Vandará Hot Springs & Adventure in Guanacaste is the kind of place where you can fly through the rainforest on a zipline in the morning, soak in natural hot springs by the river in the afternoon, and finish the day with a garden-to-table feast. If you book directly with Vandará or pay at the counter, remember to use the code HOWLER for a 10% discount – you can even use it when you buy a gift certificate for someone living in Costa Rica or coming to visit.
Just 20–30 minutes from Liberia, on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja volcano, Vandará wraps together nature, culture and adventure in one easy day out, whether you’re a family, a couple or a group of friends. (Tripadvisor)
Why is Vandará Costa Rica the perfect all-in-one day out?
Vandará is ideal if you want to pack adventure, relaxation and local culture into a single, well-organised day.
Instead of juggling different tours, you arrive at one lush rainforest property and simply move from activity to activity at a relaxed pace. Your day can include:
- Thrilling canopy zipline circuits
Glide from platform to platform above the treetops with views over the forest and hillsides. Guides clip you in, check every harness and give gentle coaching, so even first-timers feel safe as they pick up speed. (Monteverde Tours CR) - Horseback rides with volcano views
Ride calm, well-trained horses along country tracks, passing farms, forest and viewpoints towards Rincón de la Vieja. For many guests, this quiet part of the day is a favourite contrast to the zipline adrenaline. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures) - Hot springs, volcanic mud and riverside chill time
Natural thermal pools beside the Tizate River, mineral-rich mud and shady rest areas make it easy to wind down your muscles after all the activity. (MytanFeet)
And because passes bundle activities and lunch together, that HOWLER discount gives you a very decent saving on an already good-value full-day experience. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
Where is Vandará and how easy is it to get there?
Vandará is set near Cañas Dulces, about 24 km (15 miles) from Liberia in Guanacaste, so it’s an easy day trip from the Liberia area and nearby beaches. (Paradise Catchers)
From Liberia town or the international airport, you’re looking at roughly a 30–40-minute drive into the foothills. Many visitors come on organised day tours from beach destinations like Playa del Coco, Hermosa or Tamarindo, while others drive themselves and enjoy the scenery as the flat cattle pastures give way to greener volcanic forest. (MytanFeet)
What adventures can you try at Vandará in one day?
You can fit a surprising number of activities into one visit without feeling rushed, thanks to Vandará’s well-designed passes. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
Typical adventure highlights include:
- Canopy zipline tour
A series of cables carry you over canyons and through the treetops, with different lengths and speeds so you can build confidence as you go. The platforms sit high above the forest floor, giving brilliant chances to spot birds and enjoy views you’d never get from a hiking trail. - Horseback riding
Gentle horses take you along mountain paths to viewpoints and activity areas. It’s a relaxed, scenic ride suitable for beginners, and guides happily match horses to your level so nervous riders feel comfortable. - Jungle waterslide
A long, fast water slide snakes through the forest, and it’s one of the bits kids and teenagers talk about for days afterwards. Adults usually end up racing them anyway, so pack your sense of humour and a swimsuit you trust. (MytanFeet) - Hanging bridge and nature trails
The Nature Pass includes a hanging bridge and easy walking paths where you can spot tropical plants, butterflies and birds. It’s a great breather between the more energetic activities. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures) - Cultural and farm experiences
Demonstrations of traditional sugar cane milling, coffee, and local farming show how rural life in Guanacaste works behind the scenes. Many guests say these cultural moments give the park a more authentic feel than a simple adventure park. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
How relaxing are the hot springs and spa area?
The hot springs at Vandará are genuinely soothing, with a natural setting that feels far from the main road.
There are several thermal pools, including a larger pool with a swim-up bar and a quieter, more hidden pool tucked among the trees by the river, so you can choose social or tranquil. (MytanFeet) Mineral volcanic mud is available nearby; you smooth it over your skin, let it dry while you sit by the river, and then rinse off in warm water – it’s messy, fun and leaves your skin feeling soft.
