From the moment we arrived at the hacienda, we were completely immersed in the beauty and culture of Costa Rica. The property is absolutely stunning – a perfect blend of natural wonder and authentic charm. It felt like stepping into another world. The service was nothing short of exceptional. Every staff member was warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about making our stay unforgettable. Their attention to detail and dedication to hospitality made us feel right at home. The range of activities offered on the property was spectacular. The highlight for us was the waterfall and Rio Negro – both far exceeded our expectations. Crystal-clear water, breathtaking views, and a sense of untouched natural beauty that’s hard to describe. If you're looking for a place that offers adventure, relaxation, culture, and world-class service all in one, this hacienda is a must-visit. We can’t wait to come back!

We loved our time at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin! There is a lot of beautiful things to see and do right on the property and very close to the National Park and La Leona. As someone with a gluten allergy, I was delighted that all the food on the property is Gluten Free (and delicious!). We stayed in the Honeymoon suite and while the room was great, we were bummed that the private pool was not heated and very cold. Overall, I highly recommended a stay here.

We did not stay in the hotel, so I cannot speak to the quality of the rooms, but the adventure tours were fantastic! We went first with a big group of 7 of us on the Canyon Half-Day tour and had an absolute blast. All the guides were competent and there was always at least one guide who's english was very good. We went back a second day in a row for tubing and horseback riding, and had an equally great time.

One the plus: - Perfect location - nearby activities are included and shuttle bus also - lots of activities - rooms are nice - staff mostly friendly On the negative - the food! Breakfast is OK Neither of the two restaurants offer good food, however. Vegetables were completely burnt, kids' chicken fingers soaked in oil and no salt at all. Burger below average, and so on Pizza was pretty good though - room doors are simply on thin layer of wood, why? - the zip line tour was really worrying!! Nothing happened, but our group was about 50 people, and all were rushed through the course. Staff was clearly not able to focus on safety. All the time, two people were on the same line. Platforms were stacked with people. Staff had to constantly rush. Again, nothing happened, and it was fun, but I only wonder when... They should just limit the number of people per tour and focus on quality over quantity. The same goes for the Tubing, which was fun too but again like 50 or 60 people.

Beautiful hotel with generally good facilities and helpful staff. Food was good but drinks a little pricey. Only had one night here and you really need maybe 3 nights to give the activities a fair crack.

What a gem. Amazing service, great food which happens to be gluten free. Wonderful location that allows you to access and do so much from your hotel room. Very impressed and my celiac wife was very happy with my choice.

What an absolutely beautiful exceptional experience! Everything was amazing from the views, the staff, the food, the nature, wildlife and excursions. The pictures online just do not do it justice. I will recommend this place over and over to all that I know!

We had a great time. the cultural demo was very interesting and the speakers were informative. we got to pet an ox named Carmelo. Hot springs were relaxing, especially with fancy cocktails and cocktails from the swim up bar and the nature was beautiful. Lunch was included in our tour and it was delicious. Highly recommend.

This was the best organized excursion we have done. The zip line staff the waterside horseback riding a delicious lunch and the mud Joe spring were all amazing. Our tour guy Adrian who spoke four languages was just awesome and very accommodating.

We spent the morning at Vandara and left after lunch to take a friend to the airport. The staff were friendly and very welcoming right from our arrival at opening. They were super accommodating and ensured we got to do all the activities despite our time constraint. Those doing the explorer pass should budget 5-6 hours minimum to see everything. Plan for 8 on a busy day or if you’re a large group or want to take your time. The grounds are beautiful and the facility was clean and well maintained. Lockers and a towel were provided. We didn’t bring soap for showers, but it wasn’t necessary since the water isn’t salty like the ocean or full of chlorine like a pool. The hot springs are continually filled with fresh water and are very clean. We first enjoyed our horseback ride which finished at the start of the zip line. They took us to the cultural experience which is educational and comes with samples! Next we changed and went down the 450 metre slide. It was intense at times and I would only recommend it to those who are fairly fit. Young children and older adults should be able to take it slow by sitting upright. Helmets and elbow pads are provided. Finally we went to relax in the thermal pools. There are different temperatures in each as well as volcanic mud stations where you can paint yourself with mud. Outdoor showers are next to the mud or you can rinse off in the river. We walked a few metres in and stood under the waterfall to get all the mud! Finally we dried off and had lunch. A buffet lunch had soup, salad, rice and beans to start and chicken, pork and fried plantains. There was a delicious rice pudding for dessert and also a bar serving cocktails for an extra charge. Thank-you Vandara! We had a great time and truly appreciated your hospitality.

