Miravalles Volcano
Miravalles Volcano
4.5
About
Meet authentic Costa Rica. Off the beaten path:Zip lines, jungle hikes, bar, restauran, karaoke. Located in the small village of Guayabal, halfway between Guayabo and Aguas Claras.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
88 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
24
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Patrick K
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Friends
My tour guide Norman Ortega is the best in the world. He made the difference, the trip was exciting and we had a great time. I will definitely book the trip again. As long as Norman is pur guide.
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IWriteforFooddotcom
Canton, MI121 contributions
June 2013 • Family
Our family stayed at the Westin Playa Conchal (see separate review coming soon), and we booked this half-day trip through Erik on the beach. After a bit of bartering, we settled on a fair price. We were picked up at the hotel lobby by Enrique, who was our driver for the day. The tour vehicle was roomy, air conditioned, and comfortable. Enrique drove conservatively and safely.
Tip #1: Take towels, and wear swimsuits with cover-ups or tee shirts. Don't wear your best stuff, as the mud/clay may stain. Take clothes to change into later.
After about a two hour drive, we arrived at the location. Miravalles last erupted over 50 years ago, and the primary crater is inactive. However, it is usually covered by cloud, mist, or fog, so the pictures appear to be of an active site. Tell your own tales as you choose.
We were the first guests of the day. Upon arrival, we were introduced to Fernando, our tractor driver and guide, and five dogs, who we promptly named: Quinn (the blue-eyed Husky), Luis, Pepe, and Crema (the three chihuahuas), and Avocado (the toy Doberman). The dogs were with us for most of the day, and were quite friendly.
We climbed into a wagon equipped with what looked like old schoolbus seats, and Fernando fired up the tractor. We then took a very bumpy ride up the mountainside, stopping at the entrance to the suspension bridge.
TIP #2: There are a couple of tighter squeezes on this hike. No big deal, but there's really no reason for a backpack. It's only a 45 minute trip or so, depending on how much you play int he pools. Leave excess goods with the driver, but do take your camera.
The bridge looks worse than it is, as the anchor cables are substantial, as is the flooring. However, the chicken wire on the sides doesn't seem that sturdy, so I wouldn't recommend placing too much trust in that. However, you can get some nice shots of the waterfall from the bridge center, and Enrique was kind enough to take a shot of each family member as they crossed. On the way up, we all crossed at once, which caused considerable sway. On the way back, we crossed separately, for the pictures, and because the wind had picked up. Depending on your family's tolerance, adjust accordingly.
The hike up to the waterfalls is not strenuous, but it is an upward trek. And you are in the rain forest. And it was the rainy season. So the trail is over wet rocks and leaves, with some opportunity to slip and fall, particularly on the way down. Not a trail for flip flops, and not one to rush. If you slip, as my oldest daughter did, the volcanic rock is not kind.
The waterfalls are beautiful, and you can get some wonderful shots. You can get as wet as you'd like, standing under the falls, or wading in the pools. You may or may not be doing this with dogs.
Then it's back down a different path, across the suspension bridge, and back into the wagon.
We saw a lot more wildlife on the way back down to the site, and Fernando was good at pointing out lizards, parakeets, iguanas, and butterflies. He was also good about stopping, allowing me to take a number of shots.
Once you arrive back at the site, it's time for lunch. The food is local and good, and you have your choice of chicken, fish, or pork.
After lunch, you are given a locker key, and you strip down to swimsuits.
Tip #3: Go with the flow. Yes, some of the following things may be out of your comfort zone. But you're on vacation, and part of visiting new places is doing new things. Set a good example for your kids by joining in the fun.
Fernando then takes you on a tour of the secondary crater. It is active with volcanic activity. Needless to say, you need to watch your step. There are pools of boiling water, pits of boiling mud, and fumaroles belching sulphur and other gases. Not the place to let your kids run around unattended.
Fernando explains many of the features, and it's interesting and educational.
One thing we noticed: the steps and railings are wood. Depending on the location in the crater, the ground is very hot, and some of the wood is smouldering, turning slowly to charcoal. Kinda neat to see.
