If you’re bringing your teenagers on vacation to Peninsula Papagayo soon, you might be wondering which activities and day trips might be most suitable for your active family. One of our most popular excursions is a day at the Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste. Not only is there so much to do there, it offers a unique opportunity for adventurous families to connect with nature and spend quality time together in a setting that works for everyone. We spoke to one of our dedicated concierges, Bari, about why it’s one of her go-to recommendations in the area.
Why visit the Rincon de la Vieja area?
Set in a national park, Rincon de la Vieja is named after the active volcano in the area. It’s made up of nine volcanic craters, offering a range of boiling mud pools, blue lagoons and sulfurous hot springs to explore. The surrounding parkland sprawls over 177 square kilometers of tropical dry forest: the perfect natural playground for those who want to connect with the real Costa Rica.
What can you do there?
There are so many adrenaline-packed activities to choose from: it’s just one of the reasons why families with teenagers tend to enjoy visiting the area. Take a rafting trip down the white water rapids of the Colorado River Canyon, or try your hand at tubing with a personal guide. Journey through the tropical dry forest with a relaxing horse ride, before enjoying a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the river. If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, go for one of the zipline trails to sail through the forest canopy and see things from a whole new perspective.
Are there any leisurely activities to try?
Absolutely: there are options for families and groups who want to take things a little slower too. We can customize group hikes or bike rides depending on your experience level, mixing in uphill and downhill paths with circuits of different lengths. There’s a selection of stunning waterfalls to explore within the park, two of which are suitable for bathing in. They are usually a recommended stop-off point on our organized hikes and bike rides. Then, as you journey through the rich vegetation, you’ll have the opportunity to spot local wildlife such as Toucans, Capuchin Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Turkeys and Coatis. It’s something that never fails to amaze you, no matter what your age.
What’s the most popular part of the tour?
After an action-packed day of activities, guests usually love to take an hour or so relaxing in the hot springs. There are ten pools available, with waters naturally heated by the volcano. The crystal clear rivers flow into the pools, constantly refilling them with water to ensure they are constantly refreshed. It’s a great way to relieve built-up tension in your feet and muscles before you head back to Peninsula Papagayo, while taking in the beauty of the nature around you.
If you really want to pamper yourself, you can also try a volcanic mud bath, smoothing the clay mud across your skin to create a spa-like mask. Once it’s dried, wash off any residue with a cool river water shower for a truly invigorating experience.
Is catering and transportation included?
Yes, we can take care of organizing lunch and transportation for you, leaving you free to enjoy your day exploring. We offer a range of different options, depending on your personal preferences. Some people want a rustic and authentic experience, while others like a bit more infrastructure around them.
Planning your trip to Guanacaste and ready to plan your itinerary while you’re there? We have a range of dedicated concierges on hand to take care of all the little details for you, with local recommendations that your family are sure to love. For more details on our full range of services and bookings, contact us here.