For deeper relaxation there’s an open-air massage area where therapists offer body treatments, ideal at the end of an active morning when your shoulders and legs have done plenty of work. (Anywhere) Remember that if you’ve used the HOWLER code on your booking, you’ve effectively given yourself a discount on all this pampering, not just the adventure part.
What is the food like at Vandará?
Vandará’s food focuses on fresh, local ingredients with a strong Costa Rican flavour.
Most passes include a garden-to-table lunch, with vegetables, herbs and fruits sourced directly from the on-site gardens or nearby farms. Expect hearty favourites like rice and beans, salads, grilled meats, stews, plantains and colourful vegetarian options, along with juice, water, coffee and a local dessert. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
There’s also a bar serving cocktails, beer and soft drinks – ideal for a cold refresher after the hot springs. Because lunch is included, booking directly with HOWLER for 10% off feels like you’ve just picked up a free round of drinks or dessert for the group.
What’s new and family-friendly at Vandará now?
Vandará has been putting extra emphasis on flexible passes and family-friendly planning, making it easier to shape the day around your group.
Recent blog content highlights suggested itineraries for families, combining shorter rides, gentler zipline runs and plenty of time at the hot springs so toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents can all enjoy themselves without pressure. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures) Passes like the Explorer Pass and Nature Pass bundle activities, hot springs and lunch, helping you see and do more in one visit without constantly checking your wallet. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
If you have friends or relatives in Costa Rica, or you know someone with a trip coming up, you can also buy them a Vandará gift certificate and still use the HOWLER discount code – a neat way to give them a full day out with built-in savings.
What do visitors say about Vandará?
Reviews consistently describe Vandará as a highlight of people’s Costa Rica holiday, especially for families and mixed-age groups.
Guests praise:
- Friendly, safety-focused staff – many reviews mention guides who are patient, funny and reassuring on the zip lines and horses. (Viator)
- A perfect balance of thrill and relaxation – visitors talk about the zipline adrenaline, the calm of the hot springs and the pleasure of ending in warm pools by the river. (Tripadvisor)
- Excellent value for a full day – comments often call it the best day of the trip, thanks to how much is included in one pass: activities, hot springs, mud, lunch and cultural elements. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
If you add the HOWLER 10% discount on top of what reviewers already consider good value, it becomes an easy “yes” when you’re planning things to do from Liberia or the nearby beaches.
How do you use the HOWLER discount and buy a gift?
To use the discount, simply book directly via Vandará’s official website or pay at the counter and give them the code HOWLER before you settle the bill. The team apply a flat 10% discount to your eligible pass or package.
The same code can be used when you purchase a gift certificate for family or friends – whether they live in Costa Rica or are just flying in for a holiday. It’s a thoughtful present that already includes savings, making it easier for them to upgrade to the adventure pass, book a massage or treat themselves at the bar.
Vandará Costa Rica – FAQs
Is Vandará suitable for young children and older travellers?
Yes, Vandará works well for a wide range of ages because you can choose how adventurous you want to be. Little ones and grandparents can focus on the hot springs, gentle walks and cultural areas while others tackle the zip lines and waterslide.
Do I have to do every activity?
No, you can absolutely pick and choose. Many guests skip one activity and spend that time soaking in the hot pools, wandering the gardens or enjoying a longer lunch.
What should I bring for a day at Vandará?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes for ziplining and horseback riding. A phone pouch or small camera is useful if you want photos, though guides often help with pictures too. (Rincon Thermals & Adventures)
When is the best time of year to visit Vandará?
Vandará is open year-round; the dry season gives brighter views and easier driving, while the green season makes the forest and river feel extra lush. Because most activities run in light rain, it’s a great option whenever you’re in Guanacaste.
How long do I need at Vandará?
Plan on a full day, from mid-morning to late afternoon, to enjoy the main activities plus unhurried time in the hot springs and at lunch. Many organised tours structure it this way, so you’re back at your hotel by early evening.
How exactly do I use the HOWLER code?
When you book online directly with Vandará, enter HOWLER in the promo or discount box; if you’re paying in person, tell the staff “code HOWLER” before checkout. The same code applies if you’re buying a gift certificate for someone else.