After the tour, he makes a paste of red clay and volcanic runoff, and begins painting your faces, and in some cases, your hair. Just let him. It's a little weird, but you'll love the pictures later. Fernando will help out with pictures, if necessary, and he knows his way around a DSLR.
He then takes you to the "spa": sauna, mud bath, hot springs, showers. All the features are heated by the volcano, and this is a very relaxing time. Sauna first, to open the pores, then to the mud bath. Paint the grey mud on, take pictures to laugh at later, and shower it off. Into the three tubs: hot, warm, and cold (very cold).
At that point, we got to do something I don't see in the other reviews posted here. Fernando took us up the hill a bit, handed us helmets and inner tubes, and began filling a big reservoir, connected to a concrete channel. He shoved the inner tubes over our shoulders, then crossed our arms beneath them, a flexible strait jacket of sorts. You then lie down in the concrete channel, and, once the reservoir is filled, Fernando opens the floodgate, and 1,000 gallons of water hits you, propelling you like a cork from a champagne bottle, down an 800' long "water slide". It's terrifying, out of control, and a blast!
Tip #4 - keep your arms crossed under the tube. I've got a 4" gash on my elbow from when it came free of the tube, and rubbed the side. It's a rough concrete, and it peeled my skin in a second. Painful, but not serious. Again, just a warning.
You land in a good-sized pool/basin, and there are great photos to be had from someone standing in the pool across from the bottom of the slide. If you have a sport mode on your camera (3-5 frames per second), this is the time and place to use it!
Once was enough for me and my oldest daughter, but my other two kids went three times. We all were very glad we did it; it was an unexpected pleasure.
From there, it's time to change into some dry clothes for the ride home. Retrieve your stuff from the locker, hit the changing room, and buy a refreshing beverage for the ride home. Tip Fernando, because this is the last time you'll see him ($5-10 is plenty). Load up, and let Enrique drive you home.
On the way back, we saw more wildlife, including a black howler monkey immediately over the road. Enrique stopped and allowed me to shoot him for 10 minutes or so, and those are the closest monkey shots I got all trip.
Enrique dropped us back at the Westin lobby, and we spent that night's dinner discussing what a great day it had been. And isn't that what you want from a vacation?
Tip #1: Take towels, and wear swimsuits with cover-ups or tee shirts. Don't wear your best stuff, as the mud/clay may stain. Take clothes to change into later.
After about a two hour drive, we arrived at the location. Miravalles last erupted over 50 years ago, and the primary crater is inactive. However, it is usually covered by cloud, mist, or fog, so the pictures appear to be of an active site. Tell your own tales as you choose.
We were the first guests of the day. Upon arrival, we were introduced to Fernando, our tractor driver and guide, and five dogs, who we promptly named: Quinn (the blue-eyed Husky), Luis, Pepe, and Crema (the three chihuahuas), and Avocado (the toy Doberman). The dogs were with us for most of the day, and were quite friendly.
We climbed into a wagon equipped with what looked like old schoolbus seats, and Fernando fired up the tractor. We then took a very bumpy ride up the mountainside, stopping at the entrance to the suspension bridge.
TIP #2: There are a couple of tighter squeezes on this hike. No big deal, but there's really no reason for a backpack. It's only a 45 minute trip or so, depending on how much you play int he pools. Leave excess goods with the driver, but do take your camera.
The bridge looks worse than it is, as the anchor cables are substantial, as is the flooring. However, the chicken wire on the sides doesn't seem that sturdy, so I wouldn't recommend placing too much trust in that. However, you can get some nice shots of the waterfall from the bridge center, and Enrique was kind enough to take a shot of each family member as they crossed. On the way up, we all crossed at once, which caused considerable sway. On the way back, we crossed separately, for the pictures, and because the wind had picked up. Depending on your family's tolerance, adjust accordingly.
The hike up to the waterfalls is not strenuous, but it is an upward trek. And you are in the rain forest. And it was the rainy season. So the trail is over wet rocks and leaves, with some opportunity to slip and fall, particularly on the way down. Not a trail for flip flops, and not one to rush. If you slip, as my oldest daughter did, the volcanic rock is not kind.
The waterfalls are beautiful, and you can get some wonderful shots. You can get as wet as you'd like, standing under the falls, or wading in the pools. You may or may not be doing this with dogs.
