5 hour(s)
English
Included
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
€ 58.13
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
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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.
After the invigorating hike, the trail opens up to the spectacular 40-meter La Cangreja Waterfall, where a burst of white water pours into a stunning turquoise pool surrounded by dense greenery. The heavenly blue color of the water comes from volcanic copper minerals dissolved in the river—one of nature’s most captivating displays. Enjoy a well-deserved rest, swim in the refreshing pool, and savor a picnic lunch prepared by your guide before heading back through the forest. This tour blends physical activity, scenic beauty, and wildlife encounters into one unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
Bilingual naturalist guide
The transport to the entrance
Entrance fee
Gratuities
Comfortable hiking shoes
Lightweight and breathable clothing
Swimsuit and towel
Public transportation nearby
Keep personal essentials
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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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.
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
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.
We walked the Las Pailas trail here in the Las Pailas sector. 3,5km trail, easy hike through different landscapes and volcanic activity sites. 15 dollars per person entry as a non-resident, must be booked online but can be done on-site, they have WiFi. There are bathrooms and water available. Road to access the national park goes through private land so you need to pay 800 colones per person in the car. There are several restaurants and a snack stand within a short drive.
Excellent hiking, with fantastic nature! There is a gate halfway up the Volcano where you'll be asked to pay park entrance fee, cash, 800 colones per person. Then entrance to Hiking trail at the top is credit card only, about 10,000 colones per person. I suggest paying online, then you just show proof on arrival. The hiking is spectacular, the La Cangreja and Escondida waterfall hikes are strenuous and must be started by noon. The smaller loop hike is great for kids, and is filled with Geo-Thermal activity.
