Costa Rica is definitely one of my favorite destinations! And I wanted to share one of my special experiences with everyone – especially those of you who are considering a trip to this incredible country, and in particular the Guanacaste region. There’s just so much to do and see – it’s good to have a few first-hand recommendations when you’re planning your visit. On my first trip to Costa Rica, I traveled with a pretty large group to the Guanacaste region, flying directly into Liberia (the capital of Guanacaste province) from Atlanta. Every day was filled with fun and adventure but my favorite day was the Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour day - one of the best tours ever! Some of our group opted to do the Discover NicaraguaTour and do a little shopping in the colorful local market – others chose the more leisurely riverboat ride along the Palo Verde River, the largest river in Costa Rica. But for those of us who decided to tackle the combo tour – it was a day of highs – from the adrenaline rush of the zip line to the incredibly soothing calm of the mineral-laden hot springs.
Located about an hour and a half from the Pacific beachfront hotels, at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja, one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, this popular full day tour includes an exhilarating zip-line canopy tour, a thrilling waterslide and a visit via horseback or tractor to the mineral hot springs spa and finally a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. Throughout your day you’ll also be able to enjoy the beauty of this naturally dramatic forest. A leisurely and quite delicious buffet lunch of traditional Costa Rican specialties is included at the super friendly Buena Vista Lodge. You’ll see (and hear!) a variety of monkeys during your day including howler monkeys (or congos), spider monkeys and white face monkeys. Keep an eye out for coatis, ocelots and over 257 species of birds that inhabit the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, too.
The Canopy Tour: First thing is detailed instruction and suiting up for the canopy tour. After a 15-minute hike, you’ll arrive at the base of the first platform; two guides have climbed to the first and second platforms, while another guide gives some last-minute instructions before you climb up to the first platform. The guide on the launching area attaches the passengers, one at a time, who then traverse from this platform to the second one where the first guide is waiting for them, and so it goes through a series of 11 platforms with 10 cables of varying lengths. It’s exhilarating and fun and something you’ll want to do again and again. You’ll “fly” through and over the treetops of the tropical semi-humid forest where you will be able to really appreciate the amazing sites and sounds that exist at these heights. One of our more fearless members actually had his harness repositioned so he was flying "Superman-style" face down over the canopy below - try it if you dare! I've done another zip-line canopy tour since this one, but I'll always remember my first time!
The Waterslide: The waterslide is the only one of its kind in Costa Rica constructed totally inside the forest. It is 1365 ft. long and guarantees an exciting experience. You'll be given all the necessary pre-slide instruction and security equipment of course. I was reminded of those waterslides in big water parks that the kids love so much – except this one winds down through the forest floor – a quick way to descend to be sure and super scary-looking to me (but super fun said those who did it!) – or you can just walk down an adjacent path if you prefer not to “slide”.
The Horseback Ride: Though you might not associate it with a tropical country, Costa Rica has quite a cowboy culture. And this tradition is primarily based in Guanacaste, one of the first parts of the country to be settled by the Spanish, where vast cattle ranches cover rolling hills and forest-draped volcanoes tower above it all. The horseback ride provides excellent opportunities for bird-watching and getting close to timid wildlife, and the guide keeps an eagle eye peeled for interesting critters. A number of us opted for the tractor ride to the springs, but those who mounted up thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely guided ride through the forest to the next stop, the hot springs spa.
Hot Springs and Spa: The Hot Springs Spa is a gorgeous hidden paradise surrounded by forest, streams and wildlife. The spa includes five rustic natural thermal pools that are fed by springs from the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, each with a different temperature, ranging from cool to hot. In addition to the five pools, there is a steam bath where you can relax and soak in the healing heat. Also available (and a “must do”) at this amazing “jungle spa” - you’ll absolutely love the volcanic mud mask which claims to magically revitalize and rejuvenate your skin in mere minutes. And it’s true – it really feels like a magic mud facial for your entire body. You’ll want to rub it all over you from head to toe – and let it soak in for a while – then when you rinse it off you’ll experience the most wonderfully invigorating sensation, and your skin will feel like silk. Next you’ll relax in the mineral-rich pools – going from one temperature to another to another – but be careful as you’ll be so relaxed you just might drift off to dreamland while floating on your back.
Hike to Waterfall: After changing out of your swimsuits and back into your “hiking clothes” at the hot springs spa locker area, you’ll climb back on the multi-passenger tractor and head off to another part of the park where you’ll disembark and hike for a while. The reward at the end of your hike is the most magnificent waterfall ever! A real photo opp awaits! And if you care to jump in and splash around in the crystal clear pool – you certainly can.
Tour Details: -Includes: All transportation (includes hotel pick-up and drop-off), bilingual guides, entrance fees, lunch, horseback (or tractor) ride, canopy tour (with instruction and equipment), mud bath, hot springs, water slide and hike to waterfall. -Recommendations: Comfortable athletic shoes, light shirt, long or cropped pants, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, change of clothes and a camera
I guarantee you’re going to love this jungle/spa adventure tour - as you take in the bounty of the surrounding national park and Buena Vista rainforest, experiencing the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s tropical Guanacaste region. Book your Guanacaste Vacation today!
