From Vandará to Rincón Thermals & Adventures: What’s New, and Why This Volcano Day Trip Belongs on Your 2026 List
What happened to Vandará—did it close?
No—Vandará didn’t disappear; it simply became Rincón Thermals & Adventures, with a new name and updated look. The official sites now highlight “Formerly Vandara” and position the change as “New Name. New Look. Same Unforgettable Experience,” so returning guests can feel instantly oriented while first-timers get a clearer sense of what the place truly is: a full “volcano day” playground with hot springs at its heart. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What stayed the same (the good stuff):
- Natural thermal hot springs heated by the volcano
- Volcanic mud baths beside the river
- That “one place, many experiences” feeling that makes groups happy Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What changed (the headline upgrades):
- A clearer identity: thermals + adventure, not just “hot springs.”
- Expanded focus on the thermal circuit and wellness experience
- New experiences teased and built around evening/after-dark soaking Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Where is Rincón Thermals & Adventures, and is it an easy day trip?
It’s in Guanacaste near the Rincón de la Vieja area, and it’s designed to be an easy, do-it-in-a-day escape from the beaches. The park describes itself as adjacent to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and National Park, set across a large rainforest property (marketed as 350+ acres) with multiple activities in one location—so you’re not spending your day bouncing between separate tour operators. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+2Rincon Thermals & Adventures+2
Quick voice-search answers people ask:
“Is it close to Liberia Airport?”
Yes—Rincón Thermals markets itself as roughly 45 minutes from Liberia (LIR), which is a big deal for short stays. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What makes this place different from a typical “hot springs resort”?
Rincón Thermals is built around a nature-first thermal experience—more rainforest canyon and river energy, less resort-lobby vibe. Their own messaging leans hard into the idea of natural, flow-through geothermal soaking and a setting that feels like you stumbled into a secret pocket of warm water in the jungle (except with lockers, lunch, and a team keeping it organized). Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
If you want the short version:
- Resort hot springs: you soak, you leave
- Rincón Thermals: you soak and you play (or hike, or eat, or float, or ride) Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What are the signature experiences everyone talks about?
The signature day is a choose-your-own-adventure mix of thermals, mud, nature walks, and optional adrenaline. The park is structured around two main day passes, so you can keep it mellow or go full “I came here to live.” Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Core experiences (included on both pass types):
- Thermal hot springs in a lush, natural setting
- Mineral-rich volcanic mud experience by the river
- Walking trails, a hanging bridge, and waterfall/nature time
- A cultural component and a garden-to-table style lunch Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Adrenaline add-ons (included on the Explore Day Pass):
- Horseback riding through rainforest trails with big viewpoints
- A canopy zipline route (described as 8 platforms)
- A jungle waterslide experience (marketed at 1,300 feet long) Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What new features should visitors know about in 2026?
The biggest “what’s new” story is how the property is evolving its thermal circuit—more pools, a more curated soak sequence, and a stronger wellness-and-evening experience. In recent updates, the brand talks about expanding thermal offerings with new pools and “enhanced thermal circuits” as part of an ongoing expansion effort, and it repeatedly teases Night Thermal Sessions as a coming-soon highlight. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
New and notable upgrades being promoted:
- Thermal expansion and upgraded circuits: positioned as more pools and more variety in the soak experience Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
- Night Thermal Experience (coming soon): evening access to illuminated pools, stargazing energy, and a slower pace than daytime crowds Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
- More space to spread out: recent messaging mentions new quiet zones as capacity grows, which matters if your idea of paradise includes “less noise, more river sounds.” Rincon Thermals & Adventures
Tip for planning: Because “coming soon” and “under development” can shift, check what’s open on your specific date when you book.
Which pass should you choose: Nature Day Pass or Explore Day Pass?
Choose the Nature Day Pass if you want maximum soaking and nature with minimum exertion, and choose the Explore Day Pass if your group wants the full activity menu. The Nature Day Pass is pitched as “Reconnect with Nature, Relax, Heal,” while the Explore Day Pass stacks in horseback riding, canopy, and the jungle slide. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Nature Day Pass is best for:
- Couples who want unhurried soaking
- Families with mixed ages (including little ones)
- Anyone whose vacation motto is “no helmets today” Rincon Thermals & Adventures
Explore Day Pass is best for:
- Groups with teens and energetic friends
- Travelers who want thrills and thermals in the same day
- People who measure fun by “how many different things did we do?” Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
How do you do the volcanic mud bath the right way?
You do it in a simple four-step rhythm: apply, wait, rinse, then soak. Their own guide describes an easy sequence that’s perfect for first-timers who want the “I did the thing!” moment without overthinking it. Rincon Thermals & Adventures
Volcanic mud bath steps:
- Apply warm volcanic clay to skin
- Let it dry for about 15–20 minutes
- Rinse off (river water or outdoor showers)
- Slide into the thermal pools and enjoy the contrast Rincon Thermals & Adventures
What’s a perfect “volcano day” itinerary that feels effortless?
The best itinerary pairs a morning volcano hike with an afternoon thermal reset. Rincón Thermals actively promotes itself as the ideal second half of a Rincón de la Vieja day because you can put in your steps early, then turn your muscles into happy noodles later. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
A crowd-pleasing plan:
- Morning: Rincón de la Vieja National Park hike (heat, steam vents, big nature)
- Midday: Arrive for lunch and slow down
- Afternoon: Mud + hot springs + hanging bridge strolls
- Late afternoon: Photos in the golden light (and that “I can’t believe this is real” feeling) Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What should you bring so you’re comfortable all day?
Bring the basics for water, sun, and walking, and you’ll be set. Their packing list is refreshingly simple, which is exactly what you want on a day when you’ll bounce between trails, pools, and lunch. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Quick packing checklist:
- Swimsuit + towel
- Change of clothes
- Closed-toe shoes (for trails and activities)
- Sunscreen Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
How do you book it, and which site should you use?
You can book through either vandaracostarica.com or rinconthermals.com—both point to the Rincón Thermals & Adventures experience. If you’re searching “Vandará,” you’ll still find the legacy domain; if you’re searching the new brand, you’ll find the new domain—either way you land in the same ecosystem. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
FAQ: Quick answers for voice search
Is Vandará the same as Rincón Thermals & Adventures?
Yes—Rincón Thermals & Adventures is the new name, and it’s clearly labeled as “Formerly Vandara.” Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What’s included in the Nature Day Pass?
It includes thermal pools, volcanic mud, nature features like trails and a hanging bridge, plus a cultural experience and lunch. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
What’s included in the Explore Day Pass?
It includes everything in the Nature experience plus horseback riding, canopy ziplining, and the jungle waterslide. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Are the hot springs natural or artificially heated?
They’re promoted as natural thermal waters heated by subterranean volcanic heat rather than a standard heated resort pool. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Is there a night hot springs experience?
A Night Thermal Experience has been teased as “coming soon,” featuring evening access to illuminated pools and stargazing vibes. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
How long should I plan to stay?
Plan a full day—both passes are marketed as roughly 7.5–8 hours, which is why this works so well as a dedicated day trip. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Is it family-friendly?
Yes—there’s an all-ages Nature option and a more active Explore option, so families can match the day to their energy level. Rincon Thermals & Adventures+1
Book online today, it’s a bucket list item: https://vandaracostarica.com/