Loved our day of adventuring at Vandara. We rented a car and drove- felt very safe but rural and steep so we reccomend a high clearance SUV. We’re really happy with the price for how many things you get to do while Vandara! We loved that it gave you a taste of so many different activities versus paying hundreds for each! The thermal pools at the end of a hot day was the perfect oasis. We also loved the cultural components! Highly reccomend! For more check out our travel instagram page: @adventuredayssuitestays

The excursion was amazing. The best we ever had. Amazing stuff, lunch very good and so many activities. Our tour guide Jimena is so kind, for whole trip dhe was explaining everything and show what we could see from the bus window, in every stop at excursion she was there.

We had a group of 12 with us and they were very accommodating to all of us. Staff were super friendly. Zip lines were one of the best I’ve done with great views. Fun slide and pools. Food was great too! Highly recommended if you’re looking for a fun family day in Costa Rica.

Absolutely loved it here! They are wonderful! The baths, spring, mud, and waterfall was amazing! Would go back for sure

Although I did find bugs in my room (Regular thing for all the Costa Rican wilderness) there was fast WiFi, decent food, and excursions. The excursions I purchased were the jungle waterside, zip-line, and more. Let me tell you, the zip line did not disappoint. The views made you feel like you’re in a movie while hundreds of feet in the air. I definitely miss this place

Beautiful 1st time experience on an ecolodge. Melvin, Lise and Carla were fantastic! Lots of things to do for free; hikes, hot springs, amazing food, ranch, shops, wild animals and farm area. Beautiful birds joined us for breakfast and completely dark outside at night. Despite a hiccup that was quickly resolved it was a great experience overall.

Absolutely I can’t say enough good things about this place! From the moment you walk in, you’re made to feel completely welcome. The environment is perfect—comfortable, friendly, and full of positive energy. A special shout-out to Victor, Daniel, and the entire kitchen team—they’re all absolutely amazing. You can tell they truly care about what they do, and it shows in every detail. The service is genuine, the atmosphere is inviting, and the food… just incredible. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a place that feels like home with top-notch quality in every way!

We did the 12-in-1 day pass and it was amazing! Our guide Jose David went above and beyond. I have been traveling to countries all over the world for over 5 years and Jose David is the definition of a charismatic, caring and hard working person! Not only was he extremely patient but after the day was over and I was heading back to my hotel I made the mistake of locking my keys inside the car. Jose David stepped up and helped us with a smile on his face. His work day was over but he did not leave until he made sure we were okay. That is something that cannot be taught and I am extremely grateful to have been able to meet such a kind soul. He is someone who should definitely be in a leadership role. 10/10 definitely recommend.

We came here during low season expecting low season service and got quite the opposite! The site is large with 3 restaurants and many cabin locations and we were almost the only ones on site. Despite this, we had one of the greatest culinary experiences ever! The quality of the food was only surpassed by the service we received from Arturo and Carlos! They went over the top to make sure we had an incredible experience.

We loved our stay here! We stayed here for four days, and we had so much fun! We had a 12-in-1 day pass, and everyday was filled with something to do. We enjoyed all the activities, and everyone was SO incredibly kind and welcoming - they went above and beyond, and it really showed! Shout out to José David, Leo, Andrés, Carlos, Daniel, Bismarck, and all the other staff for making our trip so memorable! 😁

This place is amazing, absolutely stunning property and views, food at the restaurants were 10/10, staff are very polite and helpful. Will definitely be coming back! Also the hot springs ride on a tracker were included with the stay!