Then it's back down a different path, across the suspension bridge, and back into the wagon.
We saw a lot more wildlife on the way back down to the site, and Fernando was good at pointing out lizards, parakeets, iguanas, and butterflies. He was also good about stopping, allowing me to take a number of shots.
Once you arrive back at the site, it's time for lunch. The food is local and good, and you have your choice of chicken, fish, or pork.
After lunch, you are given a locker key, and you strip down to swimsuits.
Tip #3: Go with the flow. Yes, some of the following things may be out of your comfort zone. But you're on vacation, and part of visiting new places is doing new things. Set a good example for your kids by joining in the fun.
Fernando then takes you on a tour of the secondary crater. It is active with volcanic activity. Needless to say, you need to watch your step. There are pools of boiling water, pits of boiling mud, and fumaroles belching sulphur and other gases. Not the place to let your kids run around unattended.
Fernando explains many of the features, and it's interesting and educational.
One thing we noticed: the steps and railings are wood. Depending on the location in the crater, the ground is very hot, and some of the wood is smouldering, turning slowly to charcoal. Kinda neat to see.
After the tour, he makes a paste of red clay and volcanic runoff, and begins painting your faces, and in some cases, your hair. Just let him. It's a little weird, but you'll love the pictures later. Fernando will help out with pictures, if necessary, and he knows his way around a DSLR.
He then takes you to the "spa": sauna, mud bath, hot springs, showers. All the features are heated by the volcano, and this is a very relaxing time. Sauna first, to open the pores, then to the mud bath. Paint the grey mud on, take pictures to laugh at later, and shower it off. Into the three tubs: hot, warm, and cold (very cold).
At that point, we got to do something I don't see in the other reviews posted here. Fernando took us up the hill a bit, handed us helmets and inner tubes, and began filling a big reservoir, connected to a concrete channel. He shoved the inner tubes over our shoulders, then crossed our arms beneath them, a flexible strait jacket of sorts. You then lie down in the concrete channel, and, once the reservoir is filled, Fernando opens the floodgate, and 1,000 gallons of water hits you, propelling you like a cork from a champagne bottle, down an 800' long "water slide". It's terrifying, out of control, and a blast!
Tip #4 - keep your arms crossed under the tube. I've got a 4" gash on my elbow from when it came free of the tube, and rubbed the side. It's a rough concrete, and it peeled my skin in a second. Painful, but not serious. Again, just a warning.
You land in a good-sized pool/basin, and there are great photos to be had from someone standing in the pool across from the bottom of the slide. If you have a sport mode on your camera (3-5 frames per second), this is the time and place to use it!
Once was enough for me and my oldest daughter, but my other two kids went three times. We all were very glad we did it; it was an unexpected pleasure.
From there, it's time to change into some dry clothes for the ride home. Retrieve your stuff from the locker, hit the changing room, and buy a refreshing beverage for the ride home. Tip Fernando, because this is the last time you'll see him ($5-10 is plenty). Load up, and let Enrique drive you home.
On the way back, we saw more wildlife, including a black howler monkey immediately over the road. Enrique stopped and allowed me to shoot him for 10 minutes or so, and those are the closest monkey shots I got all trip.
Enrique dropped us back at the Westin lobby, and we spent that night's dinner discussing what a great day it had been. And isn't that what you want from a vacation?
Written 16 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saunders4
St. Catharines, Canada8 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Our family of 4 (2 teens) drove up here from Playa Ocotal in the Guanacaste in 2 hours on surprisingly good roads. We chose Las Hornillas Volcanic Centre at Miravalles rather than the Hacienda tours at Rincon de la Vieja because being a little farther out we thought it would be less touristy and crowded. We were right. There was only 1 other family on our horseback ride to a nice hike through the rainforest with hanging bridges and 2 waterfalls. Lunch was good, but not the best we've experienced. The short hike around the gurgling mudpots and sulpher steam vents was so neat! We all smeared on the mud and took great pics! The unique showers also made for some great photo ops! We wore old bathings suits as per some other reviews, but had no problems with stains or smells. More locals here than tourists which is what we look for. Enjoy!
