Tours/Playa Hermosa/Pailas hike or Cangreja waterfall hike-Rincon de la Vieja volcano
Viator · Private tour

Pailas hike or Cangreja waterfall hike-Rincon de la Vieja volcano

4.9(18)Playa Hermosa1 hour
TRIPADVISOR4.9(18)

Description

Pailas Hike is a unique trail because it's where you can see, smell, & feel the volcanic resources like fumarolic lagoon, natural pools of hot water, and the mud pools called Pailas de Barro of the more active volcano of the country. Walking through this incredible forest, with ancient trees and wildlife such as monkeys, agouti, coati mundi, birds, snakes, and much more. La Cangreja Waterfall Hike is a challenging trail of 6.2 miles that shows unique landscapes, geological formations, lush rainforest, local wildlife such as spider, howler, white-faced capuchin monkeys, toucans & native species in about 4 hours. Finally, a spectacular 130-foot La Cangreja Waterfall, renowned for its striking turquoise-blue waters, during the dry season. The waterfall is a breathtaking destination year-round & offers a perfect connection with nature lovers, outdoor, an unforgettable opportunities for wildlife, photography & exploration in one of Guanacaste’s most remarkable natural environments.

Tour Options

La Cangreja Waterfall Hike
  • Regular Cangreja Hike: Regular hike of 6.2 miles to La Cangreja Waterfall, around 4 hours for an amazing walk into nature, looking for wildlife
Hike, lunch & waterfall
  • Oropendula Waterfall Costa Rican Lunch
Hike, lunch & River pool
  • River pool-light blue water: After driving 25 min we reach turquoise water river to enjoy a relaxing float in the tube, cliff jumping, & small waterfall Costa Rican Lunch: On the way to river, we stop at local restaurant & enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch prepared with authentic local flavor
Hike & transport from Zone #3
  • Transportation from Zone #3: Round-trip private transportation from JW Marriott Costa Elena at La Cruz, Guanacaste, or 10 miles around any location.
Regular Hike - Pailas Sector
  • Hiking at Pailas Sector: Hiking for 2 hour 30 min by Pailas trail to see a lot of volcanic formations as mud, fumarole, wildlife, rainforest and more
Hike- transport from zone #1
  • Transportation Zone #1: Round-trip private transportation from Coco beach or Papagayo and 10 miles around, from any hotel or hours
Hike & natural hot springs
  • Natural Hot springs Rio Negro: After the hike & 10 min drive, we reached the Río Negro River, with Natural hot springs, volcanic mud, and waterfalls
Hike & transport from Zone #2
  • Transportation fron Zone #2: Round-trip private transportation from Tamarindo beach or any location 10 milles around, from any hotel or house

Itinerary

180 min

Pailas hike, a great trail of the Rincon de la Vieja foe about about 2 h to 3 h walking through different kinds of forests full of wild landscapes, views, nature, old trees, and more. As an active volcano here you will have the unique opportunity to enjoy and feel the wild natural volcanic resources such as the fumarolic lagoon, little crater volcano, and mood pools are part of the experience that you will get during this tour, all these resources are just to see and enjoy, this is a national park for that reason is just walking through the magnificent active volcano in Costa Rica. This is one of the rainforests of Costa Rica because is always green, which make it a great place to see wildlife like spider monkey, white-faced monkey, and howler monkey. Also is an excellent place to see birds, snakes, raccoons, and lizards even during some parts of the year the tapir, which is an incredibly humble animal challenging to see. It is a fantastic paradise!

Admission included240 min

La Cangreja Hike: if you choose this hike, here the information: Explore the stunning La Cangreja Waterfall, a hidden gem in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Guanacaste. This 6.2-mile round-trip hike takes you through rainforest trails rich in wildlife, including howler, spider, and white-faced capuchin monkeys, toucans, and other native species. This moderate-to-challenging adventure lasts about 4 hours and leads to the spectacular 130-foot waterfall, famous for its striking turquoise-blue waters. Along the way, enjoy lush forests, giant old-growth trees, volcanic landscapes, and panoramic views. Perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, this unforgettable experience offers the chance to reconnect with nature and relax at one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful hidden waterfalls.

Highlights

All Fees and Taxes

What's included

Included
All Fees and Taxes
Not included
No food included and not bottle water included

Traveller Ratings

4.9
18 reviews
5
17
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Reviews(18)

Y
yanynv
July 30, 2026
Amazing Experience at Rincón

One of the most amazing adventures I had in CR. The trail is medium- hard but easy to do as you can stop at any point and rest and just enjoy nature. We had a really good time with the guide as he was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would love to go back and try other trails with this company. The cost is very affordable and the 3+ hour hike is completely doable.

3
331jhong
July 29, 2026
Excellent hike to La Cangreja

We explored the trail that goes to La Cangreja Waterfall, it is a long hike of approximately 10 km for the entire route. It is a trail with ups and downs that tests each person's physical condition, which is worth it to get to see the impressive La Cangreja waterfall.

6
641yaninv
June 18, 2026
Tapir...Costa Rica... Pura Vida

Excellent experience, a day full of positive energy and a lot of exercise. We were fortunate to see the tapir and the beauty of this place with spectacular weather. The guide Alejandro was very informative and kind.

Operator response

Costa Rica es un país increíble y con muchos lugares por conocer, gracias por explorar con nosotros esta belleza natural

W
waldembergs
April 23, 2026
Great Experience at Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Really solid experience overall. Super easy to book, great communication, and everything ran right on time. Rincón de la Vieja National Park is an incredible place to learn about secondary volcanic activity and local wildlife. Alejandro was a great guide—very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Highly recommend this tour.

Operator response

Thank you for traveling with us and exploring Costa Rica—its wonderfull nature, rich culture, incredible wildlife, and all the amazing places our country has to offer. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of your journey and your experience was filled with unforgettable memories, adventure, relaxation, and authentic real connections with people and traditions. We hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable adventure.

C
Catherine B
December 31, 2025
Exceptional experience. Entertaining. Beautiful

5/5 the guide Alejandro was patient and knowledgeable. We had the best time. The activities were well coordinated. Thank you for organizing it all.

Operator response

Rincon de la Vieja volcano is one of the most spectacular places and volcanoes of Costa Rica, amazing volcano resources and incredible wildlife create and unfforgetable experience.

M
maclevil
August 11, 2025
It is a spectacular experience for me taste

One of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, the experience it offers is spectacular. Here you connect with nature and animals why that is the vibe that binds us.

Operator response

Guanacaste y sus volcanes son increibles y los mejores lugares para conocer. Gracias.

L
LindaA1850
June 27, 2025
Family trip

Would have liked to know the amount of the park fees in advance. We did have to change locations due to the high waters but would have preferred to go somewhere we could get in the water. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the plants and animals (big & small) though. We definitely noticed and learned more than if we had been on our own.

Y
yurdeyt
March 29, 2025
Súper

We made a great excusion with John. The scenery was beautiful. Our guide was very interesting. He has a great knowledge of the nature and culture of his country. Great experience.

C
constancedion
March 23, 2025
An unforgettable day!!

Our guide John Alejandro made us live a wonderful day. He knows his region, the trees, the vegetation and the history. He was open to our requests and has an extraordinary sense of humor. I highly recommend it. When I return to Costa Rica, I will certainly ask John Alejandro to be our guide.

I
iv_nm552
November 8, 2024
Rincón de la vieja

Great experience with an amazing and knowledgeable tour guide, highly recommended to try any of the activities he offers

2 people found this helpful

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