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1-Day Rincon de La Vieja Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Rincon de La Vieja in 1 day
If you only have 1 day to spend in Rincon de La Vieja, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Rincón de la Vieja in Guanacaste is centered around an active volcano and a national park known for its mix of tropical dry forest, cloud forest, and volcanic landscapes. Visitors come for hiking trails that pass fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and waterfalls, as well as natural hot springs fed by geothermal activity. The area is also popular for outdoor adventures like horseback riding and zip-lining, and offers good chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys, coatis, and a variety of bird species.
With favorites like Cráter Extinto (Von Seebach), Sensoria "Land of Senses and Magical rainforest", and Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees.0 To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Visiting Rincon de La Vieja? See our Rincon de La Vieja Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
- Rincon de La Vieja in 1 day
- 1-day itinerary
Day 1
1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Blue River Resort & Hot Springs and Sensoria "Land of Senses and Magical rainforest" with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Rincon de La Vieja without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1
•Osdelvis E — Google reviewJustin M — Google reviewPeter C — Google reviewLayla N — Google reviewPeter C — Google reviewNiloofar R — Google reviewNadia S — Google review
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs
4.3
(877)
4.0
(112)
Resort hotel
Tours
Horseback riding service
Hotel
The Blue River Resort is a charming retreat surrounded by nature, offering cozy cabins in a lush setting. Guests can enjoy various amenities such as a spa, hot spring pools, and a beautiful butterfly garden. The resort provides impeccable services and maintains clean and well-maintained rooms. While some guests experienced issues with hot water, the excursions offered were reasonably priced and catered to families, including single mothers traveling with young children who were treated with utmost care and respect.
I recently stayed at the Blue River Resort & Spa in Costa Rica, and it was nothing short of surreal. I booked the full yoga package, which included two daily yoga sessions, delicious meals, and access to all the resort’s amenities, plus two unforgettable activities.
The resort is incredibly well maintained and spotless, yet it still feels completely wild and immersed in nature. You’re literally in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by giant, lush plants that made me feel like I was in the movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Everywhere you look is a scene from a tropical dream.
The staff were very friendly and welcoming, always making sure everything was just right. The yoga sessions were grounding and soulful, set in a peaceful, natural environment. I can’t overstate how restorative it felt to be so connected with nature—this is the place to come if you want to truly disconnect from the chaos of the outside world and recharge.
I highly recommend bringing hiking boots, because the trails and waterfalls are otherworldly—absolutely worth exploring. Most of the time, I felt like I was living inside a dream.
Whether you’re looking for a wellness escape, adventure, or just peace and quiet, Blue River Resort & Spa is a must-visit. I left feeling physically refreshed, mentally clear, and spiritually full. I’ll definitely be back!
Maryam M — Google review
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.
de, 600 metros norte del antiguo mariposario, Provincia de Alajuela, El Gavilan, 21306, Costa Rica•
14 min · 3.3 mi
2•Kim R — Google reviewRhiannon P — Google reviewMama M — Google reviewLuke D — Google reviewDanny C — Google reviewRebecca D — Google reviewJulianne G — Google review
Sensoria "Land of Senses and Magical rainforest"
4.7
(172)
4.8
(448)
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Waterfalls
We had such a wonderful experience at sensoria. Upon arrival we were provided fresh juice. We hiked about 3 to 4 miles. Joaquin was an amazing tour guide and provided a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystem of Costa Rica. After the hike our group was provided a delicious lunch. Pablo, our driver who is also a tour guide pointed out wildlife and beautiful scenery along the way to and from sensoria.
Stephanie F — Google review
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.
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.
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!
This was one of the best experiences of my life that I will treasure forever!♥️ Raymond our tour guide was amazing and took such care and great pictures. I would recommend this to anyone who loves nature!
The entire tour was fantastic - one of the best excursions we have ever been on! Pablo was a fantastic guide, extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make our experience special. A great cultural experience of Costa Rica!
de, sensoria land of senses Water supply tanks in Buenos Aires 3 km south, last property on the road, Provincia de Alajuela, Buenos Aires, 20102, Costa Rica•
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< 1 min · 0 ft
3
Planta Geotérmica Las Pailas
Water treatment plant
Nestled on the southern slope of a majestic volcano, Planta Geotérmica Las Pailas is a geothermal wonderland that captivates visitors with its stunning natural phenomena. Here, you can witness an array of boiling hot mud springs, sulfur springs, steam vents, and fumaroles that create a surreal landscape.
Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja, Faldas del volcán, Costa Rica•
5 min · 1 mi
4•Cletus J — Google reviewFardad S — Google reviewDan — Google reviewJonathan I — Google reviewManan S — Google reviewSean M — Google reviewThel N — Google review
Dino Park Blue River Resort Costa Rica
4.4
(255)
4.4
(71)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme Parks
Surprisingly much better than you would expect and well worth the time to visit alone or in a group. The Dinosaurs and signage is authentic, well placed and oddly emotional. Seriously whatever you think this would be it is surprisingly better.
