With an incredible location at the foot of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin offers some of the best nature and wildlife experiences in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
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Warm Costa Rican hospitality meets an exciting sense of adventure in this 3,400-acre (1,400-hectare) award-winning eco-hotel and ranch. With a dry tropical forest as your playground, the possibilities are endless—making it a unique home away from home when in Guanacaste.
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About Hacienda Guachipelin
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is one of the few establishments within Rincon de la Vieja. They’re known for comfortable and reliable accommodations, with cozy ranch-style rooms and impressive spa and gym facilities.
Aside from the ranch hotel, many also stop by Hacienda Guachipelin for their Adventure Center. They have a long list of excursions, tours, and adventures fit for all types of travellers. Waterfall rappelling, river tubing, wall climbing, and horseback riding are just some of the things you can do. And if you’re not big on adrenaline, there are hiking trails, hot springs, and even relaxation tours to check out, too. Day visitors can choose between a half-day or one-day adventure pass to experience all these.
Bordering Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s Las Pailas Section, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ranch hotel also boasts rich wildlife. There are lush gardens with native trees and exotic flowers welcoming wildlife and birdlife. Plus, beautiful viewpoints give you uninterrupted panoramic views of the exciting active volcanoes, the Guanacaste plains, and even the Pacific Coastline.
Surrounded by nature, it only makes sense that the hotel and ranch operate in the most sustainable and eco-friendly ways possible. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin holds the third level of Certification for the Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), which is another reason why we highly recommend it here.
How to Get to Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
Driving is the most convenient way to get to Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, and we recommend bringing your own car. The roads getting there are paved, so it’s an easy drive for any kind of vehicle, and there’s free parking at the property.
Because of its forest location, there is no public transportation from the closest city (Liberia) or town (Curubande) that can take you directly to Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. However, the hotel does offer transportation services at an added cost. The hotel minibus can pick you up from the airport, Liberia City, or Curubande Town, depending on the route you’re taking.
By Car
From the Liberia International Airport, drive 32km (20mi) east to the Liberia Main Intersection on the Pan-American Highway. From there, follow the directions to Curubande/Rincón de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Sector. The gate to Hacienda Guachipelin is 15.7km (9.6mi) away.
From San José, Liberia is 210km (130mi) away or a 4-5-hour drive. The roads are smooth, so it should be a relatively easy drive. Once in Liberia, follow the same directions towards Curubande/Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Sector.
By Bus/Shuttle
From San Jose, there’s a public bus called the Pulmitan Bus Line that goes to Liberia. It leaves every hour between 3:00AM to 8:00PM, and the whole drive will take about 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can make arrangements with other companies that provide private shuttle transfers from hotels and tourist destinations all around Costa Rica.
From other beaches in Guanacaste, Monteverde, or Arenal, it’s better to consult your hotel for the best routes to take on public transportation to get to Liberia. Once you’re in Liberia City, Hacienda Guachipelin offers hotel minivan services that can pick you up for an additional fee.
By Air
Liberia International Airport (officially known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport or Guanacaste International Airport) is the closest airport to Hacienda Guachipelin. From there, you can make arrangements for the Hacienda Guachipelin minivan to pick you up at an additional cost.
From San Jose International Airport, a flight to Liberia takes only 45 minutes. There are two local airlines with scheduled flights to Liberia: Nature Air and Sansa Airlines.
Best Time to Visit Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the dry season is from December to April. Many tourists consider this the best time to visit because it’s typically sunny and warm. Since this is considered peak season, expect tickets, accommodations, and even some activities to be priced higher than normal. However, since Hacienda Guachipelin borders Rincón de la Vieja National Park, chances of rain are much higher due to the mountain’s high altitude.
Meanwhile, the rainy season (or green season) in Costa Rica is from May to November. Rainfall is unpredictable during these months, though it usually gets more intense during the afternoon and at night. But take it from us: a little rain isn’t all that bad. The heavy rains bring out lush and beautiful foliage across the country, making it a nature wonderland. Experiencing any national park during the magical green season has its own perks, too.
READ NEXT: Best Time to Go to Costa Rica
Things to Do at Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
Set Off on a Hiking Trail
There are lots of scenic hiking trails in Hacienda Guachipelin that lead to waterfalls, national park trails, hot springs, ponds immersed in the forest, and more. Walk past exotic wildlife and flora while you head to Guanacaste’s most active volcano, stunning waterfalls, or hot springs.
Try Horseback Riding
Horse riding is another preferred mode of transportation at the Hacienda. Different horseback riding tours take you to the waterfalls, hot springs, national park trails, and even to the on-site spa. There’s even a Cowboy for a Day Tour where you can meet Guanacasteco sabaneros!
Zip Line Through the Trees
Ziplining is one of the most exciting adventure tours to try in Costa Rica. The one-of-a-kind zip line Canyon Canopy Tour lets you fly through trees on zip lines, rappel, rock climb, swing like Tarzan, and cross the hanging bridge over the stunning White River Canyon.
Go with the Flow while River Tubing
Feel the rush of excitement as you bounce and splash down miles of river rapids! There are a few river tubing tours to choose from, like a quick 2.5-hour tubing adventure down Rio Negro, or a half-day tour that includes lunch and ends with a trip to the natural volcanic hot springs.
Gear Up for Mountain Biking
Explore the ranch and beyond on a mountain biking tour. There’s a single-track tour with cool shaded trails, while an Iron Horse tour takes to the rugged terrain of an active volcano. If you want to go on your own mountain bike ride, there’s also an option to rent your own bike.
Head to the Waterfalls
There are at least 7 waterfalls near Hacienda Guachipelin: some with nature pools great for a swim or a jump, while others are best appreciated from afar. If you can’t choose just one, there’s a day tour that covers 3 hidden waterfalls and ends at the relaxing hot springs.
