Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido is within the Guanacaste province, on the western side of the country. Even though the reserve is just an hour’s drive from Liberia, this rediscovered gem was once a sacred spot for the Cabecar tribes; people who recognized and harnessed the magic of the thermal gorge, hundreds of years ago. 

Rio Perdido was designed to be in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Great care has been taken to preserve this one-of-a-kind setting and its precious resources, while simultaneously providing a very comfortable experience for conscious-minded guests.

Spend your days swimming in the abundant, completely natural hot springs, along a mile of thermal gorge that cuts right through the spectacular, 600-acre reserve. 

View our accommodations, packages and adventures below.

Accommodations

Rio Perdido Hotel | Rio Perdido

Stylishly designed and environmentally sustainable, the 30 modern and sustainable forest bungalows at Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River provide a peaceful retreat amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. 

Each bungalow at the lodge is accessed by elevated pathways that connect to general hotel pathways and hiking trails; they are built in a modular format, in order to ensure minimal environmental impact. The design is warm and clean, with wood accents, stainless steel, nylon rope and polished concrete floors.

Pricing

Adventures & Experiences

ZIPLINE TOURS

While there are hundreds of zip-line tours throughout the country, our Canyon Adventure is truly innovative. Under the guidance of renowned adventure designers, we have created a sequence that will please and surprise. Our inspiring Rio Blanco canyon is the main stage for an awesome cable-based adventure, which includes:

• 15 platforms: 6 of them are rock-based, 9 are suspended on the canyon walls.

• A pendulum cable.

• A 15- meter “Tarzan swing”.

• A 27-meter challenge bridge.

• 4 via ferratas with lengths varying from 5 mts to nearly 15 mts.

• 5 zip lines with lengths varying from 80 mts, to over 245 mts.

• Water station in the middle of the circuit.

SCENIC HIKING POINTS

Yurro Waterfall
This short hike is approximately 1 kilometer out and back. It is a relatively flat, yet attractive trail that takes you across the main hanging bridge. The destination is the top of a waterfall. Note that the Yurro's slate base may be dry from January to May, but it is always beautiful. Please do not walk on the rocks, as there are steep and slippery sections.

The Medicinal Spring
This hike is 2.5 kilometers out and back. It’s a relatively flat trail that takes you beyond the Yurro Waterfall, through the Miravalles dry forest and then to a denser and taller forest where the spring and streams are located. Old-time residents of the Montano and Santa Fe areas consider this water to have healing properties. It actually tastes a bit like Alka-Seltzer – which, according to our lab testing, is due to the high concentrations of diluted magnesium.

Mesa Norte - Panoramic Lookout
The total distance of this hike is 3.5 kilometers out and back. The walk begins with a soft ascent through the woods, leading to an uncovered trail and then to a steeper climb for the last 250 meters before arriving at a small, flat mesa. From the top, you can see all of the Guanacaste volcanoes, including the Miravalles, the Rincon de la Vieja and the Tenorio. Because of the complete absence of artificial illumination, this is an amazing place to stargaze, to see the lit domes that mark the distant urban centers and to appreciate 360 degrees of undisturbed nature under the moonlight.

Las Tumbas - Panoramic Lookout
The shorter version of this walk is 5 kilometers out and back, with the option of an 8-10 kilometer loop for those desiring a more challenging hike. The views are comparable if not more impressive than those you can appreciate from Mesa Norte. The eroded volcanic rock formations in this area are amazing. We strongly recommend that you request one of our well-trained guides and plan accordingly so as to not be caught in the dark.

THE BIKE PARK AT RIO PERDIDO

Our permanently evolving MTB circuit attracts riders from far and wide; it offers solid rock segments, sand, raw earth, bridges, ramps, banks and even a few downhills in the advanced circuit. Of course, the circuit’s more advanced segments can be foregone by amateur riders or those who simply want a less challenging ride without the rocky climbs and heart-stopping plunges. Riders can opt for different routes, ranging in distance from 8 kilometers to over 20 kilometers, without having to repeat single-track segments. While many MTB fanatics would not consider this to be "long distance," most riders are content to finish the circuit and then opt for a rest in the hot springs. For those not running a time-trial, the route offers amazing stops that include short treks to several panoramic lookouts, two waterfalls, a cave, the remains of a home that dates back to Costa Rica’s colonial period and a naturally carbonated water spring historically lauded for its medicinal qualities. Unlike most activities at Rio Perdido, the Bike Park is designed for a focused rider and is not recommended for beginners. Those visiting the BPRP for the first time may want to consider riding with one of our guides.

While riders with experience can enjoy the park on a self-guided ride, to see all of the sights and get the most out of the adventure, we strongly recommend requesting a professional guide. Rio Perdido's experienced MTB guides can accompany you and enhance the experience for /hour (2-hour minimum). A guide can accompany from 1 to 5 riders. For larger guided groups, we can arrange for multiple guides.

Riding the trails after dark is prohibited unless the riders receive written permission from a Rio Perdido manager and there is at least one official Rio Perdido guide for every 5 riders. Guests who desire to ride without a guide can set out to the park between 5:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For bike rentals, please contact our Concierge at concierge@rioperdido.com.

WHITE WATER TUBING AT RIO PERDIDO

We use modern equipment to help you safely traverse the river and get a real sense of the canyon and its magic. There are parts of the canyon where the rock walls narrow and daylight is scarce. Echoes grow louder and if you remain quiet for a bit, you will find that you are not alone; birds, monkeys and, occasionally, some larger mammals will announce their presence. Look for the hot water spouts along the eastern rock walls.

Please take note that this activity is not suitable for everyone. While a slow float will take you through most of the trajectory, there are several intense rapids along the way. There is always a chance of making contact with some of the exposed rocks, which can result in bruising and even minor cuts. This is more likely to occur in the dry season, when the current slows and the water level drops, as more rocks become exposed.

*Children under the age of 12 may not participate in white water tubing. Participants must be at least 4’7” (140 centimetres) tall and weigh between 80 and 220 pounds (36-100 kilograms).