Hudgens H — Google review
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!
Rincon de la Vieja, Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica•
1 hr 46 min · 29 mi
5Oscar A — Google review
Cráter Extinto (Von Seebach)
5.0
(3)
National park
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, Cráter Extinto (Von Seebach) offers an otherworldly experience for adventurous hikers. As you embark on your journey to the Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, you'll encounter a fork in the trail at timberline—one path leading to the volcano's summit and the other guiding you toward Von Seebach. Although this route is currently closed due to volcanic activity, it promises stunning views when accessible.
(Translated by Google) Place from another world, the sunrises are very charged, you can see the Pacific Ocean, Lake Nicaragua and other volcanoes in the distance
(Original)
Lugar de otro mundo, los amaneceres son muy cargas, se logra ver el océano pacífico, el lago de Nicaragua y otros volcanes a lo lejos
Carranza A — Google review
(Translated by Google) Incredible
(Original)
Increíble
RMH2+H4, Provincia de Alajuela, Upala, Costa Rica
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What's the weather like in Rincon de La Vieja?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Rincon de La Vieja for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in January
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in February
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in March
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in April
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in May
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- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in July
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in August
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in September
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in October
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in November
- Weather in Rincon de La Vieja in December
All road trips from Rincon de La Vieja
Explore nearby places
- Rincon de La Vieja
- Liberia
- Area de Conservacion Guanacaste
- Tenorio Volcano National Park
- Playa Hermosa
- Artola
- La Cruz
- Nuevo Arenal
- Playa Matapalo
- Santa Cruz
- Playa Conchal
- Nicoya
- El Castillo
- Santa Elena
- Playa Grande
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Tamarindo
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- La Fortuna de San Carlos
- Playa Avellanas
- San Juan del Sur
- Nosara
- Moyogalpa
- Playa Samara
- Puntarenas
- Mal Pais
- Corcovado National Park
- Vara Blanca
- Santa Teresa
- Montezuma
- Tarcoles
All related maps of Rincon de La Vieja
- Map of Rincon de La Vieja
- Map of Liberia
- Map of Area de Conservacion Guanacaste
- Map of Tenorio Volcano National Park
- Map of Playa Hermosa
- Map of Artola
- Map of La Cruz
- Map of Nuevo Arenal
- Map of Playa Matapalo
- Map of Santa Cruz
- Map of Playa Conchal
- Map of Nicoya
- Map of El Castillo
- Map of Santa Elena
- Map of Playa Grande
- Map of Arenal Volcano National Park
- Map of Tamarindo
- Map of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Map of La Fortuna de San Carlos
- Map of Playa Avellanas
- Map of San Juan del Sur
- Map of Nosara
- Map of Moyogalpa
- Map of Playa Samara
- Map of Puntarenas
- Map of Mal Pais
- Map of Corcovado National Park
- Map of Vara Blanca
- Map of Santa Teresa
- Map of Montezuma
- Map of Tarcoles
Rincon de La Vieja throughout the year
- Rincon de La Vieja in January
- Rincon de La Vieja in February
- Rincon de La Vieja in March
- Rincon de La Vieja in April
- Rincon de La Vieja in May
- Rincon de La Vieja in June
- Rincon de La Vieja in July
- Rincon de La Vieja in August
- Rincon de La Vieja in September
- Rincon de La Vieja in October
- Rincon de La Vieja in November
- Rincon de La Vieja in December
Day itineraries for nearby cities
- 1-Day Tamarindo Itinerary
- 1-Day Arenal Volcano National Park Itinerary
- 1-Day La Fortuna de San Carlos Itinerary
- 1-Day Liberia Itinerary
- 1-Day San Juan del Sur Itinerary
- 1-Day Nosara Itinerary
- 1-Day Santa Teresa Itinerary
- 1-Day Playa Samara Itinerary
- 1-Day Puntarenas Itinerary
- 1-Day Montezuma Itinerary
- 1-Day Santa Elena Itinerary
- 1-Day Area de Conservacion Guanacaste Itinerary
- 1-Day Playa Hermosa Itinerary
- 1-Day Playa Conchal Itinerary
- 1-Day Mal Pais Itinerary
- 1-Day Santa Cruz Itinerary
- 1-Day Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Itinerary
- 1-Day Playa Grande Itinerary
- 1-Day Tarcoles Itinerary
- 1-Day Nicoya Itinerary
- 1-Day Playa Matapalo Itinerary
- 1-Day Moyogalpa Itinerary
- 1-Day Corcovado National Park Itinerary
- 1-Day Vara Blanca Itinerary
- 1-Day Playa Avellanas Itinerary
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