Costa Rica is a safe place to travel and the people are very friendly and helpful. It is beautiful and you will benefit from experiencing a culture unlike your own. There is no reason at all to be scared of the wildlife unless you plan on camping on the rain forest floor on your own!
Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica is located in our spectacular Guanacaste province in close vicinity to the Nicaraguan border. This amazing wonder is currently passing through a period of relative calm. Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica features a majestic volcanic peak as well as a lush national park. The difficult access makes it a challenge and helps retain its mystery for curious.
Costa Rica is definitely one of my favorite destinations! And I wanted to share one of my special experiences with everyone – especially those of you who are considering a trip to this incredible country, and in particular the Guanacaste region. There’s just so much to do and see – it’s good to have a few first-hand recommendations when you’re planning your visit. On my first trip to Costa Rica, I traveled with a pretty large group to the Guanacaste region, flying directly into Liberia (the capital of Guanacaste province) from Atlanta. Every day was filled with fun and adventure but my favorite day was the Buena Vista Mega Combo Tour day - one of the best tours ever! Some of our group opted to do the Discover NicaraguaTour and do a little shopping in the colorful local market – others chose the more leisurely riverboat ride along the Palo Verde River, the largest river in Costa Rica. But for those of us who decided to tackle the combo tour – it was a day of highs – from the adrenaline rush of the zip line to the incredibly soothing calm of the mineral-laden hot springs.
Located about an hour and a half from the Pacific beachfront hotels, at the foot of Rincón de la Vieja, one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, this popular full day tour includes an exhilarating zip-line canopy tour, a thrilling waterslide and a visit via horseback or tractor to the mineral hot springs spa and finally a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. Throughout your day you’ll also be able to enjoy the beauty of this naturally dramatic forest. A leisurely and quite delicious buffet lunch of traditional Costa Rican specialties is included at the super friendly Buena Vista Lodge. You’ll see (and hear!) a variety of monkeys during your day including howler monkeys (or congos), spider monkeys and white face monkeys. Keep an eye out for coatis, ocelots and over 257 species of birds that inhabit the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, too.
The Canopy Tour: First thing is detailed instruction and suiting up for the canopy tour. After a 15-minute hike, you’ll arrive at the base of the first platform; two guides have climbed to the first and second platforms, while another guide gives some last-minute instructions before you climb up to the first platform. The guide on the launching area attaches the passengers, one at a time, who then traverse from this platform to the second one where the first guide is waiting for them, and so it goes through a series of 11 platforms with 10 cables of varying lengths. It’s exhilarating and fun and something you’ll want to do again and again. You’ll “fly” through and over the treetops of the tropical semi-humid forest where you will be able to really appreciate the amazing sites and sounds that exist at these heights. One of our more fearless members actually had his harness repositioned so he was flying "Superman-style" face down over the canopy below - try it if you dare! I've done another zip-line canopy tour since this one, but I'll always remember my first time!
The Waterslide: The waterslide is the only one of its kind in Costa Rica constructed totally inside the forest. It is 1365 ft. long and guarantees an exciting experience. You'll be given all the necessary pre-slide instruction and security equipment of course. I was reminded of those waterslides in big water parks that the kids love so much – except this one winds down through the forest floor – a quick way to descend to be sure and super scary-looking to me (but super fun said those who did it!) – or you can just walk down an adjacent path if you prefer not to “slide”.
The Horseback Ride: Though you might not associate it with a tropical country, Costa Rica has quite a cowboy culture. And this tradition is primarily based in Guanacaste, one of the first parts of the country to be settled by the Spanish, where vast cattle ranches cover rolling hills and forest-draped volcanoes tower above it all. The horseback ride provides excellent opportunities for bird-watching and getting close to timid wildlife, and the guide keeps an eagle eye peeled for interesting critters. A number of us opted for the tractor ride to the springs, but those who mounted up thoroughly enjoyed the leisurely guided ride through the forest to the next stop, the hot springs spa.
Hot Springs and Spa: The Hot Springs Spa is a gorgeous hidden paradise surrounded by forest, streams and wildlife. The spa includes five rustic natural thermal pools that are fed by springs from the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, each with a different temperature, ranging from cool to hot. In addition to the five pools, there is a steam bath where you can relax and soak in the healing heat. Also available (and a “must do”) at this amazing “jungle spa” - you’ll absolutely love the volcanic mud mask which claims to magically revitalize and rejuvenate your skin in mere minutes. And it’s true – it really feels like a magic mud facial for your entire body. You’ll want to rub it all over you from head to toe – and let it soak in for a while – then when you rinse it off you’ll experience the most wonderfully invigorating sensation, and your skin will feel like silk. Next you’ll relax in the mineral-rich pools – going from one temperature to another to another – but be careful as you’ll be so relaxed you just might drift off to dreamland while floating on your back.
Robincm86
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