Written 29 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wvsam
Morgantown, WV162 contributions
Jan 2013 • Friends
Everyone had to throw away the clothes worn in the mud baths and hot springs.The smell never went away even after soaking and washing. .Also do not wear any jewelry while using the mub baths. We were not warned that this would happen.
Written 19 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzieQ76
Jacksonville, FL21 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
This was my first visit to an active volcano, and I highly recommend this trip. We were taken by a private van drive to the national park, from Playa Junquillal. It was about a 2 hour drive through the countryside. Upon arrival we boarded a closed in wagon, pulled by a tractor, to the waterfall trails. The trails meandered thru the rain forest, across a suspension bridge, and down a steep path to the waterfall. It was quite an excursion. After we returned, we were taken by the wagon to the volcano crater site, where there was an opportunity to take a mud bath, and dip in the volcano fed hot springs. This was a highlight of our visit to Costa Rica. I would definitely return. We were also treated to a traditiononal casada meal between the waterfall and volcano excursions. The food was delicious.
Written 25 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James F
New York City, NY55 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
My girlfriend and I just returned from Costa Rica and we visited the Miravalles Volcano. The landscape on the hike up was breathtaking. We did the horseback riding option and the horses were very tame and well-trained. Once we reached the volcano, we were amazed by all the mud pools and baths. You could see the steam rising in the air from the earth; it was a unique experience. Once we completed the tour, we sat in the sauna, used the mud baths, rinsed off, and then enjoyed the naturally heated thermal pools. If you have never done this, it really is a great experience.
I would recommend the following: bring a rain coat or poncho as it may rain. Also, bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the showers and pools. Finally, even though they have showers to rinse off the mud, you are bathing in the mud pools...it smells like rotten eggs because of the sulfer. Wear an old pair of clothes and just throw them away when you change.
I would recommend the following: bring a rain coat or poncho as it may rain. Also, bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the showers and pools. Finally, even though they have showers to rinse off the mud, you are bathing in the mud pools...it smells like rotten eggs because of the sulfer. Wear an old pair of clothes and just throw them away when you change.
Written 27 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bellabolivia7
Diriamba, Nicaragua50 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
We only stayed here for half a day since we did not come with an organized tour. While we were there, many people wandered in and out without reporting to the office -- and no one seemed to care. The person on staff was laying in the office in a hammock, watching TV, when we came. Supplies were scattered on the floor. She called another person to guide us. (We actually read the sign that said to go to the office before entering.) The guide was not knowledgeable about volcanic activity and knew little about the geothermic energy that was generated in the area.
This place might have been a wonderful place but seems to have lost its direction. Rebar peaks and pokes from the cement tables. The shelters close to the swimming pools were poorly maintained. Things appear unloved.
The redeeming part -- the reason I did not give it terrible -- is that the natural beauty is still there.
This place might have been a wonderful place but seems to have lost its direction. Rebar peaks and pokes from the cement tables. The shelters close to the swimming pools were poorly maintained. Things appear unloved.
The redeeming part -- the reason I did not give it terrible -- is that the natural beauty is still there.
Written 12 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie_198327
Toronto, Canada84 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
We loved the trip in to this volcano. Great road conditions. Once we arrived we took a tractor (other option is horseback) up the volcano and took an amazing hike. I am terrified of heights but I am telling you, it was totally worth it. Suspension bridges were amazing! My husband even had a chance to jump into a waterfall. It was amazing. We also saw peacocks. We had a great lunch and then enjoy the hot springs and mud bath. There were lockers to store your stuff. Don't wear your jewelry and wear old clothes in the hot spring. The sulfur smell is hard to get out. It's amazing!!!!!! We would love to go back! It was our honeymoon, great memory!
Written 6 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mommy2MenloPark
Menlo Park7 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
What a great place to take kids! We walked the hanging bridges, saw beautiful waterfalls, went horse back riding, went down a 250 meter water slide, hiked into a live crater and took a volcanic mud bath. While we were there we saw lots of peacocks! Highly recommend going with Jorge from Alexonthebeach.com. He was a great tour guide and answered every question.
