I have just had the most ultimate fun day of adventure. I’ve surged my adrenaline zip lining through the rainforest, gone horseback riding like a real cowboy, splashed down tropical river rapids in a rafting tube, and all at the foot of a huge, live volcano in Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja region.
Now, thanks to that same Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, I am soaking my tired muscles into relaxing submission in soothing, natural mineral hot springs. After a big day of adventure tours in Costa Rica, there is nothing better than steamy hot springs to give my adventure vacation the added boost of a spa vacation.
Hot springs have been treasured for centuries by people all over the world for their therapeutic benefits. Luxuriant warm water rich in minerals like sulfur, silica, calcium, iron and magnesium are rejuvenating, detoxifying and relaxing. Not to mention great for stress reduction. Reported health benefits of hot springs include relief from arthritis, fibromyalgia, skin conditions, and high blood pressure.
Now hot springs in Costa Rica are even more accessible than ever with nonstop flights to Liberia, Costa Rica, in the northern Guanacaste region, from the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Less than an hour from the Liberia International Airport, the sprawling ranch of Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin at the foot of the magnificent Rincon de la Vieja Volcano features beautiful and relaxing volcanic hot springs at Rio Negro (“Black River”). The adventure-themed eco-hotel graciously gives hotel guests free access, and includes a visit to the Rio Negro Hot Springs in their very popular One Day Adventure Pass – my day of adventure.
Surrounded by thick forest, the pristine Rio Negro flows through 10 man-made pools that Hacienda Guachipelin has created to capture the steaming mineral-rich water. You access pools (of varying temperatures) on both sides of the river by two hanging bridges. Heated volcanic clay is available to smooth all over like a “spa body masque.” The complete relaxation is pure bliss.
There are changing rooms, bathrooms and lockers at the hot springs entrance. From there, you walk an easy trail less than a quarter-mile (350 meters) through the forest to the hot springs pools. Watch for monkeys, Blue Morpho butterflies and other wildlife along the way.
- Open: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Entrance is complimentary for hotel guests, or costs $20 for adult visitors; $15 for children (4-11 years).
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is one of the best hotels at Rincon de la Vieja. The adventure park at Hacienda Guachipelin offers the best adventure tours in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin will host The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica endurance trail-running races at Rincón de la Vieja Volcano on May 28, 2016.
Article by Shannon Farley