What a wonderful experience! Absolutely amazing. More than I expected. The grounds and facilities are beautiful. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Ask for Daniel, he was an amazing tour guide. I learned so much about the rain forest. One of the best experiences of my life. The hike is real so be prepared but it was worth it! We took lots of pictures, I would share them with you but I don't want to ruin the view for you. Lunch was amazing!

We had an absolutely magical time at Sensoria! Our guide, Daniel, is so knowledgeable, friendly, and his love for nature and conservation really shines. Pablo our driver and the rest of the staff were very pleasant and attentive. Out of all of our visits to Costa Rica, this one is definitely our favorite. We were blown away by the hike surrounded by the sounds of the animals, the beauty of the waterfall, and the tranquil swimming pools. Only thing that would have made our visit even better was if they offered on site accommodations. One day is not enough time to soak in the splendor that is Sensoria. I highly recommend paying a visit and seeing the magic for yourself.

My daughter and I took a trip to Costa Rica to celebrate her 18th birthday, and it was truly the most incredible experience of my life. "Walking with Joaquín" was remarkable; I came away feeling a deeper connection to nature and gained valuable insights into the relationship between humans and the environment. I can’t wait to go back, and I hope to bring a larger group with me next time. I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone try the nature walk/hike!

Raymond did an AMAZING job taking us on our tour. He was attentive and friendly and very knowledgeable. He has a great eye for spotting wildlife and took the time to show us many things we would not have noticed on our own. He was willing to take lots of pictures for us to have memories of this beautiful experience, and he is an excellent photographer to boot! So grateful that I was able to partake in this beautifully authentic Costa Rican experience. So grateful that there is a way to experience the beautiful rainforests of this magical country!

We had an absolutely magical time at Sensoria! From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable made even more special by our amazing driver and guide, Pablo. Pablo was one of the friendliest, most personable people we met during our entire trip to Costa Rica. From the moment he picked us up, he made us feel completely comfortable and welcome, sharing stories, local insights, and a great sense of humor along the way. When our guide wasn’t available, Pablo didn’t hesitate to step in and lead us through the trail himself and he did it with so much enthusiasm and care that it felt like we were exploring with an old friend. Along the hike, we saw all kinds of wildlife — including a few snakes (some friendly, some not so friendly!) and Pablo made sure we were safe while still getting the full adventure and took some of our favorite photos of the trip. His passion for nature and genuine kindness made the day something truly special. Between the lush rainforest, the peaceful waterfalls, and the warm pools, Sensoria itself is the best experience if you’re in Costa Rica.

Beautiful way to spend the day. We hiked through the rainforest and then swam in beautiful pools surrounded in nature. Lunch was delicious. Very eco friendly and responsible company. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone that has a chance

A Hidden Gem in the Costa Rican Rainforest! Visiting Sensoria was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Costa Rica. Tucked away in the lush rainforest near Rincón de la Vieja, this magical place offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the staff and immediately felt immersed in the pristine surroundings. The guided hike through the private reserve was incredible—our guide (Daniel) was knowledgeable, passionate about conservation, and pointed out wildlife and exotic plants we never would have noticed on our own. The waterfalls and natural thermal pools were absolutely breathtaking, and being able to swim in the crystal-clear waters was such a refreshing treat. Sensoria is beautifully maintained and feels like a sanctuary. If looking to unplug and reconnect with the Earth or if you just want to enjoy the lush rainforest this place is a must-visit. We left feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and grateful for the experience. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the Guanacaste region!

The hot springs were very nice - but the temperature signs were way off. There were some that said 40 degrees that were comfortable, and then two that said 39 that were too hot to even wade in. Having the river in between the pools makes for a pretty backdrop, and you could even enter the river in the middle (that's cold, though). On the other side of the road you could walk a little way to look at four waterfalls. I'm not sure if you can enter those pools, I had no water shoes and didn't want to go barefoot. When booking online, you chose a 1,5 h slot, but I don't know if that usually means you have to be out again that quickly. That would be pretty short. We were here in the off season, so the guy at the entrance told us to take as long as we want - that was a pleasant surprise. The road to get there is a bit interesting, but that's most roads in Costa Rica.