Written 17 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SallyShu
Boston, MA25 contributions
Feb 2012 • Friends
Best day ever in Costa Rica. My friends and my husband and I spent an amazing day at the Las Hornillas Volcanic Activity Center. Our tour included horseback riding and a tractor ride to the Volcano and rain forest. Hiking over safety hanging bridges, trails and waterfalls. Then lunch and a walk inside the crater where we watched and felt the steam coming from the boiling mud. bathed in the mud pots, used their 250 mt. slide and then relaxed in natural hot springs!!!!! What an experience and the entire day was around $59.00 per person.
Written 27 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wondering about the level of activity for this. We did the Sensoria hike a few years ago and there were not proper stairs down to the waterfalls and my husband had found it quite difficult.
thank you
Written 28 February 2022
Is it necessary to have a guide to visit volcan miravalles? We are going to stay in Casa Conde Beach Front, Panama beach
Written 26 February 2019
I don’t think so but was very helpful when showing you where to go and where the waterfalls are. We went in 2 separate trails and rode horses up to those points. I’m sure public cars aren’t able to go that far up. Have fun!
Written 27 February 2019
Really helpful reviews- thanks everyone. Rincon and Miravalles seem to offer everything that Arenal and Monteverde do - but with less crowds. Feeling overwhelmed by number of parks in CR! Anyone experienced all?
I was thinking to start in South Caribbean for a few days and visit Cahuita then make our way to Coco/ Hermosa for several days ( scuba diving ).
Just deciding where to stop off. . .
Thinking Sarapiqui for a couple of nights, then Arenal and Monteverde or Santa Elena, but wondering about missing out those major tourist sites for more time at Rincon/Miravalles. Also want to visit llanos de Cortez waterfalls and do some kayak in the mangroves - think we can co this from Hermosa?
Any input appreciated! Non diving husband not particularly beachy but loves bird watching. . . . All the parks seem to have high bridges, zip wires, hot springs, mud baths. Someone said Monteverde will be a mess in November after the rains- should Rincon and Miravalles be better?
We are starting mid November and ending mid Dec.
Written 5 December 2018
we were thinking of doing the volcano, mud baths, hot springs and falls. one person highly recommended javier's tour. anther recommended the tractor ride tour. what are the details and prices of these? we will be in the area around july 24th. thanks for any info
Written 13 July 2018
In order to a a self-guided tour, you have to arrive by 8am? Why is that? Also, do we need to make reservations? Is it accessible via just car or 4x4 SUV? Thank you!
Written 14 February 2018
I am at a hotel nearby
I justwant to go for the walk, no tour
Is it possible?
Where is the entrance by foot from Guayabal ?
Thanx
Written 27 December 2017
I am at a hotel nearby
I justwant to go for the walk, no tour
Is it possible?
Where is the entrance by foot from Guayabal ?
Thanx
Written 27 December 2017
Is there an age and/or weight limit on zip-lining or any of the tour parts?
Written 11 April 2017
There is not. 4-85. You just have to be able to walk in the jungle for 15 minutes to get to the first of 13 platforms.
For reservations to all jungle activities call 506-8719-4276
Or find us at rainforestlink to get a free gift when you arrive in costa rica.
Written 12 April 2017
Can you do this without a tour guide? Is it accessible by rental car?
Written 17 January 2017
absolutely. you need to be at the Miravalles Adventure Center by 8AM.
Written 21 January 2017
Is this an active volcano or dormant? How much did the tour cost from Alex on the Beach? We are staying at the Rui in Gunancaste and people say you can book right on the beach--is it safe to use a credit card? How long was the tour?
Thank you,
Bruce and Anita Feller
Written 18 November 2016
There are several options to save money and have an authentic and safe experience at the Miravalles Volcano: Canopy ZIpline, Educational Jungle Hike, Lunch and Hoter water spa with volcano mud:$95/person with pick up and drop off from your hotel.
Jungle walk with Tour of organic Chocolate farm including organic Lunch and ALL THE GOURMET CHOCOLATE you can eat;$115 per person, pick up and drop off at your hotel..
Horseback riding and lunch on a farm:$50. Zipline:$35 Spa with massage and thermal pools: $75
Written 6 January 2017
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