Las Hornillas and Volcán Miravalles: A Unique Volcanic Experience in Costa Rica
Updated: Sep 22
Volcán Miravalles is an inactive volcano located in northwestern Costa Rica. However, volcanic activity is still visible in the surrounding area. At Las Hornillas, you can experience a fascinating volcanic landscape with steaming ground, colorful rock formations and bubbling volcanic mud.
If you are traveling through the region, Las Hornillas is an interesting place to experience some of Costa Rica's volcanic activity up close.
How to Get to Las Hornillas
If you're traveling from Mangífera Hostel in Grecia toward the beaches of northwestern Guanacaste, Las Hornillas can be a fun stop along the way.
If you're heading toward the northern Pacific coast, you will normally travel through Liberia.
Tip: You can easily combine a visit to Las Hornillas with other interesting stops around Liberia. Two options we particularly enjoyed are Catarata La Leona, where you have to swim through a turquoise river to reach the waterfall, and Posa La Pipa, a beautiful natural swimming spot that can be visited for free.
Las Hornillas is approximately a 50-minute detour each way from the main road to Liberia. You leave the highway near the town of Bagaces and continue north toward the volcanic area.
Why We Loved Las Hornillas
We really enjoyed our visit to Las Hornillas for several reasons.
First, it offers a more accessible way to experience Costa Rica's volcanic landscapes. Many volcanic hot springs in Costa Rica are located within hotels or resorts, where entrance fees can be relatively expensive. Las Hornillas offers a different and more affordable experience.
And there is plenty to see.
You can walk through a volcanic landscape filled with different colors, textures, rock formations and steam. If you enjoy photography, there are plenty of interesting details to capture.
We also loved the peaceful surroundings. Even though you are experiencing volcanic activity, you are surrounded by lush vegetation, wooded hills and tropical flowers.
Things to Do at Las Hornillas
Las Hornillas isn't just a place to look at volcanic activity. You can also get involved in the experience.
One of the most fun activities is covering yourself in natural volcanic mud. There are several mud pools where you can cover your entire body, making this a fun activity to enjoy with family or friends.
Once the mud dries in the sun, you'll look a little like an ancient Greek statue — which makes for some fun photos!
Important tip about your clothes
Keep in mind that the sulfur at Las Hornillas can leave a strong smell on swimsuits and towels, similar to rotten eggs.
We recommend bringing a plastic bag to keep wet clothes separate from the rest of your belongings. Wash swimsuits and towels separately when you get home.
We found that soaking swimsuits and towels in vinegar helped reduce the sulfur smell.
Relax in the Natural Hot Springs
After covering yourself in volcanic mud, you can rinse off and relax in one of the natural hot springs.
The combination of volcanic mud and naturally heated water makes this one of the more unusual experiences you can have around Volcán Miravalles.
Experience a Natural Sauna
And finally, you can experience an authentic natural sauna.
The heat and steam come directly from the earth, creating a completely natural sauna experience surrounded by the volcanic landscape.
If you're looking for something different to do while traveling through Guanacaste or the Miravalles area, Las Hornillas is a memorable stop to consider.
Have a great time!
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