Rio Perdido

Even by the standards of Rio Perdido, this hotel enjoys a stunning location, at the convergence point of two deep canyons, one carrying white water and the other the thermal baths for which the park is famous. Thick forest covers the hills and cliffs everywhere you look, and a rich variety of animal and bird life make their homes here.

Rio Perdido’s 20 bungalows are deliberately designed in order to provide a luxurious environment while allowing visitors to experience the elements and feel they are immersed in the great outdoors. Perched on a hillside and surrounded by trees, they are designed to allow you to view your surroundings from all directions. The bungalows are accessed by elevated pathways which connect to local hiking trails. Inside, the bungalows are luxuriously comfortable and contemporary in design; they also have a private terrace where you can relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Rio Perdido’s dining room is a beautiful spot, with open walls affording panoramic views of the forested hills below. In it, delicious Costa Rican cuisine is served up using the best-quality produce from surrounding farms and producers by chefs who come from the surrounding area and are familiar with rural culinary traditions. Expect to enjoy delicious dishes such as fajitas, casado, and sumptuous grilled meats.

The thermal waters of the river which runs through one of the canyons which runs beneath the hotel are great for a dip and can be enjoyed at Rio Perdido itself, a 150-foot gorge filled with mineral-rich, naturally heated water which bubbles up into numerous pools of various temperatures. The pools are surrounded by steep hills and thick forest, home to a wide variety of birdlife. Rio Perdido’s luxurious spa offers a range of rejuvenating massage treatments.

Hiking through the beautiful natural environment is the highlight of any stay at Rio Perdido. The spectacular Yurro Waterfall lies around one kilometre away, and Mesa Norte and Las Tumbas are both picturesque lookouts with panoramic views over the Guanacaste volcanoes and the woods. The park is also home to a mountain biking circuit, with trails suitable for riders of all ability and experience levels. A brilliant way to experience the river canyon up close is white water tubing, which takes you through serene stretches and rougher spots while you float along in a rubber ring.