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What to Expect from the Best Destination to Experience Authentic Costa Rica

a waterfall surrounded by trees

Vandará is your gateway to the best of Costa Rica’s great outdoors. 

Our guests experience authentic Costa Rican culture, volcanic thermal hot springs, a thrilling canopy tour across the Tizate River, hiking, horseback riding, hanging bridges, and one of Guanacaste’s longest water slides—all in one amazing place!  

Vandará’s founders were a Guanacaste family of ranchers, cowboys, and cowgirls who loved the land and wanted to share its natural treasures with visitors. 

They planted hundreds of citrus trees and coffee plants, made their own Tapa Dulce out of sugar cane, and cultivated an organic garden so they could treat their guests to an authentic and delicious Costa Rican meal.

With a winding river down the middle, waterfalls, and natural volcanic hot springs, Vandará is truly one of the most amazing things to do in Costa Rica.

About Vandará – the best experiences in Costa Rica

Vandará is located on the slopes of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. The 350-acre park is covered in rainforest and dry tropical forests. A deep canyon formed by the Tizate River runs through the property, with waterfalls and clear natural pools perfect for cooling off after a hike or horseback ride in Costa Rica.

Thermal rivers heated deep beneath the volcano come to the surface within Vandará as mineral-rich hot springs. The steaming waters are imbued with healing and rejuvenating properties known for soothing many skin ailments. 

Vandará is staffed by a team of passionate and professional Costa Ricans. Most of the men and women live in nearby communities. They are proud of their beautiful homeland and enjoy sharing it with visitors from around the world. 

Vandará’s authentic activities in Costa Rica

a man standing next to a tree

 

Vandará Canopy Experience: Costa Rica’s best canopy tour zigzags across the Titzate Canyon over waterfalls and lush tropical plants, teaming with birds and wildlife. The Vandará Canopy Tour utilizes the safest technology and equipment, including new cables and large landing platforms. All guides are highly trained and experienced.

a man riding a horse on a trail at Vandará

Costa Rica Horseback Riding: Some people say the best way to experience Guanacaste is on horseback! In honor of its Vaquero Cowboy past, Vandará has its own herd of healthy, well-trained horses.  Guests can explore the countryside of Rincon de la Vieja by horseback riding. The Costa Rica horseback riding tour across the ranch lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours and is for all ages.  A Guanacasteco wrangler and a nature guide accompany all guests and point out wildlife and interesting landmarks while sharing the area’s history.

 

longest water slide - 400 meters at Vandará

 

Guanacaste’s best and longest water slide:  Get ready for the ride of your life on Vandará’s awesome 1,300 foot long water slide! Each participant is equipped with safety gear & helmet and instructed on the best positions for gaining speed or slowing down.

The slide, which is powered by Vandará’s natural spring water, passes through a field of orchids before ending in a refreshing swimming pool. It’s an exhilarating way to cool off before making your way to Vandara’s thermal pools along the river. 

Hiking Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica: Vandará’s walking and hiking trails wind through the property. Visitors can explore the citrus grove, orchids, and organic farm or hike through the countryside, home to many species of birds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths, and other exotic creatures.  

Vandará’s relaxation and rejuvenation activities

 

a group of people standing next to a person

 

The best hot springs experience in Costa Rica: Sooth weary muscles and invigorate your senses soaking in Vandará’s natural hot springs pools. The nearby waterfall will lull you into a state of deep relaxation and tranquility.   

Vandará’s exquisite thermal pools are immersed in the peaceful sounds and scents of the rainforest on the banks of the pristine Tizate River.  Experience the deep healing properties of Vandará’s volcanic mud treatments, a soothing massage, or a nature-inspired spa treatment at the open-air spa.  

ox in the trapiche, cultural tour

Vandará’s Cultural Trapiche Tour: All guests are invited to tour Vandará’s Costa Rican Trapiche Rancho and taste traditional fare cooked over a wood fire. See how sugar cane is processed into tapa dulce by an ox-pulled molino before sampling local favorites like chocolate caliente and aguardiente liquor, followed by a freshly prepared lunch or dinner of classic Costa Rican dishes. 

Whether you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, excitement and adventure, or a little bit of everything, Vandará is the place. 

 

Vandará’s best packages in Costa Rica

Vandará’s guests can choose from the following Costa Rica experiences. Vandará offers the best things to do in Costa Rica in one fabulous location! 

The Vandará Explorer Pass: Live the Vandará experience to its fullest with this all-included day pass.

  •  Horseback Riding
  • Tizate Canopy tour
  • Vandará Water Slide
  • Trapiche Cultural Tour 
  • Thermal Hot Springs
  • Volcanic Mud Treatment
  • Hiking
  • Organic Garden
  • Traditional Costa Rican Lunch

The Vandará Nature Pass: This pass is the perfect option for visitors wanting to experience Vandará’s exquisite natural surroundings while enjoying a variety of thermal hot springs pools, volcanic mud treatments, and the Trapiche Cultural Tour. Guests are welcome to hike the park’s trails and enjoy Costa Rican lunch.

  • Thermal Hot Springs
  • Volcanic Mud Treatment
  • Trapiche Cultural Tour
  • Hiking Vandará’s Trails
  • Traditional Costa Rican Lunch

What to bring: As one of the best must-do activities in Costa Rica, visitors to Vandará should bring the following:

  • Good walking shoes
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for hot weather
  • Sun hat, sunscreen, & insect repellent
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Change of clothing (if desired)
  • Camera or smartphone for taking pictures

a women sitting on a rock in a pool