Looking for the perfect Costa Rican adventure without the long drive to La Fortuna? Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin sits inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park and offers volcano views, waterfalls, hot springs, ziplining, horseback riding and comfortable rooms—all in one authentic tico experience. After our March 2025 visit, we can’t recommend it enough. And remember, Pura Vida Moms readers get an exclusive 5 % discount on both hotel stays and adventure tours when booking through our special links and using the code PURAVIDAMOMS.

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Discover the Beauty of Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin remains one of my very favorite places to stay in Guanacaste—and after our most recent visit in March 2025, I’m even more convinced it’s one of the best family-friendly hotels in Costa Rica. Nestled at the base of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the property combines adventure, relaxation, and authentic Costa Rican culture all in one place.

On this trip we stayed in a larger room closer to the main restaurant, which made everything so easy—no need to wait for the shuttle or hop in the car. From breakfast to bedtime, everything we needed was right at our doorstep.

We also finally experienced all of the Hacienda Guachipelin adventures, and I was blown away by the professionalism and efficiency of the staff. The zipline course was thrilling, but river tubing down the Río Negro might just be my new favorite family activity in Costa Rica.

The property continues to celebrate Costa Rican culture in beautiful ways—there’s now a new lunch restaurant serving a traditional buffet with an ox cart and oxen on display, and live marimba music fills the main restaurant at dinner. It’s that perfect mix of pura vida spirit and family-friendly fun that keeps us coming back year after year.

About Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Hacienda Guachipelin is a hotel and adventure tour operator located near Liberia, Costa Rica in the Guanacaste province. The property sits on a vast expanse of land in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, situating it in some of the most pristine dry tropical forests in Central America.

We first discovered Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin on a trip we had taken to Casitas Tenorio followed by La Carolina Lodge when we were visiting the Río Celeste area. I wanted to head to the beach after the time on both family farms, but as luck would have it, it was absolutely pouring rain for days on end, so the beach wasn’t going to be much fun.

We had found Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin online, and I was intrigued by the fact that they had so many gorgeous hot springs and great excursions right on the property. Then, as I was talking to some friends who live in Liberia, they mentioned that the food at the restaurant was super delicious and they would drive out just to eat traditional food.

What truly sets Hacienda Guachipelin apart, though, is its commitment to Costa Rican culture and cuisine. Everything—from the locally sourced ingredients to the traditional music and hospitality—feels authentically tico. It’s a place where you can experience the real Costa Rica without any of the tourist fluff.

It also happens to check all the boxes for what many travelers seek in a La Fortuna-style adventure: a towering volcano, waterfalls, ziplining, horseback riding, and even a hanging bridge that leads to natural hot springs. For families or travelers flying in and out of the Liberia Airport who don’t want the three- to four-hour drive each way to La Fortuna spending just two nights at Hacienda Guachipelin gives you that same experience—without the extra travel time.

Well, that sealed the deal. We spent two nights and three incredibly rainy days at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, and I can say that the experience was phenomenal and I can highly recommend it. What I most loved is that everything offered at the resort is true to Costa Rican culture and traditions, making it a great place to experience the “real” Costa Rica.

DON’T FORGET TO READ: Weather in Costa Rica

Location – Getting There And Away

One thing that is super great about Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is how incredibly easy it is to arrive. It’s only 45 minutes northeast of the Liberia Airport. This means that it is also super close to many of the northern Guanacaste beaches (we love Playa Nacazcolo, Playa Cabuyal, and Planet Hollywood Costa Rica.)

We usually like to rent a car for our Costa Rica trips—especially with kids—because it gives us maximum flexibility to explore. I always recommend booking through Adobe Rental Car since they’re a trusted local company that offers our readers an exclusive discount and great customer service right from the Liberia Airport.

If you prefer not to rent a car, Interbus Shuttle offers easy shared and private shuttle services from Liberia and other destinations directly to the hotel. Once you arrive at Hacienda Guachipelin, there’s internal transportation available to take you between the hotel, the hot springs, and the adventure center—so you’ll be well connected no matter what.

The property is uniquely located inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park, which makes it one of the most special places you can stay in Costa Rica. Avid hikers and mountain bikers will find the location perfect for park arrival at dawn, and it’s also near La Leona Waterfall an adventurous but beautiful hike that’s best enjoyed in the dry season.

Accommodations

There are a total of 79 guest rooms on the property. There are several types of rooms—standard room, superior room, family superior room, legacy suite, and a suite. The rooms are located all over the property, and some are driving distance from the main pool and lobby, so if you do not have your own car, it might be good to check where your room will be located, or prepare to do a lot of walking.

We stayed in a standard room, which was very comfortable—there were large Spanish tiles on the floor, two very comfortable beds, air conditioning, cable television, free access to wireless internet, a hot water shower, and a coffee maker. A Costa Rican breakfast buffet was included with our stay.

