Horseback Riding to Rio Negro Hot Springs

Explore Costa Rica on a Horseback Riding Hot Springs Tour

The Rio Negro Hot Springs is one of the most popular attractions at Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Combine the hot springs with fun Costa Rica horseback riding and you’ve got a great day tour in Guanacaste!

Our tour starts off from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin’s stables, riding our sturdy Costa Rican ranch horses on a very scenic trail through ranch pastureland and forest. Discover a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles on our hour-long ride to the Rio Negro Hot Springs (Black River Hot Springs).

Surrounded by thick tropical dry forest, the Rio Negro Hot Springs is a beautiful, tranquil setting. The crystal clear river flows through 10 man-made pools filled with steaming mineral-rich water heated naturally by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. You can access the pools on both sides of the river by two hanging bridges. Heated volcanic clay is available to smooth all over yourself like a spa “body masque.” After it dries, wash it off with cool river water before jumping back in the hot pools.

There are changing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers at the hot springs entrance. From there, you walk along a beautiful trail less than a quarter-mile (350 meters) through the forest to the hot springs pools. When you are ready, we leisurely ride back to Hacienda Guachipelin (one hour).

All of our horseback rides follow mostly forest trails, with very little time on transited ranch roads. Horseback riding hot springs tours are guided by one of our experienced ranch cowboys. All tour participants must wear riding helmets. We recommend using closed-toe shoes and long pants or long shorts.

What to Bring Horseback Riding in Costa Rica

• Camera
• Long pants
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hat