If you are staying at Hacienda Guachipelin, it’s worth checking out the Hot Springs. However I would not recommend going just for the Hot Springs, we were not that impressed by the grounds or pools. The water was murky and very hot, it was a hot day so perhaps not the best time to visit. The river beside the pools was cold but nice, although hard to find a spot to sit (best to wear water shoes). We did like hiking to the four waterfalls that were close by to the hot springs though.

This was a great experience for us after our La Leona hike. The walk to get there was easy with a couple bathrooms along the way. The hot spring pools were great, marked well with the temperature, depth, etc. They were all clean and looked well maintained. The mud was nice, my 10 year old dream come true! They have showers to rinse off in our you can go to the creek. My family opted for the creek and loved it! The only reason I gave a 4/5 stars was bc once we got to the hot springs it would have been nice to have some guidance. Maybe someone to point out where all the springs were, what order is recommended, when to get the mud, etc. Others seemed confused when they got there as well so I know we weren’t the only one. There was someone there and maybe this is what he was supposed to be doing but…🤷‍♀️ A couple things… If you are adding this to another adventure that day, this is very flexible time wise. We got there a bit early and it wasn’t a problem. Also when driving yourself just keep going, there was a moment I wondered if we missed it or went the wrong way, a couple minutes later we were there.

Rio Negro Hot Springs was a nice experience. The surrounding forest is beautiful and the hanging bridges are lovely. The facilities are not “limited mobility” friendly despite asking the hotel. Grounds are not flat anywhere, entries to the pools is not easy, and the walk in is longer than anticipated - there are benches along the way for rests. I’m wondering how the pools remain sanitary? The facility is remote. Again, it was a very fun experience. Very relaxing. The change rooms are amazing. The price to enter is good.

Be sure to have 800 colones OR $3 USD for entry onto the private road going to the hot pools. We enjoyed our time soaking in the various pools surrounded by the forest with the river running through. We liked the natural look of the pools and found the changing room/bathroom to be very clean. These are not natural hot springs but are pools heated from geothermal energy. Keep in mind that there are no food/drinks available other than what is sold at reception.

Absolutely beautiful spot. Many different pools at temps from 104 to 99 F. A quick cold plunge in the river to cool off is amazing. Showed up in the morning and a small tour was there once they gone just us and one other couple. They have nice changing rooms and lockers. I brought a luggage lock and keep our belongings safe. Spent a couple hours then hiked up to the waterfalls. Great short hike.

The hot springs were a unique experience as it was in the middle of nature surrounded by lush forest which made it immersive. We each got volcanic mud - you paint it on let it dry and then rinse it off in the river. My skin felt nice and smooth after, and I felt very relaxed 😀 There's also the waterfalls across the street that's a nice little walk for before/after too! Overall well maintained, tranquil vibes, relaxing natural hotspring experience. Recommend for a peaceful afternoon soaking in nature.

The property itself is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by lush nature views that make it feel peaceful and secluded. The pool and natural hot springs are lovely spots to unwind, and there’s even a short nature trail for a little bit of easy exploring. We were pleasantly surprised by how good the dinner was—fresh, flavorful, and better than expected for a remote resort. If your goal is to sit back, relax, and disconnect, this place definitely delivers on that front. That said, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. The road to get there is rough, and once you arrive, you're pretty far from any other attractions or towns. There’s no entertainment, only four breakfast options most days, and everything from the spa to excursions felt seriously overpriced. The resort is also very hilly, so expect a bit of a trek to your room. While the tranquility is nice, we found ourselves wishing there were yoga classes or more to do. It can feel a bit boring unless you’re fully content just lounging by the pool. I wish the free trail on property was longer rather than having to pay extra for hikes to waterfalls, etc. it should be included in the price. The rooms were clean and spacious.

My stay at Buringuen Resort in Costa Rica was nothing short of magical. The natural beauty surrounding the resort is breathtaking – a true five-star setting. What made it even better was the incredibly warm and professional staff. Everyone went above and beyond to make my stay perfect. The sauna was a fantastic way to relax after a day of exploring. I can't wait to return! Highly recommend!

