four. No wonder we spent most time here, sitting silently, listening to the waterfall constantly pounding into the pool below.
Check out other waterfalls in the area:
How to Reach Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls?
The distances from major international airports of Costa Rica to Rio Negro Hot Springs are as follows:
- Liberia Airport: 38 km / 24 miles
- San Jose Airport: 224 km / 139 miles
From either airport, you will need to drive via Liberia. It takes about 40 minutes by car from Liberia. On the way, you will cross a check post that marks the private property area belonging to Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. You need to confirm your stay or tour information with the security personnel at this check point. 800 colones entrance fees apply for visits without reservation.
Entrance Information and Booking
Similar to the Oropendola Waterfall, Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfall are located on the premises of the property belonging to
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. So, depending on whether you are staying at this hotel or not, there are three options you can book your trip to Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls.
Option 1: Stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
If you stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, you get free access to Rio Negro Hot Springs and Rio Negro Waterfalls, along with some other attractions in the vicinity. According to us, this is the best option.
Click here to book your stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.
Option 2: Book a Tour
If you do not plan to stay at Hacienda Guachipelin, but visit Rio Negro Hot Springs and Rio Negro Waterfalls instead as a day trip from Liberia or one of the beach towns in Guanacaste, the most convenient option is to book a tour. There are plenty of packages to choose from, and the tours usually include transportation to and from your hotel or a nearby location.
This particular tour is a good option as it not only takes you to the hot springs, but also include other interesting destinations in the Rincon de la Vieja region. The guided tour starts with a hike in Las Pailas sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, takes you to the Oropendola Waterfall and lets you soak in the Rio Negro Hot Springs after lunch.
Option 3: Visit Independently
You can also visit Rio Negro Hot Springs independently by booking directly with Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.
You can book for slots starting as early as 9:00 am with the last entry slot being at 4:00 pm. They allow stay up to 1.5 hours, and the entry costs 30 USD for adults and 25 USD for children of 4-12 years age. You can also upgrade this hot spring visit to include lunch or a session at the hotel spa for an additional cost.
Remember, if you plan to visit Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls independently, it is best to have your own transport. Check Discover Cars to compare deals across rental car companies in Costa Rica.
Related Reading: Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
What to Wear and What to Carry?
You need comfortable walking shoes for hiking the waterfalls trail. It is an easy short hike, but the trail is not exactly paved. Wear light comfortable clothes as Guanacaste is usually hotter than the rest of the country. And while traveling in Costa Rica, always remember to pack a rain poncho.
For the hot springs, all you need is your swimsuit. You can store your other belongings at the locker near the entrance area. The changing rooms and bathrooms are also located here.
Insect repellants are recommended, but we had not applied any, neither did we feel the need for it. We visited in the month of December.
Do not forget your camera and sunscreen.
Final Thoughts
Rincon de la Vieja National Park and the surrounding areas provide ample opportunities to experience nature in diverse ways. Soaking in Rio Negro Hot Springs is one of the top favorite activities in the area, as you get to observe nature while you relax and get a natural spa at the thermal waters. Rio Negro Waterfalls trail is also an interesting addition to the ways you can experience this gleaming black river (the English translation for Rio Negro). So, Rio Negro Hot Springs and Waterfalls totally deserve space on your Guanacaste travel itinerary for your next Costa Rica trip.
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Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
- Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
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Hot springs and waterfalls are two of my favorite travel experiences. Loved reading about these ones in Costa Rica, what a dream! I love that there’s a beautiful walk included to reach them and the suspension bridge is such a unique element for visitors. It really looks like such a proper escape from the world tucked away in the jungle, with the hot springs, and a bridge needed to access it all!
These look amazing. I love visiting natural hot springs while traveling. They are such a great way to relax!
I need info on how to enjoy these activities in Rincon de la Vieja park
Hi Wilberth, you can find the information in the article 🙂
If you stay at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, the tariff includes access to the hot spring and the waterfalls. Else you can purchase separate packages from Hacienda Guachipelin.
Isn’t Tamarindo in Guanacaste? Because that’s where I spent a couple of months when I was in Central America. Sadly, I didn’t know about these hot springs otherwise I certainly would have gone there. I love everything wellness and spa-related.
Yes Renata, Tamarindo is in Guanacaste. Most people visit Guanacaste for its beaches, but this province has so many other hidden gems as well 🙂
I have never heard of volcanic mud bath before or what it does. I will have to do some more research on it. It’s very interesting. I really enjoy visiting waterfalls myself. They just take your breath awy.
These Rio Negro Hot Springs look wonderful, as does the mud bath! Reminds of be slathering mud on presences in the dead sea and at the famous blue lagoon in Iceland. Good to know about other geo-based attractions also in the area.