Rincon De La Vieja National Park Tours – Ultimate Adventure Combo

A Must On Your Costa Rica Trip

Iguana Surf is known for our awesome surf instructors, lessons, and surf camp, but did you know that we also offer some incredible tours?  If you came to Costa Rica for adventure, there is no shortage of it here.  From zip-lining, to rafting, to diving, to snorkeling, to ATV-the list goes on!  Costa Rica is an adrenaline junkie’s dream.  If you are wanting an action packed, epic outdoor adventure day, look no further than Rincon De La Vieja National Park Tours.

Located about an hour and a half away from Iguana Surf Shop in Tamarindo, it is easily accessible for a day trip!  The day will start at about 7 am, with a shuttle driver picking you up from your hotel.  Make sure you eat a good breakfast ahead of time, you want to be fueled properly for the day!

During your day at Rincon De La Vieja National Park Tour, you’ll go horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing/repelling, ziplining, enjoy a mud bath, and soak in hot springs!

Horseback Riding

To kick off your action packed day, you’ll first walk across a bridge towering high above the river.  This was honestly one of the most thrilling parts of the day, in my opinion!  If you are afraid of heights, you might feel the same 🙂  After surviving the bridge walk, you’ll be lead down to the stables where they will get you all set up for a 20 minute trail ride.

You will have a guide, but the horses are very well trained, and know exactly where to go!  You’ll ride through stunning green fields and tree filled trails to get to the river for rafting. Because this activity is a little more calm in relation to the rest, it is definitely suitable for children of all ages.

White Water Rafting

The horses will bring you directly to the start of the river, where your river guides will be waiting for you!  They will first go over safety, give you a life vest, and help you get set up in the raft.  The river is 3 km long, and will not disappoint!  There are two waterfall “drop off’s” that your guide will safely raft you through, ensuring that you have a blast!  There is a definite possibility that your raft will flip over, but not to worry.  They will explain to you exactly how to handle this situation-it actually makes for an even more adventurous experience!  Please note that you WILL get wet on rafting.  Especially if you are in the 3 person raft and sit up front!  With Costa Rica’s hot weather, you may even want to choose the front seat.  The river can range from a level 1/2-4/5, depending on the time of year.  No matter the intensity level, they will always run the trip unless of course there have been multiple rain storms and safety is an issue.

Ziplining

After you get done rafting the 3km river, you’ll get geared up to zipline!  This was my favorite part of the entire day.  If you have a fear of heights, you will get over it real quick! The guides are amazing, and make you feel very comfortable and safe, especially if you have never zip lined before.  You will do 8 lines total!  Some are  shorter than others, but my favorite lines were the ones that went high above the river.  You can even see people rafting below you as you soar above the trees!  As if that wasn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, you can zipline tandem with the guide as you hang upside down (attached to cables, of course!).

Rock Climbing/ Repelling 

When you finish soaring through the trees, you’ll take a quick water break before heading to the rock wall and repelling area.  The wall is right next to the river, making for stunning views!  You’ll repel down the wall, as your guide explains exactly how fast to go and gives you tips the whole way down.  But don’t get too comfortable, because you’ll have to climb right back up!  This was the most challenging part of the day, because you are so exhausted from all the other epic activities.  The guides will be cheering you on as you climb up though, and a delicious meal is waiting for you as a victory reward!

Lunch Time

With all this action you’ll need to replenish with some good nutrition.  Luckily, an amazing lunch is part of the tour!  You’ll receive a traditional Costa Rican meal, and it might just be one of the best ones you’ll have your entire trip.  Right after you finish rock climbing, you’ll head to the dining area and start off with a delicious butternut squash soup.  You’ll then get a plate of chicken, rice, beans, fresh veggies, salad, and roasted plantains. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll finish with a delicious rice pudding dessert!  I highly suggest adding some plantains to your rice pudding 🙂  You also have the option for fresh juice, coffee, and tea.  All included!

Mud Bath and Hot Springs

With a full belly and high spirits after a day of adventure, you’ll be ready to relax and soak up the Pura Vida vibes.  Rincon De La Vieja Hot Springs is the perfect place for doing just that!  You’ll change in to your swim suit if you aren’t already wearing it.  They provide private restrooms and locker rooms.  Then, you’ll open your pores pre-mud bath by going into the sauna for 5-10 minutes.  Let the relaxation begin!  After almost falling asleep in the sauna,  it’s time to get muddy.  You will stand completely still as a local essentially “paints” your body with warm mud from the volcano!   You can even apply some to your face on your own, if you choose.  Before getting into the hot springs, you’ll want to let that mud dry up and do it’s thing!  Conveniently, you are right next to the river, with giant rocks that are practically made for sunbathing.

Let the mud soak into your skin for a bit, then jump into the river to wash it all off.  As if that wasn’t enough bliss, you’ll then walk just a few steps to reach the 4 different hot springs waiting for you to soak in!  There are two cold, one warm, and one a bit hotter.   You may want to go back and forth between the temperatures, as the hot can get toasty really fast!  To top it all off, you’ll be handed a glass of wine to indulge in as you soak in the springs surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle.  The ultimate spa experience!

What to wear/pack:

With a long day filled with multiple activities, you’ll want to have a few options as far as clothing.  I suggest bringing a small day pack, as you will be able to leave it safely in the van and access it at anytime between activities.  I wore sandals to start off, for the horseback riding, rafting, and ziplining.  Before rock climbing, I changed into tennis shoes.  If you only have tennis shoes, no problem!  Just be aware that you may have some wet socks after the rafting portion of the day.  Wear a comfortable outfit that you don’t mind getting wet in, and bring your bathing suit to change into before the “spa.”  No need to bring a towel, they will provide that for you!  After the springs, you will want a dry outfit to change in to for the ride home, so be sure to pack a change of shorts and shirt!

And as always in Costa Rica, but sure to pack sunscreen and bug spray!

If you do any guided “tours” during your stay in Costa Rica, make it the Rincon De La Vieja Ultimate Adventure Combo!  If adrenaline filled activities are your calling, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.  Traveling as a family, with kids?  No problem!  The combo tour is suitable for all ages.  You have a choice whether or not to participate in each activity offered, and there are plenty of places to rest while waiting on fellow family members to finish.  Not to mention you are on Rincon De La Vieja’s beautiful property, where you can leisurely walk around admiring the famous Guanacaste trees, and maybe even see a howler monkey!  The best part?  You’ll do all of this in one day, and still get back around 5 pm, just in time to catch the sunset and happy hour on the beach!

Contact Iguana Surf Shop in Tamarindo today to book your ultimate adventure day while in Costa Rica!