On our most recent trip, we stayed in one of the Legacy Suites, and it was such a great upgrade. The suite was a little bit larger and had its own private patio—perfect for relaxing in the evenings. Best of all, it’s located right in the middle of everything, within easy walking distance to the swimming pool, all of the restaurants, the play area, and the adventure tour center. Especially if you don’t have a car, the Legacy Suites are an excellent choice and worth the extra cost for the added convenience.

Pura Vida Moms readers also receive an exclusive 5 % discount when booking directly through Pura Vida Moms and using the promo code PURAVIDAMOMS. It’s an easy way to support a locally owned business and save a little on your stay. You can do the same for discounted tours here.

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Dining

All of the dining options at Hacienda Guachipelin are in the main lodge, and there are several options—a buffet, a sit-down traditional dinner, and a sports bar.

Breakfast is included with every stay, and it’s a hearty buffet with traditional Costa Rican options—eggs, gallo pinto, plantains, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice. It’s the perfect way to start the day before heading out on your adventures.

Because Hacienda Guachipelin is located inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park, it’s fairly remote. If you want to eat somewhere else, you’ll need a car and will have to drive back toward the La Leona Waterfall area, where there are a few local sodas (small, traditional restaurants). They’re delicious and affordable, but keep in mind they aren’t open at night.

The main restaurant on the property is now La Hacienda Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s casual, spacious, and features both Costa Rican and international dishes. There’s also a new Nekajui Garden Restaurant, a more upscale dining option with refined versions of traditional Costa Rican meals. The atmosphere is lovely and elegant, but the prices are on the higher side, and reservations are recommended.

The property also has a cantina with happy hour specials. We enjoyed the relaxed vibe, but prices were surprisingly high. The traditional Costa Rican soup my kids ordered came in what looked like a pint glass—tasty but small! On the other hand, my nachos were enormous and ended up feeding the whole family.

We had lunch at the Rancho Restaurant, which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of traditional Costa Rican food. It’s included with many of the Adventure Tour packages and was one of our favorite meals on the property.

Finally, there’s a small coffee shop with pastries, light sandwiches, and of course, great Costa Rican coffee. It’s perfect for a snack or quick bite, but not a full meal.

Overall, the dining is the only real downside to Hacienda Guachipelin. The food tastes great, but portions can be small, and prices are much higher than they used to be. Still, given the property’s remote location and reasonable room rates, the overall value balances out—and we always find something delicious to enjoy during our stay.

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Tours

The tours are the crown jewel of Hacienda Guachipelin—there is truly so much to do! Guests can choose from a full-day adventure pass or pick individual excursions, each run with incredible professionalism and efficiency.

The One-Day Adventure Pass is the most popular option. It includes horseback riding, a waterfall visit, river tubing, ziplining and canyoneering, plus lunch at the Rancho buffet. You can purchase the pass whether you’re staying at the hotel or just visiting for the day from a nearby beach. Plan on spending the whole day—it’s full but perfectly organized.

Guests also enjoy several included activities just by staying at the hotel: unlimited access to the Río Negro Hot Springs and mud baths, plus miles of hiking trails ranging from short, kid-friendly loops to longer waterfall hikes. All of this sits inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park but on private property, making it a safe and beautifully maintained area to explore.

Hacienda Guachipelin is still a working ranch, and the horseback tours reflect that authenticity. The horses are beautifully cared for and humanely treated. Riders make their way through pastures and forest to a waterfall, enjoy time to explore and take photos, and then ride back—about two hours total.

River tubing was the biggest surprise hit for our family. The Río Negro sparkles crystal-blue in sections, and you’ll float and bounce through calm pools and gentle rapids with guides positioned all along the route. It’s exciting but well supervised—I felt completely safe with my 10- and 12-year-olds. Parents with very young kids may prefer to wait a few years before trying this one.

If you want adrenaline without leaving Guanacaste, this zipline is perfect. You’ll soar through a canyon over turquoise water, guided by a large, efficient crew that keeps everything moving smoothly. The platforms are small and transitions quick, so it feels fast-paced—thrilling for adventure-seekers, though those uneasy with heights might find it intense.

The hot springs are absolutely magical. You cross a hanging bridge into the forest, then descend to a series of natural pools built into the mountainside beside the river. Each pool has a different temperature, and guests can apply volcanic mud, let it dry, then rinse off in the river—pure relaxation surrounded by rainforest sounds.

Guests staying at the hotel can visit the hot springs at no extra charge, and many end the day here after adventures or hikes. Use the link below and the code PURAVIDAMOMS for an exclusive discount.

Final Thoughts

Hacienda Guachipelin truly checks all the boxes—volcano views, waterfalls, hot springs, ziplining, horseback riding, and comfortable rooms—without the long drive to La Fortuna. It’s an authentic Costa Rican experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and culture in one unforgettable spot. And don’t forget, Pura Vida Moms readers get an exclusive 5 % discount on both hotel stays and adventure tours when booking through our special links and using the code PURAVIDAMOMS.