What a beautiful experience my family had here. The grounds were beautifully maintained and there was so much to do. The rooms/cabins were beautiful and the AC works great! Traveling with our twin 5 yo Horseback riding and a hike in the Volcanic Forest were the highlights of our stay. Just sitting on your porch was like being in heaven watching the birds and monkeys. The mud bath (watch out it stains bathing suits) thermal pools and swimming pools were beautiful. The staff and management were all so gracious and nice. We missed our first night due to our flight and they let us reschedule our stay at the end of our CR vacation, class act! The food at the restaurant was delicious and huge portions! I wouldn’t want to travel the roads at dark driving up the volcano to the resort. I would definitely come back to Costa Rica just to stay here again. Thank you staff at Borinquen for making our stay so memorable!

This is a luxurious place with natural steam room, hot, warm, and cool wading pools, warm mud, a spa, tours to nearby waterfall with added zip lines back to the resort. The restaurant and included breakfast is first rate. It's a beautiful setting. Parking is near check-in, so you need to call if you want their truck to pick you up. It is spread out on a hill, but we liked the exercise of walking. The grounds are beautiful and there is plenty of birds and iguanas to see. My only complaints are that there were no screens over the bathroom windows and on the sliding glass doors to the deck. I left the bathroom window open to let out steam and forgot to shut it so the bathroom was full of bugs at night. Also, there is no cash at the office so you can't get change to tip. You can however put tips on your card. The guides were great.

Remote and beautifully landscape, but the path up isn't as bad as the previous years make it out to be - perhaps it's been fixed. Excellent service from everyone from the front desk to the entire dinging staff, top notch. Special mention to Emmanul, wonderful in vibe and service.

Tucked away in a peaceful haven where nature thrives, this hotel is a true retreat. Waking up to the enchanting sound of birds at dawn was a magical experience. The thermal baths offer pure relaxation, making every moment there feel indulgent. The staff’s warmth and hospitality added a special touch, making us feel truly welcomed. And the food? Absolutely wonderful—we loved every bite! This place is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking tranquility and comfort."

An Unforgettable Rainforest Retreat! From the moment we arrived, the customer service was outstanding—every staff member went above and beyond. The property is absolutely breathtaking, with lush landscapes and the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds adding to the magical atmosphere. The amenities are top-notch: a fantastic pool with a hot tub and swim-up bar, a hot sauna, and even stables for horseback riding. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this place has it all—ziplining, hot mud baths with showers, and bird-watching tours. The on-site restaurant serves delicious food with stunning views, and the wait staff is phenomenal. Room service is also available for a small $4 surcharge. Our room was spacious and well-equipped, with a walk-in shower, courtesy liquid soap and shampoo, a large wooden wardrobe with a safe, a flat-screen TV (streaming services only), and a kettle with a variety of teas and coffee pods. Do expect to see a few small insects—after all, you're in the heart of the rainforest. All in all, this is a one-stop destination for nature, comfort, and adventure. Highly recommended!

My experience at Blue River Resort was completely different from any other resort or hotel I’ve stayed at in the best way possible. Before I share more, I want to clear up a few misconceptions I saw in other reviews. The gravel road getting there isn’t nearly as bad as some people make it out to be. The drivers recommended by the hotel had no problem getting us from the airport to the resort. The Wi-Fi also worked well, though honestly, the beauty of a place like this is being able to disconnect from your phone and everyday stress. You will see some wildlife around the property, but nothing crazy or dangerous. If any issues came up with the room, the staff did their best to resolve them quickly. I really encourage anyone who’s on the fence about staying here to go for it without worry you’ll have a great, memorable experience. There’s a lot to do on-site, plus plenty of excursions available. The natural mineral pools were such a blast, and the natural sauna was one of my favorite parts. The nature walk is absolutely worth it scenic, peaceful, and so relaxing. And the food? Spectacular. Everything was freshly cooked, full of flavor, and seasoned perfectly. Overall, if you’re looking for a new kind of experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and the beauty of Costa Rica, this is the place for you.

