Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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A sanctuary of well-being in a unique forest

Rio Perdido is a wellness sanctuary in the heart of Guanacaste’s Volcanic Sierra, where a unique dwarf forest and natural thermal gorge create a truly magical setting. Just an hour from Liberia yet blissfully secluded, this 1,500-acre reserve features 38 bungalows and a kilometer of mineral-rich hot springs once revered by the Cabecar tribes. Explore 32km of trails alive with exotic wildlife, go zip-lining, mountain biking or tubing, or simply unwind by the pool, savour local cuisine, practice yoga on cliffside pods and enjoy the region’s finest spa treatments.

Key features

East Bungalows with jungle views and wildlife spotting
Center Bungalows with open-air showers and forest views
West Bungalows with outdoor tub and spa-like features
Restaurant with local cuisine and panoramic views
Bar with signature craft cocktails

Number of rooms

38 forest bungalows

Price range

Luxury

Standout features

Mile-long geothermal river with natural hot spring pools
Special hot river pool to experience the volcanic mud body paint
Spa with thermal pool views and restorative treatments
Cliff-side yoga pods suspended above the forest canopy
Thermal mineral pools with hot and cold water therapy

Signature experiences

Float through a mile-long canyon on a thrilling white-water tubing adventure, with chances to spot monkeys, birds and other wildlife
Soar silently over Rio Blanco Canyon on an innovative zipline with carbon-fibre cables
Discover the forest’s nocturnal secrets on a guided night walk before gliding under the stars on a zipline ride
Hike through rare ecosystems from lush canyon forest to dwarf woodland, with panoramic views of the Guanacaste Volcanoes
Ride or run along unique “tropical slick rock” trails on a guided mountain biking or trail running adventure

Where

Rio Perdido is nestled in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste mountains, framed by the volcanic landscapes of Miravalles, Tenorio and Rincón de la Vieja, and conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Liberia International Airport.

Why

Visitors are drawn to its dramatic canyonlands, where the cool Rio Blanco meets the hot thermal waters of the Rio Perdido, as well as to the rare ecosystems of dwarf forests and lush canyon flora. The lodge preserves ancient Chorotega heritage, supports local communities, and employs 90% of its staff from nearby towns, offering guests an authentic experience that combines wellness, adventure, and sustainable tourism.

What

Set in Guanacaste’s Volcanic Sierra, Rio Perdido is a wellness sanctuary and thermal river retreat encircled by a rare dwarf forest. Just an hour from Liberia yet blissfully secluded, the 1,500-acre reserve features 38 bungalows, a kilometer-long natural hot spring gorge, 32km of hiking trails and a blend of adventure and relaxation experiences, including zip-lining, mountain biking, cliff-side yoga, spa treatments and authentic Costa Rican cuisine.

Who

Selena Solis is a Sales Director with over 30 years of experience in the leisure, travel and tourism industry. She has been with the property since its founding during the pandemic, initially expecting it to be only a temporary role until she fell in love with the place and, ever since, has considered it her home.

When

Rio Perdido began when its founders discovered the hidden canyons of Miravalles, where the cool Rio Blanco meets the hot thermal waters of the Rio Perdido. Over the years, they made this ancient Chorotega site accessible while preserving its unique ecosystems. Today, the reserve features sustainably designed infrastructure on less than 1% of 1,500 acres, extensive reforestation, and carefully managed land and water systems, creating a unique wellness and nature sanctuary.

How

To learn more and get a personal introduction please contact The Adventure Connection directly here.

Positive impact statement

As one of Costa Rica’s most awarded sustainable hotels, Rio Perdito holds Elite Level CST certification, Carbon Neutral status and five-star Ecological Blue Flag recognition. Over 90% of its team comes from nearby communities, supported by training, education and local business initiatives.

The lodge actively restores ancestral lands through large-scale reforestation, protects rare flora and fauna, preserves indigenous heritage and champions responsible tourism that safeguards Costa Rica’s natural and cultural legacy for generations to come.

Average carbon footprint
per person

To be measured