Today’s exciting adventure will take you through the Guanacaste Mountains up to the Miravalles Volcano, its highest peak. From the base of this volcano you’ll go by horseback or horse drawn carriage to a nature trail where you’ll begin an easy guided hike. You will see various volcanic activities such as steam vents as well as bubbling mud and geysers. Along the beautiful forested hike you’ll encounter several cascading waterfalls before relaxing at the natural hot springs and mud baths. You’ll then be served a typical Costa Rican lunch before boarding the bus back through the mountains to your hotel.
You’ll be transported from your hotel through the Guanacaste Mountain range to a farm called Las Hornillas at the foot of Miravalles Volcano. The Guanacaste Mountain range includes five volcanoes the highest of which is the Miravalles Volcano, formed over a half million years ago. Miravalles Volcano is known for its active geothermal field providing green energy that helps fuel Costa Rica’s record high 90 percent plus renewable energy use annually.
When you arrive at Las Hornillas you will see several geysers in the geyser fields before taking a horseback ride, or riding in a horse drawn carriage, to the starting site of the guided hike. This easy approximate 40 minute nature hike will take you on trails through the lush tropical forest where your guide will point out interesting plants and show you any available wildlife. Along the way you will stop to admire several cascading waterfalls. You may want to wear your bathing suit under your clothes because, depending on current conditions, you may get to swim in one of the waterfalls. You’ll also see steam vents, bubbling mud and natural hot springs all caused by the volcano.
When the hike ends, you can luxuriate in the beautiful natural hot springs and paint yourself or somebody else (!) with multi-colored mud created by the various minerals. This is your chance to relax and take in the spectacular scenic beauty surrounding you in this magnificent mountain jungle woodland.
By now you may have worked up a hearty appetite for the typical Costa Rican lunch that will be served next. The mid-day meal, known as a casada, is known for its generous portions that include a type of meat/protein complemented with beans and rice, pico de gallo, which is the traditional fresh chopped salsa, salad, tortillas and often fried ripe plantains. It is the mainstay of the Costa Rican diet as well as fresh fruit drinks made with milk or water and just a touch of sugar or the delicious coffee known worldwide for its mild but rich flavor. The secret is in not over roasting the beans plus the cool fresh mountain environment where it is grown.
After lunch it is time to board the bus for another hour’s ride back out of the mountain range before heading to your various destinations. Transportation, bilingual guides, entrance fees, lunch and drinks are included in this full day tour. One way transport time from your hotel to Miravalles Volcano can take up to 3 hours if you are staying in the JOBO area, otherwise approximate times are from 1 to 2.5 hours depending on your location. From the comfortable air conditioned bus you can watch the landscapes change and view the daily lifestyle of Costa Rican culture.
The Miravalles Volcano Combo Tour is available from Central Guanacaste, Jobo, Papagayo Peninsula, Playa Hermosa, Coco, Southern Papagayo, and Tamarindo
7 and up
Latitude: N 10° 44' 21.16"
Longitude: W 85° 7' 54.06"
05/06/2022
mud bath was fun and delightful. Waterfall was lovely.
09/15/2021
Wonderful excursion. We started the day learning a lot about Costa' Rica's independence from the guide. To start the excursion, we rode by horseback up to some hanging bridges & mini hikes. Always in awe of how beautiful the environment in Costa Rica truly is. At the crater itself: we learned about the geo-thermal energy it produces, how CR was formed by volcanoes, recent eruptions', & how the volcanoes affect the seasons. We then took advantage of the natural volcanic mud baths, sauna, & hot springs. All three provided such a relaxing & great experience while leaving my skin feeling silky smooth. 10/10
10/19/2019
HOLY COW! We had no idea what this adventure entailed! Horseback riding, hiking, waterfalls, great lunch and hot springs!?? Such a perfect way to spend a day!
12/31/2018
Our guide was Elvis. He was FANTASTIC. For the 2 hour drive he spent the whole time talking to us about Costa Rica. We talked about the government, schooling, farming and agriculture, property and housing costs. It was fantastic to learn all about the country. The tour itself was fun. The horses were nice, the hike up the side of the volcano was nice. The crater was really nice too. The mud bath and hot springs was a great experience. The typical Costa Rican lunch was very good. Elvis also stopped at a souvenir shop so that we could buy some souvenirs and chocolate. That was so nice of him! Elvis really made this tour fantastic! Thank you again Elvis! And I hope this review is read by him! I want him to know he was exceptional!
12/20/2018
The transportation and the tour were very enjoyable, safe, and accommodating of our two less mobile members of hour family. Although it wasn't a birdwatching tour, the guide ensured that I saw a few new life-birds.
12/31/2015
Best tour of our trip. Just let everyone know it is not for the causal hiker. The climb to the falls is rough but very beautiful.