My wife and son came to stay for one night here at the Blue River Resort near Volcan Rincón de la Vieja. We had the most amazing time here. We came to Costa Rica for 6 days and we wish we had spent the entire time here. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The rooms were very clean and very big. The AC was very good as well. Even though it was low season they had everything we needed to have a great time. The food at the restaurant was great too! We also did the Dino Park experience and our son loved it. We had rented a car to drive around Costa Rica and we had no trouble getting there even with it raining for some portion of the drive. We will definitely be looking forward to coming back soon! Thank You!

My family just spent a week here and we had a great time. We did a few excursions to waterfalls. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. My youngest daughter really enjoyed the hammock on the porch. The restaurant served delicious food, and we never went away hungry. Prices were reasonable, especially considering how far out the resort is from any city. The hot spring pools were great for soaking and relaxing. The grounds are beautiful with walking paths, a butterfly house, and natural sauna and mud treatment. There was a small village nearby where you can shop at a small general store and eat at a couple of other small restaurants. If you need a ride from Liberia, have cash as not all drivers can process credit cards.

Most people who travel to Costa Rica tend to fall in love with it. My family and I are no different! Our experience at Blue River resort was nothing short of amazing! It is a beautiful resort that fit our needs perfectly as a family who loves animals and being outdoors! The service was amazing. The people were so kind! We had plenty of activities to do and also had down time to explore the local area on foot. We had so much fun zip lining and horseback riding! The guides were fun and engaging! Everyone seemed happy and good vibes were all around! Pura vida is not just a saying on a t shirt, we really lived it for four awesome days! The food was great, and there were other local sodas within walking distance. The Hot Springs were incredibly healing. None of us wanted to leave and we can’t wait until we come back! FYI, we went during the rainy season and preferred it due to temperate weather, more animal sighting opportunities, and fewer tourists!

I came here for a yoga retreat. I came during a very slow period (where the resort would be very empty) and not a lot of patrons were here for the yoga, so I ended having some very personalized training in a wonderful rainforest with waterfalls and birds in the background. I could tell this place used to be a luxurious eco resort, and the people here do a great job of maintaining the place in the background. However, I can tell where it starts lacking in amenities, which takes away from the experience. This is a good start to experiencing an eco resort, but it's not the best one out there, especially with the two hour rocky ride to get there. I would also bring your own snacks if you tend to get hungry easily. The meals are limited (well, maybe except for the continental breakfast, but you can only eat so much bread). There are other restaurants outside the resort if you really need to, an option I didn't exercise due to my lack of car. I think where it starts to look dated are the hot springs and some of the other facilities. The water here ain't the hottest, and the mud bath isn't really well maintained and set up. Kind of discouraged me from using it. Overall not bad of an experience, but they could invest some money in making some capital improvements.

The resort is located in a secluded location, it has nice hot springs and beautiful nature. The path to the resort is unpaved for some part so an off road SUV is the best choice. Be aware of bugs they are also in the rooms and bedsheets and make the sleep uncomfortable.

We really enjoyed our two days stay here last year.The resort was so unique,had beautiful garden with giant, exotic flowers all around the garden with tropical fruit trees which the manager let us to enjoy.(We felt like Alice in Wonderland) The pools and surrounding area were so romantic and beautiful.The mud bath and hot spring were amazing also.The manager Adrien and employees were very nice and food was really tasty and good.The roads were not smooth but worth driving.We will never forget this place and wish to visit again.

One of the best dinosaur themed islands in the world Jurassic Park and the Lost world Jurassic Park were filmed there. Most of the island is lush greenery with an occasional dinosaur here and there

Nicely organized and good place to visit. Try the mud bath and the hot pools. The food is good and nicely presented.

we loved this place and would love to re visit one day to explore more 🥰

Jimmy our guide is very knowledgeable about dinosaurs.

Our toddler loved this place. Our guide was very helpful and provided useful information. Keep in mind that the road to park is a dusty gravel road for about 15 miles each way with tops and turns. So if you are not planning to do any more activty at Blue river resort then it may not be worth the trip!!

This place was magical for our kids. Not to long of a walk and the dinos looked like they could be real. If anyone is looking for a day trip this one is great. The butterfly area was so amazing. Not to mention the sauna followed by the volcanic mud bath and ending the day in the hotsprings. What a great day.

I really recommend this park you can visit with all the family members!