Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
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Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park

5.0(5 reviews)
5 hour(s)
english
Liberia, Costa Rica

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Five km guided hike through Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Witness the stunning 40-meter La Cangreja Waterfall and its turquoise volcanic pool

Chance to spot monkeys, coatis, armadillos, iguanas, and exotic birds along the trail

Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by pristine rainforest

La Cangreja Waterfall Hike Showcases Costa Rica’s Volcanic Forest Wilderness


A rewarding hiking adventure from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín takes visitors deep into Rincón de la Vieja National Park, offering one of Guanacaste’s most scenic and immersive day tours. The 5 km trail winds through dense tropical forest, allowing guests to fully experience one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse ecosystems.


Guided by a bilingual naturalist, the journey becomes a rich wildlife encounter along the way. Travelers may spot howler, white-faced, and spider monkeys, along with coatis, armadillos, iguanas, agoutis, and a wide variety of tropical bird species, making the hike as engaging as the destination itself.


The trail ultimately leads to the spectacular La Cangreja Waterfall, where a powerful 40-meter cascade flows into a vivid turquoise pool. The striking blue color, created by volcanic minerals, adds a surreal quality to the already dramatic setting surrounded by lush greenery.


After reaching the waterfall, guests can rest, swim in the refreshing natural pool, and enjoy a picnic lunch provided by the guide before returning through the forest. Combining adventure, wildlife discovery, and volcanic scenery, this hike offers a truly unforgettable Costa Rican experience.

What's Included
  • Bilingual naturalist guide
  • The transport to the entrance
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fee
  • Gratuities
Price start from

$ 70

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Activity Provider: Hacienda Guachipelin

Customer Reviews

5.0
Excellent
Based on 5 reviews
E
Evan R.Google
October 14, 2025

The main trail is a loop. The loop has some pretty steep portions, but is doable for most. We saw an old lady with a cane complete it, but her and her party were moving very slowly. We had trekking poles with us and were out of breath. The seasonal waterfall is amazing. The mud pots are pretty cool to see. We saw some monkeys and birds. Apparently the trail can connect from Pailas all the way to the Santa Maria ranger station, but we were told by the ranger that the river crossings were too treacherous to make the trek. You have to pay a fee online to enter the park. Overall, the nature was cool, the walkway was very walkable but a fair amount of elevation to make the loop.

G
Glenn J.Google
September 29, 2025

This is a great park to see and you don’t need a guide, but buy your tickets online before getting there if you do it on your own. The Las Palias Trail is well marked and it’s an easy walk. Lots of volcanic evidence from mud pits, boiling ponds, and steam vents from the ground. Saw a lot of animal activity from Neotropical Green Anole, white nose coatis, and monkeys

K
Kim B.Google
June 25, 2025

I really enjoyed this park. I hiked the Las Pailas loop and it was really awesome. There was so much to see and so many interesting features. I loved all the mud pots and the little volcano in the hot springs and the waterfall. Saw lots of lizards and beautiful flora. It was one of the most fun trails I've done in Costa Rica.

Explore More Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Explore More Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Explore More Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Explore More Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
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Day In a City

Explore More Hike to La Cangreja Waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Discover the wonders of Liberia, Costa Rica with this unforgettable experience. If you’re staying at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, this is truly an adventure you can’t miss. The hike to the breathtaking La Cangreja Waterfall is one of the most rewarding day tours in Guanacaste, combining pure nature, wildlife observation, and the magic of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The only way to reach the waterfall is by hiking 5 km through lush tropical forest, fully immersed in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Along the way, your bilingual naturalist guide helps you spot wildlife such as howler, white-faced, and spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos, iguanas, agoutis, and countless birds—making the trail as fascinating as the destination itself. Highlights of your tour include: Five km guided hike through Rincón de la Vieja National ParkWitness the stunning 40-meter La Cangreja Waterfall and its turquoise volcanic poolChance to spot monkeys, coatis, armadillos, iguanas, and exotic birds along the trailRelax and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by pristine rainforest. If you’re staying at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, this is truly an adventure you can’t miss. The hike to the breathtaking La Cangreja Waterfall is one of the most rewarding day tours in Guanacaste, combining pure nature, wildlife observation, and the magic of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The onl. This tour includes: Bilingual naturalist guideThe transport to the entrance. If you’re staying at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, this is truly an adventure you can’t miss. The hike to the breathtaking La Cangreja Waterfall is one of the most rewarding day tours in Guanacaste, comb...