Unwind at the Hot Springs
Hot springs are known to have rejuvenating and therapeutic benefits, and they’re a must for relaxation. The natural hot water is rich in minerals and is heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The hot springs offer hot volcanic mud that can be used for a relaxing volcanic mud bath.
Go on a Canyoning Adventure
Adrenaline junkies are going to enjoy this one! Rock climb, rappel, and splash into the cascading waterfalls. You can choose a tour that finishes off the canyoning adventure with a cool swim or a warm dip at the hot springs.
Relax at Simbiosis Spa
How about a thermal spa experience in the middle of the forest? The on-site spa uses only local, natural ingredients for their treatments, like volcanic mud and even a chocolate mask. Enjoy relaxing massages, natural mud wraps, mud baths, or a calming, mindfulness forest bathing activity.
Combo Tours
Hacienda Guachipelin’s Adventure Center offers more than 20 adventure tours and nature tours. The best way to fit in as many activities as you’d like is to check out their combo tours, with half-day and full-day passes to choose from.
The One-Day Adventure Pass is the most popular, starting at USD $115. This takes about 8.5 hours and includes a canopy tour, tubing, hot springs, horseback riding, and a lunch buffet.
If you don’t have a full day to spare, there are half-day passes at great value. A 4.5-hour half-day canyon tour lets you experience the highlights starting at USD $85: rock climbing, ziplining, rope swinging, hot springs, and mud baths.
READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Rincon De La Vieja National Park
Staying in Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is a 4-star mountain resort with a total of 79 guest rooms, mostly Legacy Suites and Superior Rooms. These are all comfortably furnished, with different configurations to accommodate various groups and special requests.
Room rates include a full breakfast buffet as well as free access to 7 waterfalls and the Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Baths. Other property amenities include the swimming pool, spa and sauna, room service, free wi-fi, and more. The Adventure Park is close by, too.
The first-class hotel keeps nature at the heart of the whole stay. It’s entirely powered by hydro and geothermal electricity and uses only spring water. Apart from that, all cleaning products used are non-toxic, biodegradable, petrochemical-free, and phosphate-free.
Standard Room
This room has 1 double bed and 1 single bed, perfect for small families or groups of 3. Guests who are ready for adventure will appreciate its convenient location right by the Activities Center. The Hacienda Guachipelin Restaurant and the swimming pool are close to the area, too. The standard room comes with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a safe box, a closet, a telephone, cable TV, a coffee maker, and hot water.
Superior Room
This room includes 2 double beds or 1 queen (subject to availability), and is a more spacious, more luxurious version of the Standard Room. The Superior Room interiors have warm wood finishes and local art that showcase elements of Guanacaste heritage and traditions. These are great for groups looking for rooms that are right next to each other, as the Superior Rooms are set in a horseshoe-shaped formation around ancient Tempisque and Cedro Amargo trees.
Family Superior Room
With 1 single bed, 1 double bed, and 1 king-sized bed, this room is a good fit for families or groups of friends. The room includes a security box, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a mini fridge, cable TV, a coffee maker, a phone, and a solar-powered water heater. Another plus is its great location near the main reception area, keeping guests close to the outdoor pool, restaurant, and Activity Center.
Legacy Suite
Guests can choose between a Queen or King Legacy Suite, with 2 queen or king-sized beds respectively. The Legacy Suites are beautifully designed, featuring traditional Guanacaste architecture and authentic handcrafted furniture. One of the best spots here is the hammocks on the private front terrace, where you can observe all the unique bird and animal life that drop by the Hacienda. These top-quality Legacy Suites are highly recommended for guests who want a quieter, private, and comfortable experience.
Suites
The Suites are considered the “crown jewels of accommodations” at Hacienda Guachipelin. There are two premier suites, the El Cenízaro and the El Cedro, named after two iconic giant tree types found in Guanacaste. Each Suite has a spacious open-plan living area that features Costa Rican furniture and art. It comes with one king bed, a private bathroom with hot water, shower and bathtub, and a large terrace and private patio. Guests are treated to an incredible view of the volcano right outside their doorstep.
Restaurants in Hacienda Guachipelin, Costa Rica
- La Hacienda Restaurant offers a taste of traditional Costa Rican food prepared by chefs who follow time-honoured traditional recipes from the Guanacaste region. La Hacienda serves salads, meats, pasta, snacks, desserts, and drinks made from sustainably sourced ingredients, most of which are grown right on the ranch.
- Nekajui Garden is located in the Hacienda’s old garden. There are 4 fire pits positioned around the open outdoor area where people can gather around. The gourmet Nekajui Restaurant also offers select dishes prepared in the hacienda’s old clay oven–a great way to taste some of the area’s delicious food.
- Rincón del Café gives you a taste of authentic, high-quality Costa Rican coffee with beans from Naranjo and Tarrazú, two of the most renowned coffee regions in Costa Rica. Pair your cup with their gluten-free pastries and cheesecakes, or try their empanada and tacos.
- Canopy Bar serves savoury snacks and delicious drinks, but what sets it apart is the lively atmosphere. If you want to enjoy live music and the sunset, Canopy Bar is your go-to. Don Justo, a living legend who’s been playing the marimba for more than 50 years, is in charge of the music, and he’s sure to have you dancing the night away.
The Bottom Line
When people think of Costa Rica, most usually picture the renowned beach resorts–but that’s not all there is to it. For a unique experience that truly immerses you in one of the most interesting regions in Costa Rica, visit Hacienda Guachipelin.
The ranch hotel’s charming atmosphere, its proximity to impressive volcanic activity, and the breathtaking view of the national park are unlike any other. Whether you check in or enjoy their half-day tours, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is an incredible way to enjoy Guanacaste.
