Rio Negro Hot Springs

The Rio Negro Hot Springs are located less than an hour from Liberia, but are on a private road which charges a small fee for use.  Guests at the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin have free access to the springs which are a 10 minute drive from the Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The Rio Negro Hot Springs have been used for centuries for their therapeutic waters which are rich in natural and colorful minerals.

The volcanic hot springs at Hacienda Guachipelin bubble up on the Rio Negro and are naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano — the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.  The springs are surrounded by a dense and dry tropical forest with crystal clear river water that flows near the 10 pools built on the riverbank.  On this hike, we accessed the spring via two suspension bridges which are a short 0.3 mile walk from the parking area near the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.  There are also some mud pots in the area that give you an opportunity to splatter your fellow hikers with volcanic mud before you rinse off in the river.