Exploring the stunning natural wonders of Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a must-do adventure for visitors to Playa del Coco. This exhilarating day trip promises an unforgettable experience, from the breathtaking hike to the impressive Grand Waterfall to the chance to unwind in the resort’s rejuvenating mud baths and hot springs. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled exploration or a serene day of relaxation, this excursion offers the perfect balance, leaving you with indelible memories of Costa Rica’s remarkable beauty.
About Your Stay
- An 8-hour day trip from Playa Flamingo to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, featuring a moderate hike to a volcano and waterfall.
- Includes morning pickup, welcome cocktail, and access to resort facilities like mud baths, hot springs, and botanical gardens.
- Lunch with traditional Costa Rican dishes is provided, with vegetarian options available.
- Private transportation, a bilingual guide, and locker/change room facilities are included in the tour.
- Mixed reviews highlight the older resort, with the mud bath experience not meeting expectations but the hiking and lunch receiving praise.
Overview and Itinerary
This 8-hour tour from Playa Flamingo provides outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the natural wonders of Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
The day begins with a 6am pickup from your hotel, followed by a welcome cocktail upon arrival at the Blue River Resort.
You’ll hike through the rainforest to see the El Rincon volcano and Grand Waterfall.
The afternoon is spent enjoying the resort’s facilities, including mud baths, hot springs, natural pools, and botanical gardens.
The tour concludes with drop-off around 7pm, providing a full day of nature, relaxation, and adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Playa Flamingo.
Reaching Rincon De La Vieja
Guests begin their Rincon de la Vieja adventure with a morning pickup from their Playa Hermosa hotel at 6am. The drive to the Blue River Resort takes about an hour, winding through lush rainforest landscapes.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a refreshing cocktail. From here, they’ll embark on a moderate hike through the national park, passing by the towering El Rincon volcano and the stunning Grand Waterfall.
The afternoon is spent enjoying the resort’s facilities, including mud baths, natural hot springs, and botanical gardens. After a satisfying lunch, the tour winds down with a return to Playa Hermosa around 7pm, concluding an immersive day exploring Rincon de la Vieja’s natural wonders.
Hiking and Exploring
After the welcome cocktail, guests eagerly set out on the moderate hike through the lush rainforest.
The trail led them to the impressive El Rincon volcano, where they caught glimpses of the steaming crater. Continuing on, they reached the Grand Waterfall, a towering cascade plunging into a natural pool below.
Guests enjoyed the Jurassic Park-themed attractions along the way, seeing the park’s prehistoric ambiance. Though visibility of the complete volcano was limited from the resort and hike, the stunning natural scenery and geological features left a lasting impression.
After the invigorating outdoor exploration, guests looked forward to indulging in the resort’s relaxing hot springs and mud baths.
Blue River Resort Amenities
The Blue River Resort offered a range of amenities for guests to enjoy during their downtime.
After the morning hike, visitors could indulge in the resort’s natural mud baths and hot springs. The botanical gardens provided a serene environment to explore, while the natural pools offered a refreshing way to cool off.
Guests could also visit the on-site lockers and change rooms to prepare for their activities. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, the resort provided access to spa treatments and alcoholic beverages, though these weren’t included in the tour package.
Dining and Refreshments
Lunch is served at the Blue River Resort, providing a delicious and satisfying midday meal for tour participants.
The lunch menu offers a variety of options, including:
- Traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado.
- Vegetarian-friendly choices for those with dietary restrictions.
- Refreshing local beverages like fresh fruit juices and chilled coconut water.
- Hearty and flavorful entrees to fuel the afternoon’s activities.
Along With the included lunch, the resort also offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, such as Costa Rican craft beers and cocktails, available for purchase.
The dining experience at the Blue River Resort is a highlight of the Rincon de la Vieja day trip.
Tour Inclusions and Accessibility
The tour includes several key amenities and accessibility considerations.
Travelers will enjoy a complimentary lunch, as well as the services of a bilingual guide who speaks both English and Spanish.
Private transportation to and from the hotel is provided. Access to the resort’s locker and change room facilities is included, though visitors will need to cover the cost of alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and gratuities.
A vegetarian meal option is available upon request.
The tour involves moderate walking, so it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are permitted.
Guest Experiences and Feedback
Guests’ experiences at the Rincon De La Vieja Day Trip Adventure have been mixed, with a 3.0 overall rating based on a single review.
While the drive duration was acceptable and the driver was friendly, the resort itself was noted to be older than the photos suggested.
The mud bath didn’t quite meet expectations, but the lunch received praise for its ample and delicious offerings.
The hike to the waterfall was an easy one, with Jurassic Park-themed attractions along the way.
However, visibility of the complete volcano from the resort and hike was limited.
Good To Know:
- Mixed guest reviews with a 3.0 overall rating
- Older resort facilities than expected
- Positive feedback on lunch, but mud bath disappointment
- Enjoyable hike with interesting attractions, but limited volcano visibility
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour includes lunch, but you can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if you prefer. However, outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the tour.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
There’s no mention of discounts for children or seniors in the tour details. Guests should confirm with the tour operator if any special pricing is available for these groups when booking the Rincon de la Vieja National Park tour.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Activity During the Tour?
The tour spends around 2 hours hiking through the rainforest, 3 hours enjoying the resort’s facilities like hot springs and mud baths, and the remaining time for lunch, transportation, and other activities.
Are Professional Photography Services Available at the Resort?
The tour doesn’t mention any professional photography services available at the resort. Guests will need to bring their own cameras to capture the scenic views and activities during the day.
Can I Extend My Stay at the Resort After the Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour package does not include the option to extend your stay at the Blue River Resort after the tour concludes around 7pm. The itinerary is limited to the 8-hour duration of the day trip.
Final Verdict On This Stay
Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Playa Del Coco to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where you’ll discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica. Hike to the stunning El Rincon volcano, relax in the natural mud baths and hot springs, and explore the lush botanical gardens – all while enjoying the amenities of the Blue River Resort. This adventure offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation.
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