Guanacaste’s rich traditions of ranching and cowboy life are deeply rooted at Hacienda Guachipelin. Dating all the way back to 1880, our land has been a flourishing ranch, spreading across the golden savanna and dry tropical forest at the base of the magnificent Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
Since 1975, two generations of the Batalla family have loved and worked this ranch land, keeping its legacy alive.
How Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin Began
Our ranch added a hotel because of its exceptional location bordering the Las Pailas sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1982, a writer for the Lonely Planet travel guide described Rincón de la Vieja Volcano as a must-visit destination for its hot springs, volcanic mud baths, geothermal activity, waterfalls, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. It wasn’t long before travelers began making their way here.
At that time, access to the area was challenging, with rough roads and limited infrastructure. Visitors traveling from Liberia often arrived at our ranch late in the afternoon and asked if they could spend the night before exploring the national park and volcano the following day. As these requests became more frequent, our family prepared a few guest rooms, then added several more. In 1985, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín officially opened its doors.
Today, Rincón de la Vieja National Park welcomes an average of more than 100,000 visitors each year, making it one of Costa Rica’s most visited protected areas. Over the decades, Hacienda Guachipelín has grown alongside the park, continually expanding its accommodations, experiences, and services while preserving the authentic ranch spirit that has welcomed travelers for more than 40 years.
Hacienda Guachipelin Today
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín is a 4-star eco-adventure resort where authentic Costa Rican hospitality, breathtaking nature, and unforgettable experiences come together. Family-owned for more than 40 years, the resort offers 81 comfortable ranch-style rooms designed to immerse guests in the beauty of one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary destinations.
Set within a 3,460-acre working ranch bordering Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Hacienda Guachipelín is a destination in itself. Guests can explore volcanic landscapes, pristine tropical dry forests, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, natural hot springs, and miles of scenic trails—all from a single location. From horseback riding, canyoning, zip lining, and wildlife encounters to soothing volcanic mud baths and thermal springs, every experience celebrates the spirit of adventure and the natural wonders of Guanacaste.
The ranch’s rich agricultural heritage remains at the heart of the guest experience. Fresh ingredients harvested from the property’s gardens and farmland inspire authentic farm-to-table cuisine, while generations of ranching traditions continue to shape the warm, genuine atmosphere that makes Hacienda Guachipelín unique.
Deeply committed to sustainability, Hacienda Guachipelín protects extensive conservation areas and proudly holds the Elite Level Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), the highest recognition awarded by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT). This distinction reflects the resort’s outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible tourism practices.
More than a place to stay, Hacienda Guachipelín is where adventure, wellness, nature, and authentic ranch culture create unforgettable memories in the heart of Costa Rica’s volcanic landscape.
